Why do Brides Wear White?

This timeless tradition has been embraced for centuries, but its origins may surprise you. A white bridal gown is the quintessential bridal option, representing purity, elegance, and new beginnings. Our white wedding dresses come in a wide array of silhouettes, tones, and luxurious fabrics, offering brides endless options to match their vision. Featuring design details that correspond to the setting, the season, and your personal style, these gowns continue to evolve while honoring a long-standing tradition.

What are the origins of the white wedding dress?

The history of the white wedding dress starts very early on in antiquity. In ancient Greece and Rome, brides often wore white tunics as a symbol of joy and prosperity. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, brides from noble families favored vibrant colors like red, blue, or gold, as dyes were expensive and symbolized wealth. However, in 1559 Mary, Queen of Scots, defied expectations by wearing a white gown at her wedding to the Dauphin of France, despite white being associated with mourning in the French court. In general, the first brides who wore white came from wealthy families because white was high-maintenance, requiring frequent washing and special care. Since textiles were expensive, most brides preferred rich-colored gowns that could be reworn for other special occasions. White wedding dresses remained rare until a royal figure changed bridal fashion forever.

The bride who popularized the white wedding dress

It was Queen Victoria who cemented white as the color of bridal fashion. In 1840, she married Prince Albert in a stunning white gown made of fine silk and adorned with Honiton lace. Unlike the heavy, jewel-encrusted dresses worn by previous royals, her choice of white symbolized simplicity and romance. The image of her wedding was widely published, inspiring brides across Britain and beyond to embrace white for their wedding day.

How did white wedding dresses become so popular?

One of the reasons white wedding dresses became a worldwide phenomenon is their versatility. Whether for grand cathedral ceremonies or intimate garden weddings, white remains a universally elegant choice. As photography became more common, white wedding dresses gained even more popularity. Black-and-white photos captured the contrast and delicacy of white gowns beautifully, reinforcing the idea that white was the ideal bridal color. So, beyond tradition, white carries strong visual impact, making brides stand out against colorful floral arrangements and elaborate wedding décor. Finally, as fashion evolved, another reason why white wedding dresses remained dominant was Hollywood’s influence. Iconic film weddings and celebrity brides in elegant white gowns reinforced the idea that white was the ultimate bridal color.

What’s the symbolism behind the white wedding dress?

Throughout history, different cultures have attributed various meanings to the color white. In Western traditions, white became associated with purity, aligning with the ideals of innocence and virtue. For many, white represents also new beginnings, marking the transition into married life with a fresh, clean slate. It also symbolizes celebration, unity, and commitment. The significance of the white wedding dress varies from culture to culture, with great examples highlighting its different meanings and versatility. In Japan, for instance, brides wear a white "shiro-muku" kimono during the ceremony, symbolizing purity and readiness to embrace their new family.

Why do brides wear white today?

Brides continue to wear white because it evolves and increases in versatility, transforming and adjusting into an array of new styles. Over the years, trends like minimalist designs and statement-making embellishments have reshaped the classic white dress concept, introducing fresh ways to wear white on the wedding day. Simple slip dresses, dramatic sleeves, and intricate embroidery continue to redefine bridal style enriching the clean white surface with the effects of shade, sheen, or sheerness. Recently, vintage-inspired designs have made a comeback, bringing high-neck lace gowns and Victorian-inspired silhouettes in muted white tones back into fashion. Alternatively, modern brides are drawn to sleek crepe dresses and sculptural silhouettes that offer a contemporary textural take on white bridalwear. Today we wear white wedding dresses not only because of tradition but because they remain the ultimate expression of sophistication and timeless finesse.

The white wedding dress: among the oldest bridal traditions that stay alive

Many wedding traditions have evolved over time along with the white dress that remains as iconic as ever. Customs like wearing something blue for luck, tossing the bridal garter during the reception, and wearing a bridal veil for a dramatic look continue to complement the classic white gown. Matching bridal lingerie sets are a magical addition beneath the dress, while the bridal bouquet provides a personal touch that ties into the wedding theme. Another timeless tradition is the careful selection of accessories, including “something old” like a family heirloom and “something new” like a modern statement piece that enhances the beauty of the white gown.