Deborah Chan
The colour of a wedding dress is often steeped in tradition and cultural practices, with each region's choice of colour shaped by social, religious, and economic contexts. In the Western world, white wedding dresses have symbolised purity and grace since Queen Victoria wore a white wedding dress in 1840, reflecting the fashion of the time. In Eastern cultures, red is the traditional colour for wedding dresses, symbolising life, luck, and celebration.
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What You'll Learn
White wedding dresses in Western cultures
White wedding dresses are a widely accepted form of wedding attire in Western cultures. The tradition of wearing white on one's wedding day is seen predominantly in Christian nations. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for example, the colour white is used as a symbol of purity, innocence, and cleanliness, and is worn by all participants during wedding ceremonies in temples.
The earliest recorded instance of a white wedding dress in Western culture was worn by English Princess Philippa at her wedding to the Scandinavian King Eric in 1406. Mary Queen of Scots also wore white during her wedding to the soon-to-be King of France in 1558, despite white being a colour of mourning for French queens at the time. For the next few centuries, white remained a popular, but not obligatory, colour for royal weddings.
The white wedding dress tradition in Western culture is often attributed to Queen Victoria, who wore a white lace dress when she married Prince Albert in the 1840s. As people of a higher social or economic status were often trendsetters, fashionable people across the Atlantic and throughout Europe followed Queen Victoria's lead. However, it was not until after World War II that the average woman began wearing a white dress.
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Red wedding dresses in Eastern cultures
In Eastern cultures, red wedding dresses are steeped in tradition and symbolism. In Indian cultures, red is considered a traditional colour for bridalwear, with brides often opting for red saris, lehengas, or salwar kameez. The colour red in Indian culture symbolises fertility, auspiciousness, and marital bliss. Similarly, in Chinese weddings, red is a symbol of luck, happiness, and prosperity. In the past, Chinese brides wore bright red wedding dresses, known as qipaos or cheongsams, adorned with intricate embroidery and gold accents. This custom symbolised joy, luck, and a blissful union. Additionally, Chinese brides traditionally wore a honggaitou, a red veil, to cover their faces during the wedding ceremony until the wedding night.
In Middle Eastern and North African cultures, red is also associated with celebration and good fortune, and brides may choose to wear red or crimson-coloured wedding dresses to honour their heritage. Kurdish first-time brides traditionally wear red to symbolise the postcoital bleeding they will experience after losing their virginity.
The colour red itself is often associated with boldness, passion, and desire. It symbolises good luck, love, wealth, and happiness, making it a significant and meaningful choice for wedding attire. Red wedding dresses also stand out from the traditional white gowns, allowing modern brides to make a unique and memorable statement on their special day.
While Western bridal looks have predominantly favoured white since Queen Victoria popularised the colour in the 19th century, red wedding dresses have been the standard in many Eastern cultures throughout history. Today, weddings often blend Western and Eastern traditions, and it is not uncommon for modern Chinese brides to wear a white Western-style gown for the ceremony before changing into a red dress for the reception.
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Blue wedding dresses for peace and purity
The colour of a wedding dress is often chosen based on cultural or religious traditions. In Western cultures, white wedding dresses have symbolised purity and grace since the 19th century, when Queen Victoria initiated the trend. In Eastern cultures, colourful garments are more common, with red being the traditional choice in many Asian countries, including China, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Blue wedding dresses are a unique and modern choice, offering a fun way to incorporate 'something blue' into your wedding day. Blue symbolises peace and purity, as well as love, loyalty, and good luck. The colour is often associated with calm water, stability, and romance. With countless shades available, from dreamy soft blue to regal royal blue, blue wedding dresses are versatile and universally flattering. They can be styled in many ways, from sophisticated and elegant to whimsical and fairytale-like.
Blue wedding dresses are a popular alternative for brides who want to stand out and express their unique personalities. They are also a practical choice, as the colour is easy to source and can be worn in any season. For a bold and modern look, a blue wedding dress is a perfect choice, offering a refreshing take on the traditional white gown.
In some cultures, blue has a significant meaning in wedding traditions. In the tribes of Northern California, including the Klamath, the Modoc, and the Yurok, blue is one of the symbolic colours of their traditional bridal dress, representing the south. Additionally, in Ireland, blue wedding dresses are considered an Irish wedding tradition.
Overall, blue wedding dresses are a timeless and enchanting choice, allowing brides to showcase their individual style while embracing the peaceful and pure essence of the colour blue.
