Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dresses are not required to be white, and modern brides are increasingly embracing their individuality and breaking away from tradition, leading to a beautiful resurgence of colour and creativity in wedding attire. In Western societies, the white wedding dress is a relatively recent tradition, popularised by Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840. While white dresses are often associated with purity and virtue, other colours such as soft blush, bold red, black, purple, blue, green, and yellow were commonly chosen for wedding dresses throughout history. Ultimately, the most important aspect of choosing a wedding dress is selecting a dress that makes the bride feel confident, beautiful, and authentic, regardless of its colour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding dress color tradition | In Western societies, the tradition of wearing white wedding dresses was popularized by Queen Victoria in 1840. |
| Other colors | Off-white, red, blue, green, purple, black, yellow, orange, silver, and rainbow colors are some of the alternative colors chosen by brides. |
| Reasons for choosing a non-white dress | Non-white dresses can be more versatile, reusable, and sustainable. They can also be more flattering for certain skin tones and hair colors, and may better suit the wedding theme or venue. |
| Individuality and creativity | Modern brides are embracing their personal style and individuality, breaking away from traditions, and incorporating unique colors and styles into their wedding attire. |
| Practicality | White dresses may be more prone to showing dirt and stains, and they may not be as versatile or reusable for other events compared to non-white options. |
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What You'll Learn
The tradition of white wedding dresses
The tradition of wearing white wedding dresses is commonly credited to Queen Victoria, who wore a white court dress to marry Prince Albert in 1840. Before this, royal brides did not typically wear white, instead choosing heavy brocaded gowns embroidered with white and silver thread, with red being a popular colour in Western Europe. Debutantes had long been required to wear white court dresses and long white gloves for their first presentation at court, and Queen Victoria's choice of a white wedding dress was perhaps influenced by this.
The white wedding dress soon became a popular symbol of status, also carrying a connotation of "innocence and virginal purity". In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for example, white is used as a symbol of purity, innocence, and cleanliness, and brides are instructed to wear modest white dresses. The colour white also provided an opportunity for conspicuous consumption, allowing wealthy brides to demonstrate that they were firmly part of the leisure class by choosing an elaborate dress that could be easily ruined.
By the end of the 19th century, the white dress was the garment of choice for elite brides on both sides of the Atlantic. However, middle-class British and American brides did not fully adopt the trend until after World War II. With increased prosperity in the 20th century, the tradition also grew to include the practice of wearing the dress only once.
Today, the wedding dress has become a kind of talisman, with white being the preferred choice for brides in the West, and red being the more traditional colour for brides in the East. However, modern wedding trends are redefining this notion, with brides embracing their personal style and opting for colours that resonate with them.
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Non-white wedding dresses in modern times
Wedding dresses in white or off-white remain a popular choice for brides today. The tradition of wearing white on one's wedding day was popularised by Queen Victoria in 1840. However, modern wedding trends are moving away from this convention, with brides embracing their personal style and opting for colours and styles that resonate with them.
Today, bridal shops offer a wide array of options, including various colours and silhouettes, allowing brides to find a gown that reflects their individuality rather than adhering to the conventional white. Some brides may opt for soft blush, bold red, or even black wedding dresses. Others may prefer a simple dress in a colour other than white, or a chic bridal pantsuit or structured blazer. Some may even choose to wear a colourful ensemble or a short reception/elopement boho-style gown.
The shift in tradition extends beyond the bride's dress to the entire wedding ceremony, influencing the attire of bridesmaids and even wedding guests. Brides are encouraged to explore different colours and fabrics, ensuring that their choice is as unique as their special day. For instance, a bride may choose a floor-length gown in ivory, a colourful floral embroidered gown, or a traditional white dress. Ultimately, what matters most is that the bride feels comfortable and that the choice reflects her personal style and wedding vision.
There are several reasons why a bride may choose to wear a non-white wedding dress. Firstly, not everyone suits wearing white, and feeling comfortable is crucial on one's wedding day. Secondly, white dresses tend to show dirt and marks more easily, so a different shade may be preferred to disguise any stains that may occur throughout the day. Lastly, some brides may simply wish to break away from tradition and express their unique style and personality through their choice of attire.
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Factors influencing the choice of wedding dress colour
The choice of wedding dress colour is influenced by a variety of factors, and modern brides are increasingly embracing their personal style and opting for colours that resonate with them. Here are some factors that can influence the choice of wedding dress colour:
- Personal preference and individuality: Today, brides are increasingly embracing their unique style and opting for colours that reflect their personalities and tastes. This shift extends beyond the bride's dress to the entire wedding ceremony, influencing the attire of bridesmaids and even wedding guests. Brides are encouraged to explore different colours during wedding dress shopping to ensure their choice aligns with their vision for the special day.
