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Wedding dresses have traditionally been white, a trend set by Queen Victoria in the 19th century. However, in recent times, brides have been opting for coloured wedding dresses, a trend that is more common in non-Western cultures. Coloured wedding dresses are chosen for a variety of reasons, including the bride's personality, skin tone, and the symbolism of the colour. For example, green is said to symbolise nature, compassion and loyalty, while blue symbolises peace and purity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for wearing a coloured wedding dress | To make a statement, to be different, to reflect personality, practicality, to be worn on other occasions |
| Colour | Orange, yellow, green, blue, red, silver grey, black, pink, purple, ivory, mocha, champagne, silver, antique white, nude, blush, misty mauve, antique ivory |
| Symbolism of colours | Youthful vitality, strength, flamboyance, cheerfulness, intelligence, wisdom, humour, drive, focus, refinement, inventiveness, peace, purity, good luck, wealth, power, mystery, magic, strength, romance, nostalgia, joy, happiness, love, flirtatiousness, playful femininity |
| Cultural significance | In China, brides wear red; in Korea, the colour depends on the bride's status in society; in Thailand, they wear bright coloured silk; in Morocco, brides wear green, blue or a colour representing one of the seven regions; in Nigeria, colourful coral beads are the highlight; Zulu brides wear animal print skirts; Ghanaians wear yellow and gold; Indian brides wear the most colourful dresses |
| History | In the Renaissance Era, aristocratic brides wore colourful dresses to display wealth; in the 15th and 16th centuries, red was associated with wealth; in the 17th century, blue symbolised purity; in the 1800s, black and dark colours were common because they hid dirt better than light colours; in the 19th century, Queen Victoria wore white, which became a symbol of wealth and later, purity |
| Current trends | White is still a popular choice, but non-white dresses are becoming more common |
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What You'll Learn
To express their personality
The choice of wedding dress colour is changing, with modern brides-to-be daring to be different and wanting to make a statement with their gown. One reason a bride may choose to wear a coloured wedding dress is to express her personality.
In the past, brides were more likely to wear a white wedding dress, which was introduced by Queen Victoria in the nineteenth century as a symbol of wealth. However, in today's more open-minded society, brides are increasingly choosing non-white dresses that reflect their personality and make a personal statement.
For example, a bride may choose a coloured dress that complements her skin tone, such as green, which is a versatile colour that goes well with any skin tone and wedding theme. Alternatively, a bride may select a colour that reflects her unique personality and characteristics. For instance, a bride who wears yellow is said to be expressing her curiosity, drive and focus, while a bride in silver grey is sleek, smooth, and glamorous, with a touch of old-school Hollywood.
In addition to expressing their personality, brides may also choose a coloured dress for practical reasons, such as being able to wear the dress on other occasions. In some cultures, colourful wedding dresses are customary, such as in China, where red symbolises joy, happiness, and luck, and in India, where brides wear the most colourful dresses. Ultimately, the choice of wedding dress colour is a personal decision, and brides should feel free to express themselves and wear whatever makes them happy.
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To wear a dress that can be worn again
Wedding dresses are often expensive, and brides may choose a coloured dress that they can wear again on other occasions. This is a practical choice, and it also allows brides to pick a dress that is the most flattering for them and fits their bridal vision.
In the past, wedding dresses were often a woman's best dress, and they avoided wearing white because it was impractical and difficult to clean. During the Renaissance Era, aristocratic brides wore lavish, colourful wedding dresses, with red being a favoured colour as it was associated with wealth. Lower-class brides copied the fashion using cheaper fabrics.
In the nineteenth century, Queen Victoria wore a white wedding dress, which set a trend for white bridal gowns. Prior to this, brides across Europe and America often wore blue dresses, which symbolised purity.
Today, many brides still choose to wear white, but some opt for a coloured dress that they can wear again. This could be a dress in a neutral shade, such as mocha, champagne, or silver, or a dress in a bolder colour, such as orange, yellow, or green, depending on the bride's personal style and the statement she wants to make.
Ultimately, the choice of wedding dress colour is a personal one, and brides should feel free to choose a dress that reflects their personality and makes them happy, whether it's white, ivory, or a different colour entirely.
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To follow cultural traditions
The colour, style and ceremonial importance of a wedding dress can vary depending on the culture and religion of the participants. Wedding dresses are a significant aspect of fashion, reflecting personal expression, cultural traditions and societal values.
