Choosing The Perfect Wedding Outfit For The Bride

Wedding dresses are steeped in tradition and symbolism. Brides often spend a lot of time and money on their wedding outfits, which are usually white dresses, symbolising purity, love and fidelity. However, wedding dresses have not always been white, and in some cultures, brides wear red to symbolise their rebirth into a new family. Traditions vary across the world, but in Western culture, it is traditional for brides to wear something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. Something old represents the life the bride is leaving behind, while something new symbolises the new life she is starting. Something borrowed is usually from a happily married person, and is thought to bring good luck, while blue symbolises love and purity.

The colour white and its significance

The colour of a wedding dress is often a very personal choice, but the colour white carries a lot of significance.

White is the traditional colour of most wedding gowns, and this tradition began with Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840. Brides wanted to emulate Queen Victoria's wedding, and so white became the most popular and traditional colour for wedding dresses. White is often chosen as it symbolises purity, love, and fidelity.

However, not all brides choose to wear white, and wedding dress traditions vary across the world. In the eastern world, including countries such as China, India, and Vietnam, brides often wear red, a symbol of death to the old family and rebirth into the new. Japanese brides may wear three or more dresses, starting with a white dress and eventually changing into a red one.

In the modern western world, white is still a popular choice, but not the only choice. Some brides opt for a coloured dress, a short white dress, or a white pantsuit.

The 'something old, something new' tradition

The "something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue" tradition is a fun and fascinating way to honour the past and bring good luck to the bride's future. The tradition is believed to have originated from a 19th-century or Victorian-era Old English rhyme: "Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe." The rhyme dictates that the bride should have five items on her wedding day, each representing different omens for her future.

The "something old" item represents continuity with the bride's family and past. It is often seen as a nod to the family's heritage and a way to carry a piece of her family with her into her new life. This item can be a piece of jewellery or attire passed down through generations or a family heirloom given to the bride by her parents. It could also be a vintage item purchased specifically for the occasion.

The "something new" item signifies hope and optimism for the future and the new chapter in the couple's life. It can be anything from the bride's wedding dress, veil, jewellery, shoes, or a new perfume that her soon-to-be husband has never smelled before.

The "something borrowed" item brings good luck and happiness to the couple. It is usually borrowed from a person who has experienced a long and successful marriage. This could be a happily married friend's or relative's hair accessory, veil, or diamond earrings, for instance.

The "something blue" item represents love, purity, and fidelity. It could be as simple as a garter, veil, or a piece of jewellery. Some brides choose to wear light blue dresses or shoes, incorporating the colour in a more prominent way.

The "sixpence in your shoe" item, representing wealth and financial security for the newlyweds, is often forgotten today as the sixpence coin is no longer in circulation. However, couples who wish to follow this tradition can obtain a sixpence coin or substitute it with a penny, placing it in their shoe or tucking it somewhere in their outfit.

Choosing to wear your mother's dress

There are many reasons why brides choose to wear their mother's dress. Firstly, it is a unique and special dress that holds sentimental value. Secondly, it is often a more sustainable and affordable option than buying a new designer gown. Vintage gowns are often less expensive and offer a one-of-a-kind design that you won't find elsewhere.

However, there are some challenges to consider when deciding to wear your mother's wedding dress. One issue is that the dress may be too vintage or not in the best condition to be worn again. It may also not fit your body type, as it is likely to be a different size. In this case, alterations can be made to the dress to make it more suitable for the bride. This could involve shortening the length, removing sleeves, or making changes to the bodice. If the dress is made of lace, this fabric can be incorporated into a veil or other accessories.

Another way to include your mother's dress in your wedding is to repurpose it for other wedding events, such as a rehearsal dinner or reception. This may involve making alterations to the dress to create a more modern or casual look. You could also use the fabric from your mother's dress to create accessories, such as a clutch or hairpiece.

In conclusion, choosing to wear your mother's dress is a heartfelt way to honour your family and include a piece of history in your wedding day. With some creativity and alterations, you can make the dress your own while still preserving the sentimental value it holds.

Matching your outfit to the scenery

• Colour coordination: Choose a colour scheme that complements the surroundings. For example, if you're getting married in a garden full of vibrant blooms, opt for a dress with floral embellishments or a soft pastel hue. Alternatively, if you're tying the knot in a rustic barn, earthy tones or a pop of colour can add interest to your photos.
• Fabric choices: Consider the fabric and texture of your outfit. For a beach wedding, lightweight and flowy fabrics like chiffon or organza will move beautifully in the breeze. On the other hand, a sleek and structured fabric like satin or taffeta can create a modern look for an urban setting.
• Seasonal considerations: The season will play a significant role in your outfit choice. For a winter wedding, think about adding a fur stole or a cosy knit layer to keep you warm. In contrast, summer weddings call for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to keep you comfortable in the heat.
• Accessories: Accessories are a great way to tie your look together. For a forest elopement, a wildflower bouquet or floral headpiece can enhance your connection to nature. If you're getting married in a modern city setting, statement jewellery or a chic hat can add a touch of glamour.
• Cultural influences: Your cultural heritage can be a wonderful source of inspiration when matching your outfit to the scenery. For example, wearing a traditional kimono with crane motifs can bring good luck to your big day. Similarly, a vibrant red wedding dress can be a bold statement and a break from tradition.
• Scenic details: Incorporate scenic details into your outfit. For instance, if you're getting married by the sea, consider adding subtle nautical motifs or shell-inspired accessories. When exchanging vows in a vineyard, a delicate grapevine pattern on your dress or a wine-coloured sash can be a subtle nod to your surroundings.

Remember, the key to matching your outfit to the scenery is to strike a balance between blending in and standing out. You want to create a harmonious look that enhances your chosen setting without getting lost in it. So, feel free to get creative and have fun with your bridal style!

Accessories to pair with your wedding dress

Accessories are everything when it comes to your wedding outfit. Here are some ideas for accessories to pair with your wedding dress:

Jewellery

Jewellery is a great way to elevate your wedding dress and make it stand out. You can opt for statement earrings, a bold necklace, or a simple pair of pearl bridal earrings. If you want to incorporate the "something borrowed" tradition, you can borrow jewellery from your grandmother or mother.

Veil

The style of veil you choose can also enhance your overall look. A simple veil can be made more interesting with pearl veil weights, or you could go for a statement veil with a fun trim.

Hair Accessories

Hair accessories can be both functional and fashionable. You could opt for a tiara or a crown to make a statement, or go for something more subtle like a headband, hairpins, or a vine.

Shoes

Your choice of footwear can also be an accessory. You could go for a pair of glamorous sparkly heels, or opt for something more comfortable like wedding-worthy sneakers or flats.

Belts

A belt can be a great way to accentuate your waist and add a bit of sparkle to your outfit. You could choose a crystal belt or a simple satin sash.

Wraps and Shawls

If you're getting married during the cooler months, a wrap or shawl can be a stylish way to keep warm. You could opt for a faux fur shawl or a chiffon wrap.

Gloves

Gloves can add a touch of elegance to your wedding outfit. You could choose long, opera-length gloves or go for something shorter, like fingerless lace gloves.

Remember, you can also incorporate the "something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue" tradition into your choice of accessories!

Frequently asked questions