Lyla Dejesus
White weddings are a staple of Western culture, with 82% of brides in the US choosing to wear white. The white wedding tradition is primarily derived from the Christian faith, with the colour representing new beginnings, purity, and innocence. The colour white is also a symbol of wealth, as laundering techniques in the past were limited, and a white dress could be easily ruined. Today, white is a versatile colour that can be used in wedding decor and clothing in any season. It is often paired with other colours like black, gold, pink, silver, or red to create different themes and looks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| White wedding dress history | White wedding dresses became popular in the mid-19th century, with Queen Victoria wearing a white dress in 1840. They became customary in the mid-20th century. |
| Symbolism | In Western culture, white is associated with new beginnings, purity, innocence, virginity, and perfection. |
| Skin tone considerations | True white wedding dresses complement darker skin tones and yellow undertones (olive skin). Ivory is a more versatile option, suitable for a wide range of skin tones. |
| Colour combinations | White can be combined with other colours such as red, black, silver, green, pink, gold, or ivory for different themes and effects. |
| Wedding palette | White is a versatile colour in the wedding palette, offering flexibility and working well with other colours. |
| Wedding theme | White is often used for formal and dramatic weddings, creating a sophisticated and elegant look. |
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What You'll Learn
- White wedding dresses: White is the most widely-worn colour for wedding gowns, associated with new beginnings, purity and virginity
- White and gold: A classic and elegant combination, suitable for formal or casual weddings
- White and black: A traditional and modern option, offering flexibility
- White and red: A dramatic and romantic combination, suitable for a rustic theme
- Shades of white: Diamond white is softer and more flattering on a wider range of skin tones than true white
White wedding dresses: White is the most widely-worn colour for wedding gowns, associated with new beginnings, purity and virginity
White is the most widely worn colour for wedding gowns. In Western culture, it is associated with new beginnings, purity, and virginity.
The tradition of wearing white wedding dresses is commonly credited to Queen Victoria, who wore a white court dress to marry Prince Albert in 1840. Debutantes were also required to wear white court dresses and long white gloves for their first presentation at court. In colour psychology, white is the colour of new beginnings, a blank canvas that signifies a fresh start. It is also often used to express high religious commitment and purity.
White wedding dresses only became fashionable in the mid-19th century and customary in the mid-20th century. Before this, a white dress was seen as impractical, and it was not financially sensible for brides to purchase a dress to be worn only once. During the Great Depression and World War II, simple suits in non-white hues were often worn, and some wedding dresses were even made from repurposed silk parachutes. After the war, white wedding dresses became more accessible, with tea-length styles inspired by Audrey Hepburn.
Today, white is a versatile colour in the wedding palette, often paired with black for a classic, modern, or traditional look. It can also be used subtly with other colours or as the main colour with accents of other shades. It is a popular choice because it can be used in any season and creates a formal, dramatic, and romantic ambiance.
When choosing a white wedding dress, skin tone should be considered. True white wedding dresses wash out paler skin tones but look excellent on darker and olive skin tones. Ivory, on the other hand, looks fabulous on almost everyone, especially lighter skin tones, as the warm hue creates a contrast.
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White and gold: A classic and elegant combination, suitable for formal or casual weddings
White is a versatile colour for weddings, as it can be used in different ways to create various effects. It is associated with new beginnings, purity, and elegance. When combined with gold, the two colours create a classic and elegant aesthetic suitable for formal or casual weddings.
White and gold is a timeless combination that exudes sophistication and refinement. It is a popular choice for weddings, as it adds a touch of warmth and elegance to the celebration. The shine of gold reflects light, making the entire event brighter and more glamorous. This combination is also versatile, as gold complements other colours such as black, silver, red, or green.
For a white and gold wedding, the colour scheme can be incorporated into various aspects of the celebration. Starting with the invitations, elegant white and gold stationery with calligraphy or floral designs can set the tone for the wedding. This colour combination is also perfect for the bridal attire, with options ranging from a classic ball gown with gold embellishments to a simpler white dress paired with gold accessories. The bridesmaids can also join the theme by wearing white and gold dresses or adding gold accessories like earrings or headpieces.
The wedding decor can be transformed with white linens, gold charger plates, gold flatware, and gold candle holders. White and gold balloons, ribbons, or streamers add a festive touch, while incorporating greenery brings a natural and organic feel to the setting. Flowers such as white roses, peonies, or lilies adorned with gold ribbons or accents further enhance the theme. The wedding cake can also be a stunning focal point, with options for a white cake with gold accents or a gold cake with white details, including edible gold leaf or glitter for added glamour.
Favours are another way to showcase the white and gold theme. From gold votive candles to white and gold macarons or personalised tags, these small tokens of appreciation will delight your guests and offer them a memorable glimpse into your special day. Overall, a white and gold wedding colour scheme creates an elegant and timeless atmosphere that is suitable for both formal and casual celebrations.
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White and black: A traditional and modern option, offering flexibility
White is a colour with a lot of symbolic significance in weddings. In Western culture, white is associated with new beginnings, purity, and religious commitment. The tradition of a white wedding dress is often credited to Queen Victoria, who wore a white court dress to her wedding in 1840, though Mary, Queen of Scots, wore a white wedding gown earlier, in 1559. White weddings are also considered formal and dramatic, and they are usually derived from Christian traditions.
