George Boyle
Wedding dresses are deeply rooted in cultural and societal values, with colours and styles varying across the world. In Western cultures, white wedding dresses have been popular since Queen Victoria's marriage in 1840, symbolising purity and grace. However, in Eastern cultures, brides often opt for red dresses, signifying auspiciousness and, in the case of Kurdish brides, the postcoital bleeding signifying the loss of virginity. The style of a wedding dress is called its silhouette, with popular variations including the ball gown, A-line dress, sheath dress, and mermaid dress, each offering a unique blend of charm and elegance. Fabric choices range from lightweight organza and tulle for summer weddings to richer silks and velvets for winter ceremonies. With a vast array of options, the wedding dress industry can be overwhelming, but it empowers brides to express their individuality and cultural heritage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Top of the dress | Bodice |
| Bottom half of the dress | Skirt |
| End of the dress | Train |
| Silhouette | A-line, sheath, mermaid, ball gown, column dress, empire waist |
| Length | Floor-length, calf-length, knee-length, tea-length, midi, intermission length |
| Sleeves | Sleeveless, short puff sleeves, spaghetti straps, long sleeves, illusion fabric sleeves, overlapped sleeves, puffed sleeves |
| Neckline | Straight, sweetheart, heart-shaped |
| Colour | White, eggshell, ecru, ivory, red, pink, black |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress colours and their meanings
Wedding dresses have traditionally been white, a colour associated with light, virginity, goodness, innocence, wealth, status, and purity. However, modern brides are increasingly choosing to wear coloured wedding dresses to reflect their personality, culture, and traditions, and to make a statement.
White/Ivory
White is the traditional colour for wedding dresses and is associated with light, virginity, innocence, wealth, status, and purity. Ivory is a modern variation of white, conveying similar meanings with a more contemporary twist.
Red
Red is a bold choice for a wedding dress, symbolizing passion, love, excitement, and strength. In Eastern cultures, red is often worn by brides as it signifies celebration and good luck. It is a popular choice for Valentine's Day and Christmas weddings.
Pink
Pink is associated with femininity, innocence, nurturing, and a playful, flirtatious spirit. Pale and blush pinks are popular choices for brides who want a softer, more innocent look, while hot pinks and sherbet hues add a bolder touch.
Blue
Blue is a calming colour that signifies peace, purity, and loyalty. Pale shades of blue evoke a sense of romance and nostalgia, while deeper tones convey strength and power.
Gold
Gold is a colour that symbolizes wealth, elegance, happiness, and wisdom. It is a versatile choice that pairs well with other hues and flatters most skin tones.
Black
Black wedding dresses are a bold statement, reflecting elegance, mystery, and sophistication. Black is also associated with power and wealth. It is a versatile colour that can be paired with many other hues, and it suits most skin tones.
While these are some of the most popular colours for wedding dresses and their meanings, there are no rules when it comes to choosing a wedding dress colour. Brides should feel free to express their individuality and unique style, reflecting their personality and cultural heritage.
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Wedding dress styles and shapes
Wedding dresses have evolved over the years, with contemporary designs blending in with traditional elements. The colour white has been the dominant choice for Western wedding dresses since the mid-20th century, although it is not the universal choice.
There are many different styles and shapes of wedding dresses to choose from, with each silhouette offering something unique. Here are some of the most popular wedding dress styles and shapes:
- A-line: This style features a fitted bodice that cinches at the waist and flares out to form an "A" shape. It is universally flattering and complements all body types, especially pear-shaped, curvy, or petite brides.
- Empire silhouette: This style has a fitted bodice with a waistline that sits just below the bust, creating a flowy, elongated skirt. It is perfect for those who want a light and airy, boho-style dress.
- Mermaid: This style hugs the body from the bodice to the knees and then flares out dramatically. It is a good choice for apple-shaped brides as it emphasises the waist and hips.
- Trumpet: Trumpet-style gowns have a bodice that hugs the body from the chest to the mid-thigh and then flares out, resembling the shape of a trumpet. It is a good choice for pregnant brides who want to show off their baby bump.
- Column: This style has a slim-fitting, straight-cut silhouette without much shaping. It is often made with structured fabrics such as taffeta, brocade, or corded lace. It is a good choice for brides with athletic frames.
- Tea-length: Tea-length dresses have full skirts that hang at the natural waist, with hemlines that fall just above the ankle. This style is perfect for brides who want a vintage yet contemporary look, showing a bit of leg while accentuating their curves.
- Sheath: The sheath silhouette is a slim, elegant style that hugs the body and falls straight to the floor. It is similar to the column shape but is usually made with silky fabrics like chiffon or charmeuse.
- Fit-and-flare: This style hugs the bust, waist, and hips, and then flares out slightly for a pretty and romantic look. It is a good choice for brides who want something form-fitting yet comfortable.
