Junior Rasmussen
The colour of a wedding dress is often a topic of discussion, with many brides choosing to wear a white wedding dress due to its traditional symbolism of purity, innocence and new beginnings. However, modern brides are increasingly embracing their personal style and opting for off-white or coloured dresses, such as ivory, beige, blush, red, blue, green, purple or black. This shift in tradition is not limited to the bride's dress but is also influencing the attire of bridesmaids and wedding guests. While the choice of dress colour may vary, the most important consideration is that it reflects the bride's individuality and feels right for her special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symbolism | Purity, innocence, virginity, youth, new beginnings |
| Colour | Beige, ivory, blush |
| Skin Tone | Compliments skin tone |
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What You'll Learn
- Off-white includes colours like ivory, beige, and blush
- White wedding dresses became popular in the Western world in 1840, when Queen Victoria wore a white dress
- White symbolises purity and innocence
- White is a traditional colour for wedding dresses, but modern brides are embracing other colours
- In some cultures, like Indian and Chinese, white is not the traditional colour for wedding dresses
Off-white includes colours like ivory, beige, and blush
Off-white is an umbrella term for a variety of shades that differ only slightly from pure white. Off-white colours include ivory, beige, and blush. Ivory is an off-white colour that resembles the material out of which the teeth and tusks of animals, such as elephants and walruses, are made. It has a very slight tint of yellow and was first used as a colour name in English in 1385. Beige is derived from beige cloth, a cotton fabric left undyed in its natural colour. Beige shades are typically closer to brown than they are to white. Blush, on the other hand, has pinkish hues.
Off-white shades have a long history and have often been used interchangeably with pure white. They are likely to evoke similar associations, such as purity, innocence, youth, new beginnings, and freshness. In Christianity, for example, children wear white for their baptism and first communion.
Today, while the majority of wedding dresses are still white, more brides are deviating from this tradition and opting for off-white shades or other colours. In 2022, 43% of brides who chose a shade of white selected ivory. Other off-white shades, such as beige, may also be popular choices, especially when paired with gold undertones or other colours like blue or maroon. Ultimately, the choice of wedding dress colour is a personal decision, allowing brides to find a gown that reflects their individuality and ensures their special day feels right for them.
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White wedding dresses became popular in the Western world in 1840, when Queen Victoria wore a white dress
Off-white wedding dresses are a popular alternative to the traditional white wedding dress. While many couples have opted to forgo some traditional aspects of a Western wedding, the classic white wedding gown has endured. In a 2022 survey, 83% of brides chose white attire, with 43% of those opting for ivory.
White wedding dresses became popular in the Western world in 1840 when Queen Victoria wore a white dress to marry Prince Albert. Victoria's dress was made of Spitalfields silk and Honiton lace, with a deep flounce of lace, and a satin train over six yards long. The choice of white was unusual, as it was considered the colour of mourning, and royal brides typically wore gold or silver.
There are several theories as to why Victoria chose white. Historian Jennifer Steadman believes Victoria was aware of the public perception of white as a symbol of innocence, and that she wanted to be seen as Albert's wife, rather than a queen. This is supported by Agnes Strickland's 1840 biography of Queen Victoria, in which she writes that Victoria was dressed "not as a queen in her glittering trappings, but in spotless white, like a pure virgin, to meet her bridegroom." Another theory is that Victoria chose white because it was the perfect colour to highlight the delicate lace.
Whatever the reason, Victoria's choice of a white wedding dress garnered a great deal of press attention, and the trend quickly caught on. White wedding dresses soon became a status symbol, and a symbol of purity and innocence. Today, the tradition of wearing white at weddings is mostly about upholding a long-standing tradition.
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White symbolises purity and innocence
The colour white has long been associated with purity and innocence, and this is one reason why some brides choose to wear white, especially in the West. The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress originated with Anne of Brittany in 1499 and was later popularised by Queen Victoria in 1840. Victoria's wedding received extensive media coverage, and her choice of a white dress to showcase the intricate British lace soon influenced wedding trends domestically and internationally.
