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The white wedding dress is a long-standing tradition in Western culture, with white dresses viewed as the traditional, go-to option for brides. This tradition is often attributed to Queen Victoria, who wore a white wedding dress in 1840, although white dresses did not become commonplace until the 20th century. The colour white has been associated with purity, virginity, innocence, youth, and new beginnings, and white dresses are often chosen for their timeless, classic look. However, modern brides are increasingly embracing their personal style, opting for colours and styles that resonate with them. While the majority of brides still choose white dresses, there is a growing trend of brides choosing colourful dresses, from soft blush to bold red or even black. Ultimately, the choice of dress colour should reflect the bride's personal style and taste, and there is no longer an expectation that the dress must be white.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional colour | White symbolises purity, virginity, innocence, youth, and new beginnings |
| Modern colours | Blush, red, black, off-white, blue, green, purple |
| Historical colours | Red, violet, black, brown, grey, yellow, patterned |
| Other factors | Simplicity, elegance, skin tone, body type, personal style, taste, comfort, confidence |
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What You'll Learn
White wedding dresses are a recent tradition
Although white wedding dresses are commonly associated with purity and virginity, the tradition is quite recent and was popularised by Queen Victoria, who wore a white gown at her wedding in 1840. Before the 19th century, blue was the colour associated with purity, being the colour worn by the Virgin Mary, and many brides chose to wear blue, or other colourful shades such as yellow or red. Black, grey, and brown dresses were also popular, as were highly patterned dresses of various colours.
The white wedding dress was established by royalty. The first princess documented to wear white at her wedding was Philippa of England, daughter of King Henry IV, in 1406. Mary, Queen of Scots, also wore a white wedding dress in 1559. However, it was Queen Victoria who set the trend, choosing an unusual non-traditional dress for her wedding to Prince Albert. The dress was made from Spitalfields cream silk-satin with a flounce of Honiton lace at the neck and sleeves. As accounts of Victoria's wedding spread across the Atlantic and throughout Europe, fashionable people followed her lead.
The white dress also carried connotations of wealth. In the 19th century, laundering clothing was difficult, and white dresses were hard to maintain. Therefore, white dresses were a way for brides to show that their families were so wealthy that the bride could choose an elaborate dress that could be ruined by any sort of work or spill. White dresses also looked good in early black-and-white or sepia-toned photography.
In the 20th century, the white wedding dress became a popular symbol of status and purity. However, it was only after World War II, with increased prosperity, that middle-class British and American brides fully adopted the trend. In the 21st century, brides have much more freedom to break tradition and go against the norm, and many choose to wear colours other than white.
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White symbolises purity and innocence
The colour white has long been associated with purity and innocence in many societies. The Ancient Greeks used white robes to symbolise youth, joy and purity. In the 19th century, blue was the colour associated with purity, being the colour worn by the Virgin Mary. However, white wedding dresses became popular after Queen Victoria wore a white wedding dress in 1840.
White wedding dresses quickly became a status symbol and symbolised purity and innocence. According to fashion historian Kimberley Chrisman-Campbell, "one of the reasons white caught on and remains popular today is because it's an all-purpose symbol of innocence, purity, virginity, youth and new beginnings".
In the 21st century, the choice to wear a white wedding dress is a personal one. Brides today have more freedom to break tradition and go against the norm. They can tailor their attire to their individual tastes and choose a dress that reflects their personality and style.
While white is still the most popular colour for wedding dresses, many brides are choosing to wear different colours such as red, blue, green, purple or black. These colours can flatter different skin tones and body types, and the most important thing is for the bride to feel comfortable and confident in her dress.
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Brides today have more options than ever
The colour white became popular for wedding dresses in the 19th century when Queen Victoria wore a white gown to her wedding. Prior to this, brides often wore blue, which was associated with purity, or other colours such as yellow or red. Black, grey and brown dresses were also fashionable, as were highly patterned dresses.
In the 21st century, brides have more freedom to break tradition and go against the norm. This includes tailoring their attire to their individual tastes. There are many options available for brides who don't want to wear white, with bridal shops offering a wide array of colours and styles. During wedding dress shopping, brides are encouraged to explore different colours and fabrics to find a dress that is unique and feels right for them.
Some brides choose to wear white because it is seen as a classic look that will never go out of style. The simplicity and elegance of a white dress can complement any style of wedding. However, different colours can flatter different skin tones and body types, and ultimately, the most important thing is for the bride to feel comfortable and confident in her dress.
There are also cultural considerations when it comes to wedding dress colours. For example, in Indian and Chinese weddings, brides traditionally wear red, while white signifies mourning in these cultures.
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White dresses are not practical
White wedding dresses are considered traditional in the Western world, with 83% of brides opting for a white wedding dress in 2018. However, wearing a white wedding dress is only necessary if it is important to the bride personally. Brides today have more freedom to break tradition and go against the norm, including tailoring their attire to their individual tastes.
Additionally, wearing white can be limiting in terms of styling and accessorising. It can be challenging to find shoes and other accessories that match well with a white outfit. White dresses may also be more expensive to clean and maintain, as they require more delicate care and cannot be washed as frequently as other colours.
Furthermore, wearing a white dress can be risky as it is more likely to show stains or discolouration if something is spilled on it. This is a significant concern for brides who plan to consume food or drinks that could potentially stain their dress during the reception or wedding photos.
In conclusion, while white wedding dresses are traditional and remain a popular choice for brides, they may not be the most practical option. Brides today have a range of alternatives to choose from, allowing them to express their personal style and individuality.
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White dresses are a status symbol
White wedding dresses are a relatively recent tradition, popularised by Queen Victoria in 1840. Before this, wedding dresses were often blue, which symbolised purity, or another colour of the bride's choosing.
White dresses have long been associated with purity, virginity, innocence, and cleanliness. In the 1960s, the Bridal Apparel Association even commissioned studies that attempted to prove that a white wedding dress made for a more stable marriage. However, in the 21st century, the choice to wear a white wedding dress is simply a matter of personal preference.
White dresses are also a status symbol. The colour white is easily stained, and so wearing white clothing was a way to demonstrate that one had the means to keep garments clean. In the 18th century, white dresses were popular among the French royalty and aristocracy, who could afford to wear clothes that were more easily soiled. In the 19th century, white wedding dresses became associated with wealth and social status, as well as purity and virginity.
In recent years, the white dress has transcended its bridal connotations and become a symbol of self-love, empowerment, optimism, and independence. Wearing a white dress outside of the traditional context of marriage is a way for women to reclaim the narrative, asserting their independence and confidence in themselves.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't have to. Wearing a white dress is only necessary if it's important to you personally. Brides today have a lot more freedom to break tradition and go against the norm, and this includes tailoring their attire to their individual tastes.
White wedding dresses are popular because they are seen as traditional. The tradition began when Queen Victoria wore a white wedding dress in 1840, which was considered quite unusual at the time. White wedding dresses symbolise purity, virginity, innocence, youth, and new beginnings.
Alternative colours to white include off-white, red, blue, green, purple, black, and yellow.
One benefit of wearing a white wedding dress is that it is a classic look that will never go out of style. The simplicity and elegance of a white dress can complement any style of wedding, from a simple beach wedding to a formal church wedding.
Some reasons not to wear a white wedding dress include wanting to break tradition, wanting to wear a colour that is more flattering to your skin tone, or wanting to wear a colour that is more practical and can be worn again.
