1840.
White became a popular option in 1840, after the marriage of Queen Victoria to Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, when Victoria wore a white gown trimmed with Honiton lace. Illustrations of the wedding were widely published, and many brides opted for white in accordance with the Queen’s choice.
In this post
When did white become a wedding color?
1840
So why do so many of today’s brides wear white? They do so largely thanks to a trend that started with Queen Victoria’s 1840 wedding to Prince Albert.
What was the original color of a wedding dress?
white
The earliest recorded instance of a white wedding dress in Western culture is that of the English Princess Philippa at her wedding to the Scandinavian King Eric in 1406. She was dressed in a white tunic lined with ermine and squirrel fur.
Where did the tradition of white wedding dress come from?
A white wedding is a traditional formal or semi-formal wedding originating in Great Britain. The term originates from the white colour of the wedding dress, which first became popular with Victorian era elites after Queen Victoria wore a white lace dress at her wedding.
Who started the trend of white as the color for the bride’s dress?
Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria started the trend for a ‘white wedding’ in the mid-19th century, and Hollywood and royal brides have followed suit. Today, it’s a matrimonial classic and the ultimate fashion show finale.
What does the Bible say about white wedding dresses?
Isaiah 1:18 “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be whiter than snow.” The white wedding gown is not a symbol of the bride’s purity. It is an emblem of the work Jesus has done on the cross. It is a mark of the work the Holy Spirit continues to do, changing hearts, breathing life, making his people new.
Who was the first bride to wear white?
Philippa of England
In history, the first white wedding dress was worn by Philippa of England in 1406 when she got married to Eric of Pomerania. However, the white wedding gown tradition didn’t become so fashionable or gain popularity until 1840 when Queen Victoria of England got married to Prince Albert.
What color were wedding dresses in the 1700s?
The 1700s to 1800s Bridal Gowns
A decade later, white became the traditional colour for bridal gowns. Wedding gown fabrics were satin, silk, tulle, organdy, linen, and gauze-like materials. The more elaborate and pricier gowns were made from lace, just like the Queen Victoria wedding dress.
Were wedding dresses always white if not what color were they?
Only wealthy brides could wear a white silk gown, since they were wed in clean, elegant places that were removed from the muck and grime of life during the mid-19th century Industrial Age. These gowns were actually cream or ivory, which was more flattering to the complexion.
What did brides wear in the 1920s?
Brides that purchased or hand-made a wedding dress were still wearing medieval style gowns in the early 1920s. The gowns were tubular shapes with a silk slip dress topped with a beaded tunic. Silhouettes followed the same designs as party dresses and semi-formal afternoon dresses.
Can a bride wear white if she is not a virgin?
In a word, no! It’s not true. You’re living in the era of Bridget Jones, not Hester Prynne. Once a symbol of celebration and affluence (since only a woman of means could afford to wear an easily soiled dress just once), the color white now symbolizes purity (read: virginity).
What does wearing a black wedding dress mean?
WHAT DOES A BLACK WEDDING DRESS MEAN? Black symbolises power, mystery, strength, elegance, formality, and sophistication. It’s a positive, empowering colour, especially for women. That’s why it’s often the colour of choice for women in positions of power and authority.
Why don’t you wear white to a wedding?
It turns out that white is still the main color you can’t wear to a wedding. Eighty percent of brides wear white to their wedding, and it’s important that a bride stands out at her wedding. Even if it isn’t the intent, a guest wearing white can be seen as an attempt to upstage the bride—and that’s definitely a no-no.
Why did grace wear a purple wedding dress?
Tommy and his family have moved into a very posh mansion, where they held their wedding. Grace, it emerged, is free to marry him because her husband killed himself. She wore a lilac wedding dress to show she’s in mourning.
Was Queen Victoria the first bride to wear white?
Queen Victoria has been credited with starting the tradition of white weddings and white bridal gowns, although she was not the first royal to be married in white. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on their return from the marriage service at St James’s Palace, London, 10 February 1840.
Why do brides wear veils?
The veil came to symbolize modesty and obedience. In many religions it is seen as a symbol of reverence for women to cover their heads. When white wedding dresses were worn to symbolize chastity, the white veil followed suit.
What does the white wedding dress symbolize in Christianity?
Western Christian Traditions:
White wedding gowns are primarily preferred by Western Christian families. They are worn by the bride as a symbol of purity, innocence, and goodness.
Why do brides wear a garter?
Wedding Garter History and Meaning
One superstition was that owning a piece of the wedding dress would bring good luck, leading to wedding guests essentially attacking the bride to rip off a piece of her gown. This led to brides wearing a specific article of clothing to be given out as the lucky piece: the garter.
What does a pink wedding dress mean?
innocence
Pink: The color pink represents innocence, a child-like personality, freshness, purity, love, good health, and good life. It can also be worn to show a more flirtatious personality.
What does a purple wedding dress mean?
Traditionally the colour of good luck, blue signifies peace and purity. The bride who wears blue is just like calm water, life giving, and stable and endlessly loyal. Purple. An air of mystery and magic surrounds deeper tones signifying strength and power, whilst paler shades suggest romance and nostalgia.
What color were medieval wedding dresses?
Medieval Bridal Attire
In terms of color, most brides chose dark blue, the color of purity. These wealthier Medieval brides often chose shades of red or gold. Royals and nobles chose materials such as velvet, satin, or silk. Of course, a woman hoped for a silk dress above all others.