- Cultural and religious significance: Cultural and religious traditions play a significant role in wedding dress colour choices. For example, in India, red is the most popular choice, symbolizing future success and prosperity, while in Japan, brides often wear pure white kimonos for the ceremony and colourful kimonos for the reception.
- Season and natural palette: The season in which the wedding takes place can influence the colour choice. Spring and summer weddings often feature lighter, ethereal tones, with soft pastels and romantic blushes. In contrast, fall and winter weddings tend to showcase deeper, richer hues, such as luxurious champagne, elegant gold, or bold jewel tones.
- Skin tone and hair colour: The choice of wedding dress colour can also be influenced by the bride's skin tone and hair colour. Certain colours may complement the bride's complexion and hair better than others. Additionally, the colour should be considered in conjunction with the wedding photography, as certain colours may be more challenging to capture accurately in photographs.
- Tradition and history: The idea of a white wedding dress is rooted in the 19th century, popularized by Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840. While white remains a traditional choice, particularly in Western cultures, modern brides are increasingly open to exploring other colours. Before the 19th century, it was common for brides to wear colours like red, pink, blue, brown, or even black, and these colours continue to hold significance for some cultures.
- Practicality and affordability: In the mid-19th century, many women, particularly those with less money, chose coloured or patterned fabrics for their wedding dresses as they were more practical and affordable than white. Coloured dresses can also be more forgiving when it comes to hiding dirt or marks that may occur during the wedding celebrations.
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Practicality of white wedding dresses
The idea that a wedding dress must be white is rooted in 19th-century traditions, with the trend being set by Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840. In many societies, the colour white has long been associated with purity and virtue, which is another reason why some brides choose to wear white. However, historically, white was not the only colour considered for wedding dresses. In fact, other colours were chosen far more frequently than white for centuries in Western societies. This was partly due to practicality, as brides would often buy a wedding dress that they could wear again, or they would wear the best dress they already owned.
White wedding dresses are difficult to keep clean, and therefore are not ideal for many situations or for repeat wear. For brides who are paranoid about having a dirty dress, choosing a different shade will disguise any marks that occur. Non-white dresses are often more versatile and reusable for other events, making them a sustainable option. Additionally, some people do not feel that white suits them, and they would feel more comfortable in a different colour.
In modern times, coloured dresses, floral prints, and black gowns are becoming increasingly popular as brides redefine what it means to be "bridal". Brides are embracing their personal style and opting for colours that resonate with them, whether it is a soft blush, bold red, or striking black. Bridal shops now offer a wide array of options, allowing brides to find a gown that reflects their individuality rather than adhering to the conventional white.
Ultimately, the choice of wedding dress colour is a personal one, and it is important that the bride feels confident, beautiful, and authentic. Whether the bride opts for a classic white or a vibrant, unconventional style, she should embrace her individuality and let her personality shine through on her special day.
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Individuality and breaking away from tradition
The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress is rooted in the 19th century when Queen Victoria wore a white dress to her wedding in 1840. However, this was not the first instance of a white wedding dress; ancient Roman brides wore white woven tunics associated with the purity and devotion of the Vestal Virgins.
Today, many brides are choosing to break away from this tradition and embrace their individuality by opting for wedding dresses in various colours and styles. This shift towards individuality and breaking away from tradition is evident in the decreasing number of brides choosing to wear white. In a 2018 survey by Brides Magazine, 83% of brides opted for a white wedding dress, compared to 92% the previous year.
There are several reasons why brides may choose to forgo the traditional white wedding dress. Firstly, white is associated with purity and virtue, and not all brides may feel that this aligns with their values or personality. Additionally, some brides may not feel comfortable or confident in a white dress, as it may not suit their skin tone or personal style.
Another reason to break away from the tradition of wearing white is practicality. White dresses are more likely to show dirt or marks, and they may not be as versatile or reusable for other events as non-white dresses. This was a consideration for brides in previous centuries, who often chose to wear their best dress or a dress that could be worn again.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to wear a white wedding dress or not is a personal one. Brides should feel empowered to choose a dress that makes them feel confident, beautiful, and authentic, whether that be a traditional white gown or a dress that reflects their unique style and personality. As one bride said, "I don't give a damn what anyone thinks except my partner... if that includes a black dress then go for it!".
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Frequently asked questions
No, wedding dresses do not have to be white. The idea that a wedding dress must be white is rooted in 19th-century traditions, but modern wedding trends are redefining this notion. Today, brides are embracing their personal style and opting for colours that resonate with them, be it soft blush, bold red, or even striking black.
There are several reasons why a bride might opt for a non-white wedding dress. Firstly, white shows dirt and marks more easily than other colours. Secondly, some people might not feel comfortable wearing white, as it may not suit their skin tone or hair colour. Finally, some brides may want to break away from tradition and express their individuality with a non-white dress.
Alternative colours for wedding dresses include soft pastel hues like blush pink, champagne, ivory, and cream. For bolder choices, some brides have opted for red, purple, blue, green, or even black.