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Black wedding dresses for gothic influences
The traditional wedding dress colour has varied across time and cultures. In Western cultures, white wedding gowns have symbolized purity and grace since the 19th century, when the trend was started by Queen Victoria. In Eastern cultures, colourful garments are more common, with red being the traditional colour in many Asian countries, including China, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, as well as in some parts of Africa. In Vietnam, the traditional wedding dress was dark blue.
In the past, particularly in the 1800s and early 1900s, black was the traditional wedding dress colour in some parts of Europe. This was especially true for the upper classes, as the wedding dress doubled as formal attire for post-wedding celebrations and church services. Today, black wedding dresses are often associated with gothic influences, exuding a sense of mystery, romance, and sophistication.
Gothic black wedding dresses showcase a unique style, with intricate designs and high-quality craftsmanship. These dresses can feature structured bodices, intricate lace details, and captivating darkness. Sheer lace or velvet sleeves, combined with corset bodices and flowing skirts, capture the essence of dark romance. Black mermaid wedding dresses, with their fitted bodices and dramatic flares, add a touch of sensuality and drama.
Victorian gothic black wedding dresses blend the opulence of the Victorian era with dark allure. Intricate lace, high necklines, and corset bodices evoke a sense of mystery and romance. Flowing skirts and rich fabrics like velvet or satin further enhance the ethereal yet powerful presence of these dresses. Boho gothic styles, on the other hand, offer a mix of bohemian romance and gothic allure, with flowing silhouettes and unique embellishments.
Accessories play a crucial role in completing the gothic bridal look. A statement veil adorned with lace or crystals adds elegance, while a choker necklace with gothic motifs enhances the overall aesthetic. A bouquet of deep red or black roses emphasizes the gothic theme, adding a pop of colour. With carefully selected accessories, a gothic black wedding dress can be transformed into an unforgettable ensemble.
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Ivory wedding dresses for a modern classic
The colour of a wedding dress is often chosen based on cultural or religious traditions. In Western cultures, white wedding dresses have symbolised purity and grace since the 19th century, when Queen Victoria started the trend. In Eastern cultures, wedding dresses are often elaborate and colourful, with colours imbued with symbolic meanings unique to each region. For instance, red is a traditional colour for wedding dresses in India and China, symbolising good luck and auspiciousness.
Ivory is a modern classic that signifies the values of white with an updated meaning of love and commitment. A softer tone of ivory suits a wider range of skin tones. An ivory wedding dress is a timeless choice, and its crisp shade of white is elegant and sure to make your wedding a fairytale ending.
Ivory wedding dresses come in various styles, from trumpet to ballgown silhouettes, and with embellishments like rhinestones and glitter. The fabric can be stain, tulle, or organza, and you can add unique necklines and silhouettes to make the dress your own.
If you're looking for something a little different, but still want to keep things classic, ivory is a great choice. It's a modern take on the traditional white dress, with a soft hue that will make you feel light-hearted and romantic. With so many options available, you're sure to find the perfect ivory dress for your special day.
For a modern classic look, ivory wedding dresses are a perfect choice. This colour is a beautiful update on the traditional white dress, offering a more contemporary meaning of love and commitment while still maintaining the elegance and grace of the classic white wedding gown. Ivory is a flattering and versatile shade, complementing a range of skin tones and offering endless opportunities for stunning dress designs and embellishments.
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Frequently asked questions
The traditional colour of a wedding dress varies across different cultures and has changed over time. In Western cultures, white wedding dresses have been popular since the 19th century when Queen Victoria wore a white dress for her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. In Eastern cultures, wedding dresses are often elaborate and colourful, with red being a popular choice in many Asian countries.
Before the 19th century, it was common for brides to wear a variety of colours, including red, pink, blue, brown, and black. In some cultures, the colour of a wedding dress was chosen to symbolise the bride's wealth and status in society.
Queen Victoria's choice of a white wedding dress in 1840 was significant because it marked a shift towards the colour white being associated with purity and grace in Western cultures. As a result, white wedding dresses became the expected choice for most brides in the late 1800s and beyond.
Yes, modern brides often choose a variety of colours for their wedding dresses, such as champagne, blush, black, blue, and lavender. In some cultures, red is a popular choice as it is believed to bring good luck, fertility, and fortune.
When selecting a wedding dress colour, consider your skin tone, the wedding's aesthetic, and your personal preference. While white and ivory are classic choices, don't be afraid to explore other colours that flatter your skin tone and reflect your unique style. Ultimately, choose a colour that makes you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.
