The Charming History of White Wedding Dress
While wedding videography can show you brides decked in beautiful wedding dresses with distinct styles and COLORS yet there’s something about the white dress that makes it classic.
Have you ever wondered how this tradition of white wedding dress started?
Well, you will be surprised to know that white was not the color of choice for weddings. White wedding dresses came into being in the mid 19th century. These became customary in the mid 20th century. If we look at the numbers today, 82% of American brides wear white wedding dresses.
So, without further ado let's see what made it special?
History of White Wedding Dress
Now, as wedding videographers swear on the white wedding dresses, there's a long history that makes it special.
In the early 19th century, brides did not necessarily wear white. Not only was it impractical, but also not considered a financially good decision to purchase a dress that can only be worn once. So, the upscale weddings preferred a fancy dress while the lower classes opted for a black dress.
Who Started the White Wedding Dress Trend?
Queen Victoria in the year 1840 married Prince Albert which was the talk of the town in that era. She wore a white dress in Honiton lace to aid the struggling factory where the fabric was manufactured.
The royal wedding was heavily photographed with more focus on the bride. The Queen paired her white gown with a flower crown instead of a tiara to show her more down-to-earth style. As this wedding was being photographed, the photos were shared around the globe.
The new brides took note of the wedding style and the gown. Little did the Queen know that she was about to change the wedding industry forever.
The White Wedding Dress Became a Status Symbol
After Queen Victoria set the trend, the wealthy brides began wearing white gowns. Some books at that time also noted that white shows purity, innocence and hence are ideal for a wedding dress. However, instead of purity, it was more of a color of the rich and showing off one's wealth.
These Weren't Still Popular Until World War II
During the time of the great depression and World War II, fancy dresses and fabrics were hard to come by. Hence, the rich white wedding dresses were replaced by none white ones. The time was so difficult that some dresses were even made from repurposed silk parachutes.
After the war was over, the white wedding dresses started making the market. These were available in tea-length inspired by Audrey Hepburn. Long gowns started taking the fashion industry by storm. Adding to it, Princess Diana walked down the aisle in her grand ivory silk taffeta and lace gown in 1981. Since then, white wedding dress solidified in history.
Takeaway
Yes, the white wedding dress is eternal. However, contrary to the popular belief, it does not signify purity. It is something crafted by the rich for the rich. So, if you are planning to say Yes! You can do that easily in other colors.