Restoring Wedding Gown Whiteness: Tips For Brides

The white wedding dress is a tradition that has endured for centuries, with brides opting for this colour to symbolise purity and new beginnings. While the custom is believed to have originated with Anne of Brittany in 1499, it was popularised by Queen Victoria, who chose to wear a white lace gown at her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. This unexpected choice sparked a trend among the elite, who embraced the colour as a symbol of wealth and status. In this paragraph, we will explore the history and significance of the white wedding dress, and provide tips on how to achieve and maintain this iconic bridal look.

The history of the white wedding dress

The white wedding dress, now a common tradition in the Western world, has its origins in the marriage of Anne of Brittany and Louis XII of France in 1499. However, it was Queen Victoria who popularised the white wedding dress when she married Prince Albert in 1840.

Before Queen Victoria, royal brides wore a variety of colours, with red being a particularly popular choice in Western Europe. Brides often wore their best dress, regardless of its colour, or a gown made from lush fabrics, featuring gold and silver embroidery, as well as fur. White dresses were reserved for women being presented at court.

Queen Victoria's choice of a white lace dress, therefore, set a new trend. As photographs of her wedding were shared around the world, white wedding dresses became a symbol of status and wealth. The colour also became associated with purity and innocence. However, it would take several more decades for white wedding dresses to become customary among middle-class brides in Europe and the US.

The white wedding style received another significant boost in popularity in 1981, when 750 million people watched Lady Diana Spencer marry Charles, Prince of Wales. Lady Diana wore an ivory silk taffeta gown with a 25-foot train, and her dress inspired copies overnight.

The meaning of the colour white

The colour white is associated with several meanings and symbolisms, especially when it comes to weddings and wedding gowns.

White is often associated with light, goodness, innocence, purity, and virginity. It is also considered the colour of perfection, representing a clean slate and new beginnings. In Western culture, white is the colour most associated with beginnings, and is often used in religious rites to express high religious commitment and purity.

The white wedding gown tradition is said to have originated with Anne of Brittany, who wore white when she married Louis XII of France in 1499. However, it was Queen Victoria who popularised the white wedding dress when she wore a white lace gown for her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. At the time, white was a rare colour choice, and Victoria's decision sparked a new trend that endures to this day. White wedding gowns were favoured by elite brides as they were expensive and could be easily ruined, thus displaying the family's wealth and status.

The colour white continues to be a popular choice for wedding gowns, symbolising tradition, purity, innocence, and new beginnings.

How to choose the right shade of white

The colour white is associated with light, goodness, innocence, purity, virginity and perfection. It is also often seen as a symbol of new beginnings. When choosing the right shade of white for your wedding gown, there are a few options to consider.

Stark white is a bright and bold choice that will stand out in photographs. It is a good option if you want a modern and striking look. Ivory or champagne, on the other hand, are more vintage-inspired shades with yellow undertones. These shades are generally more flattering for most skin types and create a timeless look.

If you are looking for something a little different, you could also consider a coloured wedding dress. Before the 1840s, wedding dresses came in a variety of colours, including purple, red and green. Today, some brides choose to wear black, blue, grey, gold, ivory or peach on their wedding day.

Ultimately, the choice of shade is a personal one and there is no right or wrong answer. You may want to consider your skin tone, the style of your wedding and the overall look you are hoping to achieve.

How to accessorise a white wedding gown

Accessorising a white wedding gown is all about enhancing the natural beauty and grandeur of the dress without overwhelming it. Here are some tips on how to accessorise a white wedding gown:

Jewellery

Jewellery is often the first thing brides think of when it comes to accessorising. The type of jewellery you choose will depend on the style and neckline of your dress. If your dress has a strapless or sweetheart neckline, consider pairing it with a bold statement necklace. If you opt for a statement necklace, keep your earrings simple, such as studs or small drops, to avoid overloading your look. Conversely, if your dress has a high neckline, you may want to skip the necklace and opt for bold statement earrings instead.

For a modern twist, a choker or collar necklace can add a chic and contemporary feel to your look. Crystal chokers are perfect for bridal gowns with a V-neckline. If your dress has a high neckline, a bold bracelet or cuff can add elegance without overwhelming the look. Delicate pendant necklaces can also enhance a V-neckline, and can be paired with drop earrings to elongate the neck.

Remember, less is more. You don't want your jewellery to overwhelm your dress. It's also not customary to wear a full set of matching earrings, bracelet and necklace at the same time, as this can look over the top. Instead, mix and match pieces to create a balanced look.