In Western cultures, white wedding dresses have been popular since the 19th century, symbolising purity and grace. This trend is often attributed to Queen Victoria, who wore a white wedding dress in 1840. However, the association of white with purity and virginity may also have contributed to its popularity. In Western cultures, brides typically wore white to symbolise their purity and virginity before marriage.
In contrast, Eastern cultures often embrace colourful and elaborate wedding attire imbued with symbolic meanings. For instance, Chinese brides traditionally wear red, symbolising good luck, happiness, and joy. This tradition dates back over 650 years to the Ming Dynasty, and the colour red is widely used in Chinese festivals and special events. Similarly, Vietnamese brides often wear red during their engagement ceremony, representing happiness, luck, and prosperity.
In Peru, traditional weddings span two days, and brides customarily opt for bright colours and eye-catching geometric patterns. They may wear polleras, which are colourful and multi-layered woollen skirts, with up to fifteen other polleras as underskirts. Moroccan weddings are also known for their vibrant colours, with brides wearing various Moroccan kaftans called takchitas in the days leading up to and on the wedding day.
Historically, the colour and fabric of a wedding dress could signify a bride's social status and the wealth of her family. Brides from wealthy families wore rich colours and exclusive fabrics, such as furs, velvet, and silk, while those from lower social strata wore their best church dress or fanciest dress.
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To symbolise purity
The colour white is often associated with purity and innocence, and is therefore a popular choice for brides. However, this association is relatively modern. In the past, particularly in Catholic communities, blue was the colour that symbolised purity.
In the Renaissance Era, red was associated with wealth, and pearls signified chastity. In the 15th and 16th centuries, upper-class women wore long, layered wedding dresses, often with red satin, Coudray, and velvet, as red was the favoured colour.
In the 1700s, Chinese brides of the Tang Dynasty wore green wedding dresses. Green is a versatile colour that suits any skin tone and wedding theme. It symbolises renewal, freshness, and endurance.
In the 1800s, it was common for women to wear black and other dark-coloured wedding dresses because they hid dirt much better than light colours.
In the 19th century, Queen Victoria wore a white wedding dress with Honiton Lace trimming, which set a trend for brides across Europe and America. Prior to this, blue was the colour that symbolised purity. The association between white and purity emerged in the early to mid-1900s as a way to control the population's beliefs.
Today, brides may choose a coloured wedding dress for various reasons, such as making a statement, incorporating cultural traditions, or for practicality, as they may want to wear the dress on other occasions.
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To make a statement
Wearing a coloured wedding dress is a way for brides to express their personality and make a statement. In the past, brides across Europe and America favoured blue dresses, as they were seen as a symbol of purity. In the Renaissance Era, red was a popular colour for wedding dresses as it was associated with wealth.
Today, brides may choose a coloured dress to reflect their character and make a statement. For example, a bride who wears orange is making a bold statement and suggesting she has a youthful vitality coupled with strength and flamboyance. A bride in yellow conveys intelligence and wisdom with a hint of humour.
In some cultures, the colour of the wedding dress is dictated by tradition. In China, brides usually wear red as it symbolises joy, happiness and luck. In Thailand, brides typically wear a traditional dress made of bright-coloured silk. In Morocco, brides wear green, blue, or a colour representing one of the country's seven regions.
In the modern era, some brides may opt for a coloured dress for practical reasons. Wedding dresses are often expensive, so choosing a coloured dress that can be worn again may be more economical.
Ultimately, the choice of wedding dress colour is a personal decision. Brides should feel empowered to choose a colour that reflects their individuality and makes a statement that is true to themselves.
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Frequently asked questions
Women wear colored wedding dresses for a variety of reasons. Some women choose a colored dress because it is more practical, as they can wear it again on other occasions. Colored dresses are also chosen to match a bride's personality, skin tone, or the wedding theme.
White is often associated with innocence and purity. It was introduced as a wedding dress color in the 19th century by Queen Victoria as a symbol of wealth.
Red is a symbol of joy, happiness, and luck. In the Renaissance Era, red was associated with wealth.
Blue is a symbol of peace and purity. It is also said to be the color of good luck.
Women wear a variety of colors for their wedding dresses, including pink, orange, yellow, green, silver, grey, black, and nude. Pink is associated with playful femininity, orange with youthful vitality, yellow with intelligence and wisdom, green with nature, silver with composure, grey with sophistication, black with power, and nude with a neutral canvas.
