When we think of bridal gowns, a white dress is often the first thing that comes to mind. The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress is deeply ingrained in our society’s customs and is considered a timeless and classic choice for brides. However, it may surprise you to learn that the tradition of brides wearing white is actually a relatively recent one.
Before White: Wedding Dresses Through History
In many cultures, brides have worn rich, vibrant colors on their wedding day. In ancient Rome, wedding dresses were often yellow – a symbol of purity and fertility. In China, red has been the traditional color for brides, representing good luck and happiness. In India, vibrant shades of red and gold are popular choices, while in Japan the traditional bridal gown is white with a red accent.
In Western culture, white was not always the bridal color of choice. In fact, before the mid-19th century, the idea of a white wedding dress would have been considered unusual. Most brides simply wore their best dress on their wedding day, regardless of color.
The Rise of the White Wedding Dress
So if white wasn’t a traditional choice for wedding dresses, when and why did this trend begin? The answer lies with one particular wedding that captured the public’s attention in the mid-19th century – the marriage of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert in 1840.
For her wedding, Queen Victoria wore a white silk dress with a lace veil. This was a break from tradition, as brides of her status would typically wear richly embroidered gowns in bold colors. However, Victoria’s choice of white was seen as a symbol of her purity and innocence.
The Impact of Queen Victoria’s Wedding
Queen Victoria’s wedding was highly publicized in media outlets of the day, and her choice of a white wedding dress captured the imagination of the public. Soon afterwards, white wedding dresses began to grow in popularity among the upper classes, as the trend of emulating Queen Victoria continued.
However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that white wedding dresses became truly widespread. As the middle class grew in size and influence, more women wanted to emulate the lavish weddings of the wealthy. By the mid-20th century, traditional white wedding dresses had become commonplace, and a symbol of purity and tradition.
Modern Trends in Bridal Fashion
While white wedding dresses remain a firm favorite among modern brides, there are now plenty of other options to choose from. Many brides opt for soft pastel shades or even bold, colorful gowns. Non-traditional styles like jumpsuits and two-piece gowns have also become more popular in recent years.
Ultimately, the choice of what to wear on your wedding day is a deeply personal one. While white wedding dresses may be steeped in tradition, there’s no reason why you can’t choose a style that reflects your personality and taste.
Conclusion
The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress is a relatively recent one, dating back to Queen Victoria’s wedding in 1840. Before then, brides wore a variety of colors on their wedding day, depending on cultural and social traditions. However, the popularity of the white wedding dress soon grew, and it became a symbol of purity and tradition. Today, while white wedding dresses remain popular, there are plenty of other options for brides who want to express their individuality.
FAQ
What did brides wear before white?
Before white became the standard and popular color for a bride’s wedding gown, brides often wore dresses in a wide range of colors and styles. In fact, the tradition of brides wearing white dresses only became popular after 1840, when Queen Victoria wore a white dress for her wedding. Prior to that, there was no set color or style for a bride’s dress.
In ancient Greece, brides wore long flowing robes in vibrant colors such as red, which was believed to ward off evil spirits. Roman brides also wore brightly colored dresses which would be adorned by colorful flowers, with the veil also being an important part of the bridal ensemble. In medieval times, brides wore dresses with high necklines, long sleeves, and heavy fabrics, which were often adorned with precious jewels and furs.
During the Renaissance period in Europe, brides continued to wear heavily embellished gowns with long trains, often made of the finest silks, adorned with pearls and intricate lace designs. In the 18th century, fashionable brides were seen wearing dresses with a tight-fitting bodice, a wide skirt, and a long train.
It was not until the 19th century that the trend of wearing white wedding dresses began. Queen Victoria wore a white gown with a lace veil for her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840, which was widely reported in newspapers and magazines at the time. This led to a surge in popularity for white wedding dresses in Victorian-era England and eventually spread to other parts of the world.
Brides before the 19th century had a diverse range of styles, colors, and fabrics for their wedding dresses, with each bride wearing what was popular or fashionable during their time. It was only after Queen Victoria wore a white wedding dress in 1840 that the trend of wearing white became popular and widespread, eventually becoming the standard for modern brides today.
When did white wedding dresses become popular in the US?
The tradition of brides wearing white wedding dresses has been around for centuries in many parts of the world. However, in the United States, white wedding dresses didn’t hit mass popularity until after World War II. Before this time, a bride wore her best dress on her wedding day, regardless of its color. Wealthy women often wore elaborate gowns in luxurious fabrics like silk and satin, while those without much money might wear their Sunday best or simply a dress in a practical color like blue or brown.
It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that white wedding dresses began to gain popularity in the US. Queen Victoria of England set the trend when she wore a white wedding gown for her marriage to Prince Albert in 1840. At the time, white was not yet the symbol of purity and innocence that it is today. Instead, it was a color of luxury that only the very wealthy could afford, since white fabrics were difficult and expensive to keep clean.
In the early 20th century, white wedding dresses were still mostly worn by wealthy brides who could afford them. However, the Great Depression and World War II changed this. During this time, fancy fabrics were even harder to come by, so luxe white wedding dresses were replaced with simple suits in non-white hues. Brides would often wear their best dress or a suit in a practical color like brown or blue. Additionally, wartime rationing meant that many women repurposed or reinvented their old clothes instead of buying new ones.
After World War II ended, however, the economy rebounded, and white wedding dresses experienced a resurgence in popularity. The end of the war symbolized a return to normalcy, and brides wanted to celebrate this with a luxurious white gown. American designers like Anne Lowe and Elizabeth Arden designed gowns for high society brides, and the trend trickled down to the masses.
Today, a white wedding dress is the standard choice for many American brides, and it continues to be associated with purity, innocence, and new beginnings. While some brides now opt for non-traditional colors or styles, the white wedding dress remains an enduring symbol of love and commitment.
Did brides wear white in 1800s?
The tradition of brides wearing white for their weddings is believed to have started in the 19th century, particularly during the early part of the century. Wealthy brides often wore white satin, tulle, and lace in the 1820s, but surviving wedding dresses made of cotton muslin suggest that middle-class women of the period sometimes wore white for their nuptials, too. Prior to the 19th century, brides wore dresses in a variety of colors, including red, blue, and yellow. Queen Victoria is credited with popularizing white wedding dresses when she wore one for her own wedding in 1840. She inspired brides all over the Western world to follow her example, and white quickly became the color of choice for wedding dresses.
However, it is worth noting that not all brides during the 1800s wore white. In fact, detailed records of common clothing for weddings is sparse, and it is likely that different regions had different customs. Also, not everyone could afford a new dress specifically for their wedding day, and many brides simply wore their Sunday best or the best dress they could afford. This usually meant something practical and versatile, such as a high-quality cotton muslin or a cotton print dress.
While it is commonly believed that brides started wearing white in the 19th century, particularly during the early part of it, it is worth noting that not all brides necessarily wore white, and different regions might have had different customs. Nonetheless, white gradually became the color of choice for wedding dresses, replacing the colorful and elaborate dresses that brides had worn previously.