Franklin Dean
The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress is often associated with the notion of purity and virginity. However, this is a common misconception that stems from the Victorian era when only the wealthy could afford to wear white, making it a symbol of status and wealth. Today, the choice of a wedding dress color is a personal preference, and non-virgin brides should not feel restricted to a particular color. Brides can choose a color that complements their skin tone and aligns with their style and preferences, regardless of their virginity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour of wedding dress | White, ivory, silver, blue, red, rainbow, black, green, yellow, orange, purple, pink, brown, gold |
| Symbolism of white wedding dress | Wealth, status, purity, innocence |
| White wedding dress tradition | Started by Queen Victoria in the 19th century |
| White wedding dress in modern times | A choice based on tradition, skin tone, or aesthetics |
| Obligation to wear a specific colour based on virginity status | None, including in the Church |
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What You'll Learn
White wedding dresses were originally a status symbol
It is a common misconception that the colour white symbolises purity and virginity in bridal wear. In reality, the tradition of wearing white on one's wedding day was started by Queen Victoria when she wore a white court dress at her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. Debutantes had long been required to wear white court dresses and long white gloves for their first presentation at court. White fabric was expensive and difficult to maintain during that period, so only the rich could afford to wear it. It was also hard to keep white clothing bright, as constant hand-washing was required. Thus, the colour white originally symbolised wealth and status.
During the Victorian era, people considered gender to be strictly binary, dividing men and women into different "spheres". Men were in the public sphere, while women were in the private sphere of domesticity. Marriage was thought to be a gateway to womanhood, and the idea of a white dress being a symbol of "purity and innocence" gained popularity. An 1849 article in Godey's Lady's Book stated that white was the colour to wear because it was "an emblem of the purity and innocence of girlhood, and the unsullied heart she now yields to the chosen one".
Following Queen Victoria's wedding, the white wedding dress became a popular symbol of status, especially as it showed up well in the era's grayscale and sepia photos. However, it was only after World War I, with the rise of full-scale formal weddings, that the white wedding dress became more widely adopted. The first bridal magazine was published in 1934, and Hollywood movies helped to crystallise and homogenise the white wedding into a normative form, especially after World War II. By the 1920s, white had become the hue of weddings, and mass production made white gowns more accessible.
Today, the white wedding dress is considered a classic, and wearing white is often seen as adhering to tradition. However, it is important to note that white is not the universal colour of wedding dresses. In Eastern cultures, brides often wear red, which symbolises auspiciousness, while in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, white symbolises purity, innocence, and cleanliness.
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The colour white symbolises purity and innocence
The colour white has long been associated with weddings in Western cultures. The tradition of wearing white on one's wedding day began with Queen Victoria, who wore a white dress to her wedding in the 19th century. At the time, white fabric was expensive and difficult to maintain, so only the rich could afford to wear this colour. Thus, the colour white originally symbolised wealth and status.
However, over time, the colour white has also become associated with "purity and innocence". In an 1849 article in Godey's Lady's Book, white was described as "an emblem of the purity and innocence of girlhood, and the unsullied heart she now yields to the chosen one". This idea of purity and innocence was further reinforced by the Victorian perception of marriage as a woman's gateway to womanhood.
While the colour white is often associated with virginity, this is not its sole or original meaning. In Western cultures, white is also linked to weddings, hospitals, and angels, symbolising purity, cleanliness, and peacefulness. It is a colour that stands for everything good and right and is often used to convey a sense of austerity, minimalism, and freshness.
Despite the common association between white wedding dresses and virginity, there are no rules dictating that a non-virgin bride cannot wear white. This belief is simply a misconception that has evolved over time, influenced by societal norms and perceptions.
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The Church has no rules on the colour of wedding dresses
The colour white has long been associated with virginity and purity in the context of weddings. This notion, however, is a myth, and the Church has no rules dictating the colour of wedding dresses.
The association between white wedding dresses and virginity can be traced back to the Victorian era, when Queen Victoria wore a white gown. During this period, white fabric was expensive and challenging to maintain, making it a symbol of wealth and status. Over time, the colour white took on a new meaning, with Victorians associating it with "the purity and innocence of girlhood". This idea was further perpetuated by magazines catering to bridal fashion, which featured white dresses prominently.
While the colour white is often chosen out of tradition, it is important to note that this tradition is not as old as some may assume. It was during the Victorian era (1837-1901) that wearing white became the norm for brides in the Western world. Prior to this, most women wore their "Sunday best" to their weddings, often re-wearing the outfit multiple times afterward.