Veil

The style of veil you choose can significantly impact your overall look. A cathedral veil creates a dramatic, traditional look, while a fingertip veil adds elegance without overwhelming your dress. A waist-length veil accentuates the silhouette of the dress and elongates your figure. A blusher veil, which covers the face, adds a touch of vintage charm and romance.

If your dress has intricate details, such as lace appliques, a simple one-layer veil will allow you to show off the features of your gown. Shorter veils will frame the body of slender brides, while birdcage veils can add an edgy or vintage feel.

Hair Accessories

Hair accessories can add the perfect finishing touch to your bridal look. Tiaras and crowns add a regal touch and pair beautifully with a full-skirted dress. For a more subtle look, hair pins or combs with pearls, crystals or floral designs can add a touch of elegance without being too overpowering. Headbands can also work with both updos and loose hairstyles, adding a touch of vintage glamour or modern chic.

Shoes

While your shoes may be hidden by your gown, it's important to choose a pair that is comfortable, especially if you plan to wear them for the ceremony and reception. Look for shoes with good padding and support, and consider adding gel insoles for extra comfort. Practice walking in your chosen shoes before the big day to ensure you feel confident and comfortable.

When it comes to colour, the safest bet is to match your shoes to your gown. However, you could also add a touch of personality with a pair of colourful heels. Alternatively, go for a pair of shoes that you know you'll wear again, such as versatile heels that can be dressed up or down.

Other Accessories

Don't forget about other accessories such as bridal sashes or belts, which can be embellished with rhinestones and gems, or even made to match the colour of your dress. These can also help to enhance your figure.

If you're getting married in cooler weather, a bridal cover-up such as a caplet or faux fur stole will keep you warm without sacrificing elegance.

Finally, don't forget to appropriately match your metal accessories. For a white wedding dress, pair with platinum, silver and pearls to enhance the purity of the colour.

Alternative colours and styles

There are many reasons to opt for a non-traditional wedding dress or outfit. It's a chance to showcase your personality and uniqueness, and to wear your favourite colour on your special day. Choosing a non-white wedding dress also gives you more choice when it comes to styles, lengths, and patterns. It can also be more affordable, as you can often find cheaper alternatives to a traditional wedding dress, such as a sundress or maxi dress. This gives you more budget to play with for other elements of your wedding day, like the flowers, venue, food, or photographer.

• Soft pastel tones, such as pastel blue, are beautiful for a winter wedding. You could choose a long-sleeve maxi dress or ball gown for the ceremony, and then swap into something easier to dance in for the reception.
• Blush pink is perfect for a fairytale wedding vibe. Keep it modern with a strapless midi dress in a mermaid shape, or opt for a traditional wedding dress shape with luxurious fabric and beaded details.
• Mint is a popular colour choice for wedding colour schemes, and it also works well for your wedding dress. Choose a chic A-line dress in a fabric that catches the light for a spring outdoor wedding.
• For a romantic wedding, especially if you're incorporating nautical themes, a floor-length ball gown in navy blue is a stunning choice. You can pair it with accents in blush pink or soft rose.
• For a dramatic look, go for a golden gown that steals all the attention. Look for a dress that suits you perfectly, in a glitzy fabric, or one that glistens with sparkles, sequins, or beaded appliqué flowers.
• Silver is a great choice for a contemporary or minimalist wedding theme, especially if you've chosen a modern venue. A brown-toned silver also works well for a vintage wedding.
• Rose gold is a popular choice for wedding decor, invitations, and styling, and it can also be a lovely choice for your dress.
• Black is ideal for a sophisticated or gothic wedding, especially if you choose a corset-inspired dress with plenty of lace and hardware.
• For a fun and vibrant look, opt for a dress that incorporates all the colours of the rainbow. You can go for bold shades or softer pastel shades in a playful tulle dress.
• For a contemporary and sweet look, try an ombré wedding dress in organza or chiffon. This style works especially well with ruffles or oversized puff sleeves.
• Lilac is a gentle shade of purple that's perfect for a garden or vintage-style wedding.
• Deep burgundy is a rich tone that works well for a fall or winter wedding and has a romantic feel.
• For a boho or rustic wedding, a soft beige or neutral tone is a winning choice. Set against a backdrop of natural textures and greenery, a neutral dress will look like it was designed specifically for the setting.
• Golden yellow is a wonderful choice for a summer or sunflower-themed wedding.
• Emerald green is a bold, rich colour option that fits a winter wedding well, especially if you're going for a luxurious vibe. Keep it casual with a midi-length crepe dress, or choose a full-length ball gown for a sophisticated feel.

And remember, you don't have to wear a dress at all! A fashionable jumpsuit can be a great alternative, giving you an outfit you can run, jump, and dance around in.

Frequently asked questions