Why Are Brides Dressed In White For Their Wedding?
White is still the normal color choice for brides today, although more and more women are choosing to wear other colors. Do you know the origin behind why brides are dressed in white for their wedding? We will explain this and other traditions on the wedding day below.
Why are brides dressed in white for their wedding?
Origin
While it is easy to simply assume that brides have always traditionally worn white on their wedding day, this is not entirely true. It was not until the 20th century that white became the predominant color for wedding dresses, although it seems like a long-standing tradition.
Dress colors in the Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, brides had different colors for their dresses to enjoy the day. In fact, the Spanish infanta, Teresa of Spain, wore a black dress to her wedding when she married Luis XIV of France.
All brides were dressed in white for their 19th century wedding
It was not until the 19th century that brides began to dress in white. It was the color of the Queen of England’s dress in 1840. Queen Victoria’s wedding was one of the most spectacular weddings in England’s history, and it was celebrated in the newspapers everywhere.
Paintings depicted the queen dressed in white. Queen Victoria even posed for a reconstruction image in her wedding dress later when photography became an option.
After seeing Queen Victoria’s glorious dress, all women wanted the same fairytale wedding, and white became a new standard for wedding dresses.
Although it is true that white was only used by the rich and powerful in this era until the 20th century, it was from this moment that the color white began to take root. It became the official bridal color as it was slowly taken into use by all social classes.
The significance – why brides are dressed in white for their wedding
The significance of the white color has remained the same despite the passage of time. When brides dress in white, they want to express purity, innocence and sincerity.
Although the meaning and dominance of the color has not changed, there are some brides who use other white tones that were not common before.
Off-white and ivory are varieties that are used frequently today. That way, the selection of options is even greater when it comes to choosing a dress for your wedding day.
Other traditions on the wedding day
Something new
Having something new on symbolizes the changes and new experiences that will be experienced in this great step, called marriage. It can be something simple because most of what brides wear to their wedding is something new.
For sure, the wedding dress that the bride wears is usually new in itself. The dress can function as “the new” and easily stand by this tradition.
Something old
In the same way that something new signifies the future, it symbolizes the past to have something old on. Brides wear something old to show continuity in family ties and friendships despite the marriage. The things that are used to follow this tradition are usually heirlooms from the family or the veil of the mother or grandmother.
Today, there are many brides who break with this cliché of putting friends and family behind them to show that they will always be themselves. You can use everyday things to indicate this, such as the perfume or lipstick you use the most.
Something borrowed
Using something borrowed on your wedding day means that the person who lent it to you shares your happy moment. Usually, the person who lends you the thing is already married and wants to transfer joy and wisdom to you by lending you this thing.
Something blue
Wearing something blue does not break with the tradition of brides wearing white. It is closer to another tradition in itself. This color symbolizes love and fidelity to your partner.
You have the option of applying this color to a discreet accessory, such as garters or something that catches more attention, such as your shoes.