Black-and-white is a classic wedding colour pairing that offers a great deal of flexibility. It can be used to create a timeless, romantic, or modern aesthetic, and it pairs well with any other colours that might be incorporated into the wedding. For instance, black and white can be used as a base for a wedding with gold, silver, or red accents.
Black and white can be incorporated into the wedding in a variety of ways. The invitations, cake, flowers, bouquets, centrepieces, and decorations can all be designed with a black-and-white theme. The wedding party can also wear black and white, with the bride wearing white and the bridesmaids wearing black, for instance.
Black-and-white decorations can be used to create contrast throughout the venue, ensuring a stunning look. For example, black-and-white ribbons can be wrapped around white blooms for a striking bouquet, or black-and-white place cards can be set in thin, neutral-toned frames. The food served at the wedding can also be designed with a black-and-white theme in mind.
Black and white are neutral colours that can be used in any season, and they can be incorporated into a wedding in a variety of ways to create a sophisticated and elegant look.
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White and red: A dramatic and romantic combination, suitable for a rustic theme
White is a versatile colour for weddings, as it can be used in different ways to create various effects. It is often associated with new beginnings, purity, and elegance. When paired with other colours, it can be used for a rustic theme, a vintage theme, or a modern wedding.
Red, on the other hand, is a dramatic and bold colour choice for a wedding. It is a versatile colour that can be used to create a variety of looks and styles, from elegant and classic to unconventional and gothic. Red is a popular colour for weddings, as it allows couples to experiment.
Combining white and red creates a dramatic and romantic ambiance for a wedding. This colour combination is elegant and sophisticated, working well for a rustic theme. For a rustic feel, incorporate bales of hay and a red carpet. Floral arrangements in colours of green, white, red, pink, and blue can be used, with additions of delphiniums, blush roses, gold lanterns, and cacti for a boho look. The red and white colour scheme can also be worked into a nature-inspired outdoor theme, with a red and white flower arch and some greenery.
For a romantic touch, a red and white bouquet with diverse colours can be used. Add colourful peonies, purple lavender, deep pink petals, or greenery to a bouquet of white and red roses. For a rustic-inspired style, add succulents, feathers, crystals, or cotton, greenery, and berries.
A red and white cake is also a stunning choice for a wedding. For a rustic theme, opt for ivory buttercream with strawberry cream-coated tiny crab apples to signify harvest. Decorate the cake with eucalyptus and fresh bay leaves. Alternatively, for a romantic theme, enchanting shades of pale pink on white butter icing can be used, decorated with gum-paste tulip blossoms and finished with vanilla cream and praline filling.
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Shades of white: Diamond white is softer and more flattering on a wider range of skin tones than true white
White is a popular colour for weddings, especially in Western culture, where it is associated with new beginnings, purity, and innocence. The colour white is also seen as a symbol of religious commitment. The tradition of a white wedding dress is often credited to Queen Victoria, who wore a white court dress to her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840.
While white is a classic choice for a wedding, there are many shades of white to choose from, each with its own unique qualities and advantages. Diamond white, for example, is a shade that is softer and more flattering on a wider range of skin tones than true white. It is a very light ivory with a beautiful softness that gives it a subtle glow, making it a popular choice for wedding gowns.
One advantage of choosing diamond white over true white is that it is less harsh and more flattering in bridal portraits and under full light. It is also a great choice for satin wedding gowns, as it gives them an effortlessly chic look. If you are looking for a vintage or rustic wedding theme, combining diamond white with dusty rose can create a charming and old-fashioned look.
However, some people may prefer true white for their wedding colour as it gives a traditional "wedding white" look. Additionally, matching other elements of the wedding, such as the groom's shirt, with the exact shade of diamond white can be challenging. Nevertheless, with its soft and subtle glow, diamond white remains a popular choice for those seeking a more flattering and versatile shade of white for their special day.
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between shades of white for a wedding, diamond white stands out as a softer and more flattering option on a wider range of skin tones compared to true white. It offers a beautiful softness and versatility that makes it a popular choice for wedding gowns, decorations, and themes.
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Frequently asked questions
White is the most widely-worn colour for weddings in Western cultures. It is associated with new beginnings, purity, and innocence. It is also a symbol of wealth and, in some contexts, religious commitment.
White wedding dresses became popular in the mid-19th century after Queen Victoria wore a white dress at her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. White dresses became customary in the mid-20th century.
Black and white is a classic combination for weddings, offering a modern yet traditional look. White and gold is another classic combination, often used to create a formal and elegant aesthetic. White and pink is a popular choice for a romantic aesthetic, with dusty rose and white being a charming and old-fashioned combination.
White and red create a dramatic and romantic ambiance. The addition of black to this combination can create a modern look.
True white, ivory, and diamond white are some shades of white used for wedding dresses. Ivory is considered the most romantic and versatile, complementing a wide range of skin tones. Diamond white is softer and more flattering under full light.
