You have probably noticed that, especially in Western cultures, wedding dresses come in an incredible variety of shapes and sizes, but they are almost all white. 80% of women in Western cultures get married in a white wedding dress. However, this has not always been the case. We explain here why wedding dresses are white today.
The first white wedding dress
You probably can't imagine now choosing a wedding dress that isn't white. In the past, it was the tradition to marry in dresses of color; red was a popular color for wedding dresses. The tradition of a white dress originated in 1499 when Anne of Brittany married Louis XII of France. She was one of the first to choose a white dress. However, this did not catch on immediately. It wasn't until 1840 that the white dress truly became popular. Queen Victoria married Prince Albert that year in a white dress she had designed herself. At the time, a white dress symbolized mourning and was considered highly inappropriate to get married in. Nevertheless, she chose a white dress for herself and her 12 bridesmaids. In the years that followed, white wedding dresses became increasingly fashionable. In 1849, it was even suggested that wedding dresses should have always been white.
The tradition of the white dress
It was not until after the Second World War that the white dress truly became a tradition in Western countries. The dresses remained very conservative. Much changed in the 60s and 70s as people chose their freedom more. Women wore trousers for the first time, and wedding dresses became less conservative.
Wedding dresses today
Nowadays, white dresses are chosen by both tradition and fashion. Wedding dress styles are influenced by the dresses on red carpets and fashion shows.
What does the color white stand for?
The color white for a wedding dress symbolizes virginity. In the past, a white dress showed that you were a virgin, and therefore you could not wear a white dress when getting married for the second time. This is now outdated because the world has changed a lot.
Do you have to wear a white dress?
No, you are free to choose your wedding dress. It is important that you feel comfortable in it yourself, because it is your day! However, for many people, a dress only feels like a wedding dress when it is white or off-white. Moreover, you are not obliged to wear a dress. Nowadays, there are also beautiful suits and jumpsuits to get married in!
Are you looking for your dream dress?
Then come and visit the Bridal Fashion Outlet in Rotterdam. You can simply walk in without an appointment. You can browse around on your own, and when you are ready to try on dresses, one of the staff members will assist you and provide personal advice. The advantage of a bridal fashion outlet is that the dresses are delivered from stock. So you don't have to deal with a delivery time of 5+ months. The dresses are new and of high quality, but discounted because suppliers are, for example, making room for other collections. Discounts can reach up to 70%!
Let yourself be surprised by our collection.
Come by, check out the dresses, and discover what suits you. Say yes to the dress!