In Western culture, the colour white is often chosen for wedding dresses to symbolise purity and innocence. This symbolism can be traced back to ancient Greece, where white robes were worn to represent youth, joy, and purity. Similarly, in biblical times, the colour blue represented purity, which is reflected in the tradition of a bride wearing "something blue".
In other cultures, the colour white can carry different meanings. For example, in India and China, white is associated with mourning, while red symbolises prosperity, fertility, and good fortune. Despite these varying cultural interpretations, the white wedding dress remains a popular choice for brides worldwide.
Today, the choice of a white wedding dress often signifies a blend of tradition and personal style. While some brides opt for pure white, others prefer off-white shades like ivory, beige, or blush, which complement their skin tone better. Ultimately, the decision to wear a white wedding dress is influenced by a combination of cultural significance, personal preference, and the desire to honour traditions.
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White is a traditional colour for wedding dresses, but modern brides are embracing other colours
White wedding dresses are a time-honoured tradition in the Western world. The trend began with Queen Victoria, who wore a white gown to showcase the intricate British lace on her dress during her wedding in 1840. White symbolised purity, innocence, youth, and new beginnings, and soon became the go-to choice for brides.
However, modern brides are increasingly embracing other colours and styles. While white remains popular, with 83% of brides opting for it in 2022, this number has decreased from 96% in 2015. Shades of white, such as ivory, are also common, with 43% of brides choosing this hue. Ivory is considered a more flattering shade for many skin tones, and it is often suggested by bridal stores as a preferred alternative to pure white.
Brides today are more adventurous, incorporating their personal style and choosing colours that resonate with them. Red, for instance, is a bold choice that symbolises prosperity, fertility, and happiness in some cultures. Blue, black, and pink are also gaining popularity, with colourful dresses being chosen by brides who want to stand out.
The shift away from traditional white is also influencing the attire of bridesmaids and wedding guests, with bridal shops offering a wider range of options to cater to modern tastes and individual preferences. While white remains a classic choice, modern brides are not afraid to break free from convention and embrace their unique style.
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In some cultures, like Indian and Chinese, white is not the traditional colour for wedding dresses
In Western culture, the tradition of wearing a white wedding dress is often associated with purity, innocence, and new beginnings. This trend was popularised by Queen Victoria, who wore a white dress at her wedding in 1840. However, in some cultures, such as Indian and Chinese cultures, white is not the traditional colour for wedding dresses and may even be considered inappropriate.
In Indian culture, wearing white is often associated with mourning and loss. As Indian weddings are typically vibrant and joyous occasions, wearing white can be seen as a symbol of sadness rather than celebration. Instead, red is considered the traditional colour for brides, symbolising love, commitment, prosperity, and fertility. It is believed that wearing red ensures that the bride stands out on her special day and that the richness of the colour remains exclusive to her during the various rituals and ceremonies. Guests attending Indian weddings are generally advised to avoid wearing white, black, or red, as these colours can hold specific cultural meanings that may offend or overshadow the bride and groom.
Similarly, in Chinese culture, white is also symbolic of death and mourning. While some modern Chinese brides may opt for a white wedding gown, guests attending Chinese weddings are generally advised to avoid wearing white or colours that could pass as white, such as cream or very pale colours. Instead, guests can consider wearing warmer colours like purple, pink, or peach, which symbolise new life and happiness in Chinese culture. Gold is another lucky colour in Chinese weddings, symbolising wealth and fortune.
It is important to respect and consider the cultural significance of colours when attending weddings in different cultural contexts. While white may be the traditional colour for wedding dresses in Western culture, it is essential to recognise that traditions and colour symbolism can vary across different cultures and communities.
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Frequently asked questions
Off-white wedding dresses, such as those in shades of ivory, are often chosen because they are more flattering for certain skin tones than bright white. Some brides also choose off-white because they believe that bright white symbolises purity and virginity, and they do not want their dress colour to be seen as carrying these connotations.
The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress stems from Queen Victoria, who wore a white dress for her wedding in 1840. White symbolises purity, innocence, youth, and new beginnings, and is also considered a timeless and classic choice.
In Western culture, red symbolises passionate love, power, and courage, while in Hindu and Sikh weddings, it represents fertility and prosperity. Blue is said to represent truth and purity, and black is a bold and unconventional choice.
