To Wear White, Or Not….Its’ your Decision

At some point in her life, every girl will dream of her wedding dress. For those of us born in the last 50 years, a fairytale wedding (complete with a big, white princess dress) was probably on the top of our list (and may still be). Today, many women are still getting married in what is considered a traditional, white, long, ball gown. This tradition is only a little over 150 years old!

Started by Queen Victoria (in 1840 with her marriage to Albert Saxe), the white wedding gown was worn to signify wealth and class. Believe it or not, virtue had nothing to do with the status of the white dress. Wearing white was a sign you could afford to buy a dress that would never be worn again (white was next to impossible to clean back then).

After the Queen’s wedding, only the wealthy women tried to emulate the queen. Most women continued to have wedding dresses that were a variety of colors, fabrics, and styles. Even during the periods of World War I and II many women did not have extravagant dresses. Over time, the white wedding dress came to symbolize purity of heart and the innocence of childhood. Later attribution suggested that the color white symbolized virginity. It was not until the 1950’s that the white wedding dress became more of the standard as it is today.

An old folklore rhyme summed up the meaning of the color of your wedding dress. Though it is not used much today, the folklore is making the rounds as women are choosing colors for their wedding and the rhyme has even been posted in bridal studios throughout the country.

Married in white, you have chosen all right.

Married in green, ashamed to be seen.

Married in red, you will wish yourself dead.

Married in blue, you will always be true.

Married in yellow, ashamed of your fellow.

Married in black, you will wish yourself back.

Married in pink, your spirits will sink.

There are many shades of white, ivory, champagne, off-white, and every variety of color to match (or be worn on its own). The possibilities are endless!

Whatever you decision is for your wedding dress color, make it just that-your decision.