George Boyle
Wearing a white wedding dress is a long-standing tradition that is still widely respected today. The tradition began when Queen Victoria wore a white dress to her wedding in 1840, which was widely publicised and soon became a trend among wealthier brides. Over time, the colour white on a wedding day became a symbol of purity, innocence, youth, and new beginnings. Today, wearing white is often reserved for the bride, and it is generally considered rude for guests to wear white to a wedding. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as when the couple specifically requests that guests wear white.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for wearing a white wedding dress | Symbol of innocence, purity, virginity, youth and new beginnings |
| Who should wear a white wedding dress | The bride |
| Who should not wear a white wedding dress | Wedding guests |
| Exceptions | If the couple specifically requests that white attire be worn |
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What You'll Learn
White symbolises purity and innocence
The colour white has long been associated with purity and innocence in many societies. This is one of the reasons why some brides choose to wear white on their wedding day, particularly in Western cultures.
The tradition of wearing white at weddings was started by Queen Victoria when she wore a white gown for her wedding to Prince Albert. She chose white reportedly to showcase the fine detailed Honiton lace produced by the British lace industry, which was struggling at the time. The choice was widely reported in newspapers and magazines and soon influenced wedding trends domestically and internationally. Wealthier brides initially embraced the trend, which eventually spread across all economic levels and was cemented as a "tradition" in the 20th century.
Fashion historian Kimberley Chrisman-Campbell notes that white wedding dresses became popular because they symbolise "innocence, purity, virginity, youth, and new beginnings". Today, the tradition of wearing white is more about adhering to this long-standing custom than any other reason.
While the traditional etiquette is that white is reserved for the bride, some modern exceptions exist. For example, at themed weddings, it is becoming more common for couples to request that all guests wear white. In such cases, guests are advised to choose solid white styles instead of white floral prints, as the latter is typically associated with the bride's attire.
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It's a tradition that stems from Queen Victoria's wedding
The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress is often attributed to Queen Victoria, who wore a white gown when she married Prince Albert in 1840. In her journal, the 21-year-old queen described her dress as "a white satin gown with a very deep flounce of Honiton lace, imitation of old".
While Queen Victoria is credited with popularising the white wedding dress, it is important to note that she was not the first to wear white on her wedding day. There are several examples of royal women wearing white before Queen Victoria, including English Princess Philippa in 1406 and Mary, Queen of Scots in 1558. Additionally, some sources indicate that white dresses were already popular during the Regency period in the early 19th century.
However, Queen Victoria's choice of a white wedding dress did have a significant impact on bridal fashion. In the 19th century, white was often seen as a symbol of wealth and status due to its fragile nature and the difficulty of keeping it clean. By choosing a white dress, Queen Victoria may have been aware of its perception as a symbol of innocence, purity, and romantic propriety. She also wanted to showcase the delicate lace and support the English textile industry, specifically the lace makers in England.
After Queen Victoria's wedding, white wedding dresses became increasingly popular, especially among wealthy brides who could afford the lavish fabric. Fashion magazines, advertisements, and Hollywood films further cemented the association between white dresses and weddings, reinforcing the idea of the "storybook wedding". Today, the white wedding dress remains a timeless symbol of love and commitment, even as brides have more options than ever before.
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It's the bride's day to shine
Wearing white to a wedding is often considered a taboo, with the traditional etiquette being that white is reserved for the bride. This is because it is the bride's day to shine, and wearing white could be seen as an attempt to steal attention away from them. While some modern exceptions to this rule exist, it is generally considered respectful to avoid wearing white to a wedding unless explicitly requested by the couple.
The tradition of wearing white at weddings stems back to Queen Victoria, who wore a white gown to showcase the fine detailed Honiton lace produced by the British lace industry. This choice was widely reported and soon influenced wedding trends domestically and internationally. Initially embraced by wealthier brides, the trend eventually spread across all economic levels and was cemented as a "tradition" in the 20th century.
Today, the colour white is often associated with purity, innocence, and new beginnings, making it a popular choice for brides. While some may view this tradition as outdated or unnecessary, it remains an important part of bridal culture and symbolism. For many brides, wearing white is a way to honour this tradition and feel connected to the long history of bridal fashion.
It is important to respect the wishes of the couple when it comes to dress code, and if the bride has requested that guests refrain from wearing white, it is polite to oblige. While some may argue that this tradition is unnecessary or outdated, it ultimately comes down to respecting the couple's wishes and ensuring that the bride feels special on her big day.
While there may be exceptions to this rule, such as themed weddings or explicit requests from the couple, it is generally considered respectful to avoid wearing white to a wedding. It is essential to use good judgment and consider the potential implications of one's attire choices. By respecting the bride's wishes, guests can ensure that the focus remains on the bride and that everyone can enjoy the celebration without any distractions or discomfort.
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White is a bridal colour in most cultures
The shift towards white wedding dresses began in 1840 when Queen Victoria wore a white dress for her wedding. This choice was reportedly made to showcase the detailed Honiton lace produced by the British lace industry, which was struggling at the time. The choice was widely reported in newspapers and magazines, and soon white wedding dresses became a status symbol, with the colour symbolizing purity, innocence, and new beginnings.
Today, the colour white is often reserved for the bride, and it is considered a faux pas for guests to wear white to a wedding. This is because wearing white could be seen as an attempt to steal attention from the bride and groom on their special day. However, there are some modern exceptions to this rule, such as when the couple specifically requests that guests wear white or when the wedding has a themed dress code.
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It's basic etiquette to avoid wearing white
Wearing white to a wedding is generally considered a breach of basic etiquette. This is because, in many societies, white has long been associated with purity and virtue, and wearing white to a wedding may therefore suggest that you are trying to steal attention from the bride and groom on their special day.
The tradition of wearing white at weddings is said to have originated with Queen Victoria, who wore a white gown for her wedding to showcase the fine detailed Honiton lace produced by the British lace industry. White wedding dresses quickly became a status symbol and a symbol of purity and innocence, and soon became popular among wealthy brides before spreading across all economic levels.
Today, the tradition of wearing white is considered by some to be a beautiful and enduring part of bridal culture, and many brides still choose to wear white to symbolise tradition, purity, and new beginnings. While some modern exceptions exist, the traditional etiquette—that white is for the bride only—still generally applies.
To avoid breaching this etiquette, it is recommended that wedding guests avoid wearing white dresses, especially long or lacy dresses, or those that look bridal. If you have to ask if something looks too white, it probably is, and it's best to choose another outfit. However, it is acceptable to wear white if the couple has specifically requested it, which will usually be mentioned in the invitation.
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Frequently asked questions
It is considered rude and disrespectful because it is the bride's day and it is not narcissistic to want to shine on her happiest day.
No, it is not always wrong. If the couple has specifically requested that white attire be worn, it is okay to do so.
It is generally fine to wear a dress with some white elements as long as it is not floor-length or full-skirted.
It is best to avoid colours that can be mistaken for white or that are too close to a cream hue.
In many societies, the colour white has long been associated with purity and virtue. It is also a symbol of innocence, youth, and new beginnings.
