When we think of weddings, we often picture the bride in a flowing, elegant white gown. But have you ever wondered why brides wear white on their wedding day? Most people believe that this tradition has been around for centuries, but in reality, the practice of wearing a white wedding dress only became popular in the 19th century. And it all started with one woman – Queen Victoria.
Queen Victoria’s Wedding Dress
On February 10th, 1840, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. At the time, wearing a white wedding dress was not a common practice. Brides typically wore their best dress, regardless of color. But Queen Victoria chose to wear a white wedding dress made from heavy silk satin. Her dress was adorned with orange blossoms and a lace veil, and she carried a small bouquet of flowers. This was a huge departure from tradition and caused quite a stir in society at the time.
The Significance of the White Dress
Queen Victoria’s choice to wear a white dress was significant for a few reasons. Firstly, white was not typically associated with weddings at the time. It was more commonly worn for christenings or funerals. Secondly, Queen Victoria’s white dress was a symbol of her wealth and status. At the time, white was a difficult color to maintain and clean, so only the wealthy could afford to wear it. By wearing a white dress, Queen Victoria was making a statement about her position in society.
Finally, Queen Victoria’s white dress was seen as a reflection of her character. At the time, white was associated with purity, innocence, and virginity. By wearing a white dress on her wedding day, Queen Victoria was seen as a virtuous and chaste bride. This helped to reinforce the idea that marriage was about love, rather than just a business transaction.
The Popularity of the White Dress
After Queen Victoria’s wedding, the white wedding dress started to gain popularity. Other wealthy brides began to follow her lead and wear white on their wedding day. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that the white wedding dress became the standard. This was due in part to the mass production of dresses, which made it easier for brides of all backgrounds to afford a white dress.
Today, the white wedding dress is seen as a symbol of purity, innocence, and tradition. Although many brides choose to wear colored dresses or dresses in non-traditional styles, the white dress remains the most popular choice for weddings around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Queen Victoria was the first woman to wear a white wedding dress. Her choice to wear this color was significant for many reasons, including its association with wealth, purity, and virtue. Her decision helped to shape the tradition of the white wedding dress, which remains an important part of modern wedding culture. Whether you choose to wear a white dress or not, Queen Victoria’s legacy lives on in the world of wedding fashion.
FAQ
When did wearing white as a bride start?
The tradition of wearing white as a bride started in the mid-19th century when Queen Victoria wed Prince Albert in 1840. Prior to that, brides typically wore their best dress, regardless of its color. It was Queen Victoria herself who chose to wear a white gown on her wedding day, which was quite surprising at the time, as white was not a common color choice for wedding dresses.
Interestingly, Queen Victoria’s choice of a white wedding dress was not intended to symbolize purity, as many people believe. In fact, purity was not associated with the color white until after Victoria’s wedding. Instead, Victoria simply chose to wear white because she liked the color and believed it would look stunning against the backdrop of Westminster Abbey.
However, once Queen Victoria was seen wearing a white wedding dress, the trend quickly caught on with other brides, particularly those in the upper classes. Over time, white became the preferred color for wedding dresses, and it eventually came to be seen as a symbol of purity and innocence.
Today, wearing a white wedding dress is still a popular tradition, but many brides choose to incorporate other colors or accents into their gowns. Regardless of its color, however, a bride’s dress remains one of the most important symbols of her wedding day, and the tradition of the white wedding dress continues to be an enduring aspect of Western wedding culture.
What did brides wear before white?
Wedding attires have undergone significant changes throughout the history, and white wedding dresses were not always the predominant choice for brides. For centuries, brides used to wear dresses of different colors, depending on various factors. Before the mid-19th century, when white wedding dresses became a popular trend after Queen Victoria wore one in her wedding ceremony, women wore dresses in various colors as per their social and cultural traditions.
In ancient Rome, brides were often draped in a bright yellow or deep orange veil, which symbolized the fire of Vesta, the goddess of hearth and home. Red was also a popular wedding dress color because it represented love, passion and fertility. In medieval Europe, blue was a favored color as it was believed to ward off the evil eye, thus, bringing good luck to the newlyweds. Brown wedding dresses, made from plain wool or leather material, were affordable options for commoners. Wealthy brides, on the other hand, wore dresses that were richly embellished with fabric trims, lace, and jewelry.
In early American colonies, brides wore dresses in muted colors such as gray, brown, and blue. Among certain Native American groups, brides wore dresses made of animal hides, and with intricate beading patterns, feathers and animal teeth. Traditionally, the Chinese brides used to wear wedding dresses in red, as it symbolized happiness, prosperity, and good luck.
The trend of wearing white wedding dresses began in the 19th century, with its roots in Victorian fashion. Queen Victoria’s wedding dress, made of white silk satin, lace, and orange blossom flowers, became a trendsetter for brides everywhere. In the years that followed, white wedding dresses became the norm for Western brides, symbolizing purity, innocence, and new beginnings.
Brides in various cultures throughout history have chosen to wear wedding dresses in different colors, reflecting their traditions, beliefs, and socioeconomic status. It was only starting in the Victorian era that wearing white became a popular trend, and it has remained a popular choice for Western brides ever since.
Did Camilla wear white to Diana’s wedding?
The question of whether Camilla wore white to Diana’s wedding has been subject to much speculation and controversy over the years. In popular folklore, it has been widely suggested that Camilla purposely wore white to the wedding to upstage Diana and cause her distress on her big day. However, the reality of the situation is somewhat different.
In Camilla’s defense, it would seem that she didn’t, in fact, actually wear white to the wedding. In Diana’s own words to Andrew Morton back in 1991: “So walking down the aisle, I spotted Camilla, pale grey, veiled pillbox hat.”
According to various sources, Camilla was well aware of the significance of wearing white to a royal wedding and reportedly chose her outfit carefully to avoid any potential controversy. As a guest at the wedding of a future monarch, Camilla would have been expected to dress appropriately and likely consulted with fashion experts and the royal family before choosing her outfit.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that Camilla and Diana were not enemies at the time of the wedding, and Camilla’s relationship with Charles was not yet public knowledge. In fact, Diana herself reportedly reached out to Camilla before the wedding to thank her for helping Charles during the breakdown of his marriage.
It’s understandable that many people have a negative perception of Camilla due to her affair with Charles and the breakdown of his marriage to Diana. However, it’s important to separate fact from fiction and avoid perpetuating unfounded rumors and myths. In reality, Camilla did not wear white to Diana’s wedding, and her outfit was not a deliberate attempt to cause upset or controversy.
