George Boyle
The wedding dress is a significant emblem of a bride's special day, with traditional white wedding gowns remaining a favourite among modern brides. While the bridal gown is often a bold fashion statement, it can also be passed down as a family heirloom. The something old, something new tradition encourages brides to wear an item that represents continuity with their family and ancestry, and a wedding dress can be passed down to a future daughter or niece to wear on their wedding day. This tradition can also be upheld by incorporating a piece of fabric from a passed-down wedding dress into the bride's attire, such as a piece of lace or any other fabric from the original dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding dress tradition | Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe |
| Symbolism of the wedding dress | Transition from single life to married life |
| Colour of the wedding dress | White |
| Passing down the wedding dress | It is a tradition to pass down the wedding dress to the future daughter or niece |
| Wedding dress preservation | It is important to preserve the wedding dress so that it can be passed down in pristine condition |
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What You'll Learn
The 'something old' tradition
The "something old" tradition is a part of a longer tradition where a bride wears "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe on her wedding day. The rhyme is derived from Old English and is meant to bring about good fortune for the couple. The "something old" item symbolises continuity and represents a connection to the past. It is also meant to ward off the evil eye and protect any future children the couple might have.
The "something old" item is usually a sentimental piece of jewellery or clothing belonging to the bride or an older relative. For instance, in the popular series The Vampire Diaries, the lead character, Caroline Forbes, receives Elena's necklace as a "something borrowed" item and Katherine's necklace as a "something old" item for her wedding. In another instance, Princess Diana wore a square of Carrickmacross lace attached to her wedding gown that once belonged to Queen Mary of Teck as her "something old" item.
The wedding dress is also sometimes passed down as a "something old" item. A bride can choose to wear her mother's or grandmother's wedding dress as her "something old" item. Alternatively, if a bride chooses not to wear a family wedding dress, she can opt to incorporate a piece of the dress, such as a piece of lace or any fabric from the original gown.
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Passing down a wedding dress to family members
The tradition of passing down wedding dresses is rooted in the "something old, something new" custom, where the bride incorporates an item from the past to bring good luck and continuity to her wedding day. The wedding dress, with its timeless elegance, serves as the perfect "something old" for future brides in the family. It is a cherished keepsake, embodying the memories and blessings of the previous brides who wore it.
When passing down a wedding dress, it is essential to consider the preservation and care of the gown. Proper storage, cleaning, and maintenance techniques are necessary to ensure the dress remains in pristine condition for future generations. Professional cleaning and storage services can help maintain the dress's condition over the years.
While some brides may choose to wear the passed-down wedding dress as it is, others might prefer to incorporate a piece of the fabric or lace into their own modern design. This allows for a blend of tradition and personal style, creating a unique and meaningful wedding ensemble.
In conclusion, passing down a wedding dress to family members is a heartwarming tradition that connects the past and the present. It symbolises continuity, family heritage, and the enduring nature of love. Whether worn as-is or reimagined into something new, the passed-down wedding dress carries a legacy of love and serves as a cherished heirloom for future brides in the family.
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The history of wearing white wedding dresses
The wedding dress is a significant emblem of a bride, and it is often passed down as a keepsake to a future daughter or niece. The tradition of wearing white wedding dresses is often credited to Queen Victoria, who wore a white lace dress at her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. The fashion-forward queen set the trend for wearing white, and as accounts of her wedding spread, elites on both sides of the Atlantic began to follow suit.
Before Queen Victoria, it was common for brides to wear brightly coloured dresses, with red being a particularly popular choice in Western Europe. Royal brides wore a variety of hues, and white dresses were reserved for women being presented at court. Debutantes were required to wear white court dresses and long white gloves for their first presentation at court, so wearing white on her wedding day allowed Queen Victoria to make a statement. The white dress also carried connotations of wealth, as it was costly and harder to keep clean, and so it became a popular symbol of status.
In the late 19th century, the white dress was the garment of choice for elite brides, and by the middle of the 20th century, it had become a popular choice for middle-class brides as well. The spread of photography and illustrated magazines also played a role in popularising the white wedding dress, as white looked good in early black-and-white or sepia-toned photographs. The portrayal of weddings in Hollywood and the ease of access to images of celebrity weddings further cemented the notion that marriage demanded a white dress.
