Why do brides wear white? If you have ever envisioned your perfect wedding, chances are you imagine yourself in a beautiful white dress. White is seen as the traditional color for Western weddings. But where does that tradition come from? Many mistake it as a sign of virginity; but white actually has more to do with joyful celebration and purity. It is considered appropriate for any bride to wear white, if she wishes.
White wedding gowns first came in to vogue when Queen Victoria wore a white wedding dress for her 1840 wedding. Her wedding photo was published and women then wanted to emulate her style. A white dress was perceived as a sign of wealth and class.
Throughout history women have skipped the white gown; choosing to wear their best outfit as an alternative to an extravagant dress. To some, a white wedding dress was seen as wasteful because the bride would not be able to wear it again.
With the advent of department stores in the 19th century, many brides found it easier to realize their dream of a white wedding dress. From about 1950 on, white gowns became more popular and more accessible creating a way for women to emulate the styles worn by movies stars, royalty and high-society brides.
More concerned with self-expression than tradition, the 21st century bride tends to beat to her own drummer. Although the white wedding dress tradition still holds true for many brides, other wedding dress colors are both acceptable and available.
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