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Wedding dress trains
Wedding dresses have evolved over the years, with trains being one of the most traditional and dramatic elements of bridal fashion. A wedding dress train is the extra fabric that extends from the back of the gown, creating a cascading effect as the bride walks down the aisle. Trains add elegance and style to the bridal look, with lengths ranging from short and modern to long and dramatic. There are several types of wedding dress trains, each offering a unique statement to the overall bridal attire.
One of the shortest train lengths is the brush train, also known as the sweep train. This train style barely grazes the floor, extending only a few inches from the bottom hem of the gown. It is a practical choice for brides who want the look of a train without the hassle, especially for outdoor or beach weddings where mobility is important.
The court train is the second-shortest option, extending about one foot out from the bottom of the gown. It offers a slightly longer train while still maintaining a manageable length.
The chapel train is a popular choice for brides seeking a timeless and understated look. This train extends 3 to 4 feet from the waist, making it suitable for semi-formal or formal dress codes.
For brides who desire a more dramatic effect without the bulk of a longer train, the semi-cathedral train is an excellent option. Extending 4 to 5 feet from the waist, it offers a formal look without the weight and volume of a cathedral train.
The cathedral train is the epitome of grandeur and sophistication. Extending 6 to 8 feet from the waist, this very formal option is perfect for fairytale-inspired gowns, black-tie weddings, grand church ceremonies, and exquisite venues. However, due to its length, it may require assistance from bridesmaids to manage and should be considered when planning aisle width.
Ultimately, the choice of train length depends on the bride's personal style, venue, and level of formality desired. Whether short or long, wedding dress trains contribute to the memorable walk down the aisle and provide ample photo opportunities. Trains can also be made detachable for added convenience during the reception.
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Wedding dress bodices
Another style of wedding dress bodice is the Victorian-inspired design, featuring a fitted bodice that starts at the base of the chest and flares out dramatically at the knees, resembling a mermaid's tail. This style of bodice can also be adapted for a more form-fitting look, with a slit at the legs for ease of movement. For a less formal wedding, the length can be shortened to calf-length, or even shorter to above the ankles.
The Amelia Bodice is an example of a modern wedding dress bodice made from soft silk satin, featuring a snug fit with built-in bust cups and boning. It has a low, soft square neckline adorned with adjustable shoulder bows, and silk-covered buttons and loops down the back. This style of bodice can be paired with trousers for a more contemporary bridal look.
In the early 21st century, many wedding dress bodices were sleeveless and strapless. However, some brides preferred styles with sleeves, higher necklines, and covered backs. The latest trends in wedding dress bodices include intricate crystal embellishments, tulle, and vintage-inspired designs. Ultimately, the choice of bodice style depends on the bride's individual preferences, the season, the formality of the wedding, and the desired level of comfort and adjustability.
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Wedding dress history
Wedding dress trends have evolved significantly over time, influenced by aesthetic preferences, cultural trends, and technological advancements. During the Middle Ages, weddings often symbolized the union of families, businesses, or nations, and brides' attire reflected their families' social status and wealth. Wealthier brides wore bold colours and expensive fabrics, such as furs, velvet, and silk, while those from lower social classes wore their best church dress.
In the 15th century, Philippa of England, who married Eric of Pomerania, was the first documented royal bride to wear a white wedding dress. Mary, Queen of Scots, also wore white when she married her first husband, Francis, the Dauphin of France, in 1559. However, these instances did not spark a widespread trend, and prior to the Victorian era, brides wore a variety of colours, with black being a popular choice in Finland.
Queen Victoria is credited with setting the trend for white wedding dresses when she married Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in 1840. Her dress was made from cream silk-satin with a flounce of Honiton lace at the neck and sleeves, and it featured a slim waist, a full crinoline petticoat, and lace embellishments. As white dresses were challenging to maintain in the 19th century, they were considered a symbol of wealth. They also came to signify purity and innocence.
In the early 21st century, wedding dresses varied from sleeveless and strapless styles to those with sleeves, higher necklines, and covered backs. Today, wedding dresses feature a range of styles, including drop-waist silhouettes, convertible gowns, crystal embellishments, tulle, and vintage-inspired designs. While white remains the dominant colour in Western cultures, it is not universal, and other cultures often feature colourful garments with symbolic meanings. For example, in traditional Kurdish weddings, a first-time bride wears a red dress to symbolize postcoital bleeding, while a previously married bride wears pink.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding dress is also commonly referred to as a bridal gown.
The style of a wedding dress is called its silhouette, referring to the overall shape of the dress. Popular silhouettes include the ball gown, A-line, sheath, and mermaid dress.
The top part of a wedding dress that covers the neck to the waist is called the bodice. Other parts include the neckline, sleeves, and hem.
The fabric used for a wedding dress depends on various factors such as venue, weather, design, and personal preference. Common fabrics include organza, taffeta, charmeuse, silk, brocade, velvet, and satin.
Wedding dresses can feature various decorations such as appliques, beading, embroidery, and lace. Trains are also a common feature, with different lengths such as sweep, chapel, cathedral, and monarch being the most popular.
