For as long as we can remember, wedding gowns have always been in shades of white, cream, or ivory. However, with modern times, brides have started opting for something a little different, and occasionally pick a different color other than white to wear on their wedding day. While it may seem strange at first, there is no rule or tradition that states the bride must wear white.
Origin of White Wedding Gowns
Traditionally, white wedding gowns represent purity, innocence, and modesty, but their use didn’t become widely popular until the Victorian era when Queen Victoria wore a white gown for her wedding. Prior to that, brides simply wore the best dress they owned in any color they wanted. During this era, white was a symbol of wealth and high social status. In the following years, white wedding gowns became a symbol of wealth and social status, and it was seen as glamorous and luxurious for brides to wear white wedding gowns.
Why Brides Choose to Wear Colors Other Than White
Whether a bride chooses to wear white, cream, beige or another color for her wedding day, it’s ultimately her decision. While some brides choose to stick with tradition, others want to make a bold statement on their big day. Here are some reasons why brides may want to consider a different colored wedding gown.
Personality Match
The wedding day should be a reflection of the couple. The bride may consider herself to be a non-traditional individual with a flare for fashion and style. In this case, opting for a different colored gown than white would match her personality and allow her to stand out.
Comfort
A wedding dress should be comfortable for the bride to wear. If a bride feels more comfortable in a different color gown, there is no reason why she can’t wear it on her big day.
Culture
In some cultures, white is not worn at weddings. For example, in Indian weddings, the bride typically wears a red or pink attire. In Chinese culture, red is the color of joy and symbolizes good luck and prosperity. In Japanese culture, it is typical to wear a white wedding kimono, but brides then change into a colored kimono for the reception. In such cases, a bride might prefer a gown that is representative of her heritage rather than sticking with the traditional white dress.
Budget
A different color gown could be less expensive than a traditional white gown. Besides, after the wedding, the dress could be worn again and again on different occasions.
Colors to Consider
So, what are some colors that brides can consider if they want to break away from the traditional white wedding gowns? Here are some colors to think about:
Ivory and Cream
While these colors might be considered close to white, they can work for brides who still want to be a bit traditional but don’t want to wear pure white. These colors are warm and flattering to most skin tones.
Blush and Pink
These colors are romantic, delicate, and add a hint of sweetness to the gown. Brides with a fair skin tone look great in blush or pink.
Champagne and Gold
Champagne and gold tones are classic, sophisticated, and add a bit of luxury to the wedding dress. They look great in classic and vintage-style gowns.
Colors that Match the Wedding Theme
A bride can choose a color that matches or complements the wedding theme. If the wedding is outdoors or in a garden, a green gown can be a great choice. If the wedding is during autumn, a gown in deep red, orange, or brown can blend well with the season.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a bride can wear any color that she desires on her big day, including colors other than white. Whether a bride wants to make a bold style statement, reflect her cultural heritage, or feel more comfortable in a different color, the choice comes down to personal preference. While some may want to stick to tradition, the idea of wearing something a little different could add a unique touch to the wedding day and make it more memorable.
FAQ
Should a bride always wear white?
For a long time, wearing a white wedding gown has been a traditional practice for brides. The idea of wearing white started in the Victorian era when the iconic white wedding dress was popularized by Queen Victoria. Since then, brides have followed the trend, and it has become the societal norm for brides to wear white on their wedding day.
However, times are changing, and so are bridal fashion trends. With the rise of individuality and non-conformity in modern weddings, the practice of wearing white is no longer seen as a requirement by many brides. Nowadays, brides have the freedom to choose their wedding gown based on their preferences, cultural backgrounds, and personalities.
While some brides still prefer the classic white wedding gown, others choose to wear colored dresses, patterned gowns, or even jumpsuits. Some brides seek to reflect their cultural or religious background, choosing attire that represents their traditions or beliefs. For example, Japanese brides wear a kimono for their wedding day, and Indian brides wear red, which symbolizes prosperity and fertility.
There is no hard and fast rule on whether a bride must wear white or not, and each bride is free to decide based on what makes her feel most comfortable and confident. the wedding day is all about the bride and groom. What they wear and how they celebrate their love is a personal choice that should reflect their values and personalities.
While wearing a white wedding gown upholds the traditional practice, it is no longer a requirement for brides. It’s a personal choice, and brides should consider their cultural background, personality, and preferences when selecting their wedding dress. What’s most important is that the bride feels comfortable, beautiful, and confident on her big day.
Does the bride have to wear white to her bridal shower?
The idea that a bride must wear white to her bridal shower is a common misconception. While it’s true that many brides opt for white, there is no hard and fast rule that dictates what a bride should wear to her bridal shower. Ultimately, the choice of attire is up to the bride herself and what makes her feel comfortable and confident.
That being said, some brides may choose to wear white to their shower as a nod to tradition and to create a cohesive look with their wedding dress. However, it’s important to remember that bridal showers are typically more casual events than the wedding itself, so the bride should feel free to wear whatever she feels most comfortable in, whether it’s a casual sundress or something more formal.
What a bride wears to her bridal shower is a personal choice, and the most important thing is that she feels comfortable and confident in what she’s wearing. Whether she chooses to wear white or a different color is completely up to her, and there is no right or wrong answer.