Wedding dresses have been worn by brides in some form or fashion since weddings began. But why is white the color most often chosen in western weddings? Why do others cultures use red for wedding dresses? Both are interesting questions. To learn more about the color tradition of wedding dresses, we can start with our western culture and move around the globe.
Western Culture Prefers White Wedding Dresses
White wedding dress became fashionable when Queen Victoria wed in 1840. White wedding dresses were reserved for the elite, as they couldn't be worn again or washed. Less fortunate brides would wear white but then dye them another color or forgo a wedding dress — marrying in everyday clothes. As time went on, the white wedding dress became the symbol for virginity and/or purity. Christian cultures have perpetuated the tradition.
Eastern Cultures Prefer Red Wedding Dresses
Red, Silver, White and Gold Play A Large Part in Asian Wedding Dresses.
Red or brightly colored shades of red are common in Asian (China, Japan, Vietnam, etc.) weddings dresses. In China, wedding dresses are embroidered with dragon and phoenix symbols on red fabric with silver, white and gold threading. The phoenix and dragon are symbols of male and female. In Japan, the bride wears a traditional white Kimono, but then changes into a red one (symbolizing good luck) after the wedding ceremony.
Red, Gold and White Are Wedding Dress Color Choices For Indian Brides
With a heavy Hindu base, bridal attire in Indian is usually some shade of red. In fact, the prominent colors for Hindu brides are a combination of red, gold and white. However, bridal attire can vary by the region.
Gold Is The Delight Of Egyptian Brides
Egyptian bride wear gold or gold embellished wedding dresses. The dresses tend to be white linen with gold threading. On certain occasions, the dress is embellished with silver thread.
Every cultural has a rich and deep symbolism related to color. Wedding dress color takes it que from these long standing traditions. As the world's cultures met so do their customs and traditions. In our western culture, we are seeing brides mix color styles from other cultures into their wedding dress selections. It is truly a global world in which we live. Brides today have the flexibility to add color to their white wedding dress. So think outside of the traditional white wedding dress.
Wedding and Party Network, your number one wedding planning resource has a few examples of colorful wedding dresses below.
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