Why Wedding Dresses Are White

When you think of a wedding dress, what is the first color that comes to mind? For most people, the answer is white. But have you ever wondered why wedding dresses are traditionally white? 

The use of white as the color of choice for wedding dresses dates all the way back to the 19th century. At this time, white was the symbol of purity and innocence and was used to symbolize the bride’s virginity. As the years passed, white wedding dresses became more and more popular and eventually became the norm.

Why Do Brides Wear White?

The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress dates back to the 19th century. Prior to this time, brides would wear their best dress on their wedding day, regardless of the color. However, in 1840, Queen Victoria changed all of that when she wore a white gown for her wedding to Prince Albert.

Queen Victoria’s wedding dress was made of white satin and was adorned with lace. At the time, white was not a popular color for wedding dresses. In fact, many brides chose to wear black, which was considered a more practical color for a dress that would be worn again.

However, Queen Victoria’s wedding dress set a new trend, and soon white became the most popular color for wedding dresses. The white dress was seen as a symbol of purity and innocence, and it was thought to be the perfect color for a bride.

The Influence of Royalty

Queen Victoria’s white wedding dress was a major influence on the tradition of wearing white wedding dresses. But she wasn’t the first royal to wear a white wedding dress. In fact, Mary, Queen of Scots, wore a white wedding dress in 1559 when she married Francis II of France. This may have been one of the earliest instances of a royal bride wearing white, and it could have contributed to the trend that Queen Victoria later popularized.

The Association with Virginity

One of the most common reasons given for why brides wear white is that it symbolizes virginity. However, this association is actually a relatively recent development. In earlier times, the color of a bride’s wedding dress had little to do with her sexual history. It wasn’t until the Victorian era that white became associated with purity and chastity, and even then, it was more about the bride’s moral character than her sexual experience.

The Impact of Advertising

In the early 20th century, the rise of advertising played a significant role in cementing white as the standard color for wedding dresses. Bridal magazines and advertisements began promoting white wedding dresses as a symbol of sophistication, elegance, and modernity. This marketing campaign helped to make white wedding dresses even more popular than they already were and contributed to their status as a wedding tradition.

The Evolution of Tradition

While the tradition of wearing a white wedding dress has deep roots, it has also evolved over time. Today, many brides choose to incorporate their own personal style into their wedding day look, whether that means wearing a non-white dress or adding unique accessories to a traditional white gown. As wedding culture continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the tradition of the white wedding dress continues to change and adapt.

What Color Were Wedding Dresses Before White?

Before the trend of white wedding dresses, brides would wear dresses in a variety of colors. In fact, white was not a popular color for wedding dresses until Queen Victoria’s wedding in 1840. Here are some of the colors that brides would wear prior to the popularity of white wedding dresses:

 

Red: In many cultures, red was the traditional color for wedding dresses. Red was seen as a symbol of love and passion, and it was believed to bring good luck to the bride and groom.

Blue: In ancient Rome, brides would wear a blue wedding dress to symbolize their love, purity, and fidelity. Blue was also a popular color for wedding dresses in medieval Europe.

Yellow: In some cultures, yellow was the traditional color for wedding dresses. Yellow was seen as a symbol of happiness and good luck.

Black: As mentioned earlier, black was a popular color for wedding dresses in some cultures. In medieval Europe, black was seen as a symbol of fertility and was believed to bring good luck to the bride and groom.

Green: In Ireland, brides would wear a green wedding dress to symbolize their love of the countryside.

Pink: In the 19th century, some brides would wear a pink wedding dress to symbolize their femininity and romanticism.

Traditional Colors in Non-Western Cultures

Before the trend of wearing white wedding dresses spread throughout the Western world, brides in other cultures had their own traditional colors for wedding dresses. This H3 heading could explore some of those colors and their meanings in different cultures.

Popular Colors in the 18th and 19th Centuries

While white became the standard color for wedding dresses by the end of the 19th century, there were still other popular colors before then. This H3 heading could delve into some of the popular colors of that time period and the reasons behind their popularity.

The Influence of Royal Weddings on Dress Color

Queen Victoria’s white wedding dress is often credited with popularizing the color for wedding dresses, but other royal weddings have also had an impact on dress color trends. This H3 heading could explore some of those weddings and the colors that were worn.

The Revival of Non-White Wedding Dresses

As mentioned in the previous section, more brides are choosing non-white wedding dresses in recent years. This H3 heading could examine the reasons behind this trend and highlight some popular non-white colors and styles.

Choosing the Right Color for Your Wedding Dress

Ultimately, the color of your wedding dress should be a personal choice that reflects your personality and style. This H3 heading could provide some tips for brides on how to choose the right color for their dress, such as considering their skin tone and the overall theme of their wedding.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the tradition of wearing a white wedding dress dates back to Queen Victoria’s wedding in 1840. Prior to this time, brides would wear dresses in a variety of colors. However, after Queen Victoria’s wedding, white became the most popular color for wedding dresses. Today, many brides still choose to wear white wedding dresses, although there are many other colors and styles available.

If you are planning your wedding and are looking for the perfect wedding dress, Wedding Dress LA can help. They offer a wide variety of wedding dresses in different styles and colors, and their experienced staff can help you find the perfect dress for your special day. Contact us today.