The Church, which views the wedding day as a sacrament and a reflection of God's love and life, has no specific rules regarding the colour of wedding dresses. According to Catholic Answers Magazine, the focus of the wedding day should be on God and the values of chastity, poverty, and obedience. While modesty is encouraged, there are no explicit norms or measures of modesty prescribed.
In conclusion, while the colour white has been associated with purity and virginity in the context of weddings, this is not a rule set by the Church. The choice of wedding dress colour should not be influenced by concerns about broadcasting one's virginity or lack thereof, as suggested by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC, in response to a similar question.
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Ivory is a popular alternative to white
The colour white for wedding dresses began with Queen Victoria, who wore a white dress almost two centuries ago. At the time, white was a symbol of wealth and status, as only the rich could afford to wear and maintain a bright white dress. However, over time, the colour white became associated with purity and virginity, especially during the Victorian era when gender was considered strictly binary and marriage was seen as a woman's gateway to womanhood.
Today, while many brides in the Western world still wear white out of tradition or aesthetic choice, it is recognised that the colour of a wedding dress does not signify virginity. Brides who are not virgins may choose to wear white, and some may prefer to opt for alternative colours, such as ivory. Ivory is a popular choice for brides who want a softer, more flattering colour than stark white. It is often considered more suitable for those with lighter skin tones, as it can complement their complexion better. Additionally, some brides may feel that ivory looks better with their chosen colour scheme or jewellery.
For example, one bride on WeddingWire chose ivory because she felt it was a softer colour that suited her light olive skin tone better than white. Another bride, a redhead with light skin, also chose ivory as it flattered her complexion more than stark white. Some brides also considered their jewellery and colour schemes when selecting ivory over white. For instance, one bride mentioned that ivory tends to make bling look more gold than silver, which influenced her choice. Another bride chose silver as her wedding dress colour because it clashed with her colour scheme but would have chosen ivory if not for that.
Ultimately, the choice of wedding dress colour is a personal decision, and while some may still associate white with purity and virginity, it is not a universal rule. Brides should feel free to select the colour that makes them feel comfortable, confident, and happy on their special day, whether it be white, ivory, or any other colour of the rainbow.
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White wedding dresses are a relatively modern tradition
The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress is often credited to Queen Victoria, who wore a white court dress to her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. Debutantes had long been required to wear white court dresses for their first presentation at court, and Queen Victoria's choice of a white wedding dress set a new trend. As accounts of Victoria's wedding spread across Europe and beyond, fashionable people followed her lead, and white became the colour of choice for elite brides in the Victorian era.
However, it is important to note that the tradition of wearing a white wedding dress is not as old as some might assume. While Queen Mary of Scots wore a white wedding gown in 1559, royal brides before Queen Victoria did not typically wear white, opting instead for colourful gowns embroidered with white and silver thread. Red was a particularly popular choice in Western Europe. During the Victorian era, most middle-class and working-class brides in Britain and America still wore their best dress on their wedding day, regardless of the colour, as white fabric was expensive and difficult to maintain. It was only after World War II, with increased prosperity and the development of mass production, that white wedding dresses became more accessible and widely adopted.
The colour white has often been associated with purity and innocence, and in the context of weddings, it came to symbolise the "purity and innocence of girlhood" and the "unsullied heart she now yields to the chosen one". This symbolism, combined with the colour's association with wealth and status, contributed to its popularity in wedding attire. White fabric was also favoured for practical reasons, as it photographed well in the era's grayscale and sepia images.
Today, the white wedding dress remains a staple in Western weddings, and brides who choose a different colour are sometimes seen as deviating from tradition. However, it is important to recognise that the tradition of wearing white is relatively modern and that a bride's dress choice should ultimately reflect her personal preferences and style.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no reason for a non-virgin bride to wear any particular colour. The association of the colour white with virginity is a common misconception. White wedding dresses were popularised by Queen Victoria, who wore white to showcase her wealth, not to symbolise virginity or purity.
You could wear any colour you like! Some brides opt for ivory, silver, or blue wedding dresses, while others choose bolder colours like red or rainbow.
The association of white with purity and virginity stems from a Victorian view of marriage as a woman's gateway to womanhood. An 1849 article in Godey's Lady's Book described white as "an emblem of the purity and innocence of girlhood". However, this notion of white symbolising virginity is a misconception, as historically, many European and American brides did not wear white, even if they were virgins.
If you want to symbolise that you are a virgin, you could wear a white wedding dress. However, it is important to note that wearing white is not an obligation for virgins, and many brides choose to wear white for reasons unrelated to virginity, such as tradition, aesthetics, or skin tone.