Today, traditional white wedding gowns are still a favourite among modern brides, although the colour white no longer carries the same special significance. Brides today are increasingly showing more individuality in their wedding attire, with some choosing bolder shades of white or even ditching the dress altogether.
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The 'something new' tradition
The "something new" tradition stems from the old English rhyme, "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe". The rhyme is meant to bring good fortune to the couple as they tie the knot, and it's a fun way to style your wedding look. The "something new" item symbolises a fresh beginning and optimism for the future.
The wedding dress is the most obvious choice for "something new", marking the start of a new chapter. However, brides can also choose to wear a new veil, shoes, or a piece of jewellery. For instance, some brides choose custom heels with their wedding date engraved on the sole, or a veil embroidered with their initials.
If you don't want to wear something new, you can have the ring bearer carry a custom embroidered ring pillow. You can also combine multiple traditions by incorporating borrowed lace from a relative's wedding gown.
Your wedding lingerie can also be your "something new", as you're likely to buy new undergarments for your dress.
The "something new" tradition is not limited to brides. Anyone getting married can participate in this dress code to add some luck to their wedding day.
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Other wedding dress colours
The tradition of brides wearing white wedding dresses began with Queen Victoria, who wore a white dress during her wedding, setting a standard for brides to follow. The white dress was also a symbol of wealth and prestige. However, modern brides are increasingly deviating from this norm, with some choosing bolder shades of white, incorporating playful accessories, or even opting for more casual attire.
Passing down a wedding dress is a way to continue family traditions and create a sense of continuity. It can be a cherished keepsake that connects generations and preserves memories. If a bride chooses not to wear a passed-down dress, they can still incorporate a piece of the fabric or lace into their own gown.
While white remains a popular choice for wedding dresses, representing purity, love, and fidelity, modern brides are not limited to this colour. Ivory, for instance, has gained popularity in recent years for its romantic and versatile nature, especially complementing lace and fit-and-flare styles. It adds warmth and enhances intricate details.
Brides who want to showcase their bold personalities and make a statement might opt for more vibrant colours. Red, for instance, is a bold choice that represents passion and desire. Orange conveys youthfulness, strength, and flamboyance, while yellow signifies intelligence, wisdom, and humour. Green is the colour of nature, reflecting refinement, inventiveness, compassion, and loyalty.
Blue is another option, traditionally symbolizing good luck, peace, purity, and stability. It can be incorporated as a pop of colour in accessories or stitched into the dress. Ultimately, the choice of wedding dress colour should reflect the bride's personality and style, creating a memorable look that makes her feel beautiful and confident.
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Frequently asked questions
Passing down a wedding dress is a tradition that has been practised for generations. The tradition of wearing white wedding dresses began with Queen Victoria, and modern brides are increasingly deviating from this norm, showing more individuality in their wedding attire. Passing down a wedding dress can be a way to continue family traditions and ancestry.
There are several ways to pass down a wedding dress. The dress can be passed down as an heirloom for future daughters or nieces to wear on their wedding day. Alternatively, if the dress cannot be worn for any reason, a piece of lace or any fabric from the dress can be incorporated into the bridal attire.
Passing down a wedding dress can be a way to preserve memories and family traditions. It can also be a cost-effective option for future brides. Additionally, passing down a wedding dress can be a way to incorporate the traditional "something old", symbolizing continuity and bringing good luck to the bride.
Yes, if the entire dress cannot be passed down or worn, there are alternative ways to incorporate it into the wedding. A piece of lace or fabric from the original dress can be added to the bridal bouquet or attached to the stem of the bouquet. This allows the bride to carry a piece of her family history with her as she walks down the aisle.
To ensure that a wedding dress can be passed down in pristine condition, proper preservation methods should be considered. There are reliable wedding dress preservation companies that can assist in maintaining the dress's condition. Additionally, storing the dress in a suitable environment, such as a sealed box or acid-free tissue paper, can help extend its longevity.
