The white wedding dress is part of popular tradition. However, centuries ago it was customary to wear colors representing social position.
Many women who are about to get married dream of the perfect white wedding dress. But, although white is the most used color in Brazilian weddings, it wasn’t always like that. In centuries past, women used to dress in red, gold, green and even black on their wedding day.
Because, at the time, the important thing was not the color of the wedding dress. And, yes, its beauty and luxury with the aim of enhancing the social position of families. After all, marriages were the result of commercial contracts. But currently, most countries have white as their official wedding color. on the other hand, in some countries it is customary for the bride to wear dresses of other colors.
For example, in Indonesia brides wear colorful dresses with lots of embroidery, in Peru the tradition is to wear red and black. In Pakistan, brides dress in red, pink or purple. Furthermore, in India the traditional wedding dress called Greek Choli is usually red. Finally, in Italy they believe that the color green brings luck and wealth, which is why it is the color chosen by brides.
Ultimately, whatever color the bride chooses, the important thing is that the dress conveys her personality and that she feels good and fulfilled when wearing it. This way, the dress can be white or off white, have lace, embroidery, necklines, etc. Just align your choice of white wedding dress with the time of the celebration, the style of the party, your hairstyle and makeup.
Origin of the tradition of the white wedding dress
Many believe that the origin of the tradition of wearing a white wedding dress is because white represents purity, innocence and chastity. However, the choice of color may be related to the wedding of 3 queens and Napoleon Bonaparte’s coronation ceremony.
In short, in 1804, during the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte, he and his wife, Josephine, wore white costumes embroidered with gold thread. In fact, during the ceremony the couple also made their union official.
Similarly, in the 16th century, the Queen of Scotland, Mary Stuart wore a white dress at her wedding. Well, it was a tribute to his maternal family, whose coat of arms was white. Previously, the first to wear a white wedding dress would have been the Queen of France, Marie de Medici, in the 17th century. When the tradition was to wear dresses in dark tones and closed up to the neck.
Interestingly, the association of the color white with purity and innocence was made at that time by Michelangelo, due to the fact that the queen got married at 14 years of age. Later, in the 19th century, white also took on a romantic connotation thanks to the Queen of England, Victoria. Who was one of the first noblewomen to marry for love.
Anyway, in addition to the white dress that was very unusual at the time, the queen also exchanged her crown for flowers on her head and a veil, a fashion that is still used today.
White or off-white wedding dress?
Not everyone knows how to differentiate a white wedding dress from an off-white one, after all the tones are very similar and end up confusing brides-to-be.
Branco
The white wedding dress is the most classic, appreciated by brides who want a princess wedding. Furthermore, white symbolizes purity. Ultimately, the white dress is traditional, elegant and provides all the charm and pomp that the big day deserves. Therefore, it continues to be a favorite among brides who do not give up on traditions.
Off White
Despite being very similar to the white wedding dress, off white is a tone closer to champagne, beige or pearl. In other words, it is a white color, but warmer and pink. Therefore, this color is highly sought after by brides who prefer more contemporary alternatives for their big day. Anyway, it’s a trend that has won the hearts of many women who are about to get married.
How to choose the ideal wedding dress
Furthermore, it is possible to combine the wedding dress with white and off-white colors. However, it is important that there is harmony between the two tones, as a result, the bride will have a dress with personality and a mix of styles.
Anyway, if you are having difficulty choosing a dress, the ideal is for you to try several options of different models, colors and styles. Take your time, look slowly until you find the one that will make your eyes shine with excitement when you look in the mirror.
Also, a tip is to take your mother or your best friend to give you opinions or suggestions about choosing the dress. But, remember that in the end, the most important thing is that you feel good and happy with your choice of wedding dress.
Wedding dress inspiration for a civil wedding
To help you choose a white wedding dress or another color for your civil wedding, we have prepared some photos to inspire you. Check out:
Wedding dress inspiration for religious wedding
Likewise, so that you can be inspired when choosing your wedding dress, check out some incredible models.
So, if you liked this article, read also: Hairstyles for brides, 140 options to inspire you.
Bibliographic references:
BORGES, Wanja. “Why does the bride get married in white?”; Brazil School. Available at: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/curiosidades/por-que-noiva-se-casa-branco.htm. Accessed on December 14, 2021.
