Why is the wedding dress white?

On the wedding day, the choice of the dress colour is significant for the bride. To uphold tradition, some women still opt for white. However, the rules have relaxed, and colourful and whimsical wedding dresses have become increasingly popular. Despite this, white remains a cherished traditional colour. Interestingly, the white dress has not always been the norm in France or elsewhere; it is, in fact, a relatively recent tradition. In this article, discover why the wedding dress is white.

The White Dress, a Custom in Ancient Times

In ancient times, the white dress was quite common. In Ancient Egypt, white symbolised many things, including light and joy. It was worn for all celebrations, from weddings to mourning. During their nuptials, women adorned themselves in long linen tunics, either white or ecru. In Ancient Rome, the attire was codified: it consisted of a long white tunic symbolising purity, fastened with a large knot representing chastity, which only the groom would untie on the wedding night. However, the colour white later faded from wedding ceremonies and did not return until much later in history.

Wedding Dresses of Various Colours Until the 19th Century

During the Middle Ages, most families were impoverished. The wedding dress was not worn just for that one day in a woman's life. Women had very few outfits and would wear their best dress, often their Sunday best. The colour white was not widely popular, as it was difficult to maintain and clean, and ill-suited for the hard work of domestic duties or fields. Generally, red or black was more common. Occasionally, traditional regional attire was worn. Among the wealthy, luxury was displayed with more colourful dresses, featuring touches of gold and noble fabrics like ermine fur. The first recorded white wedding dress was worn by Mary Stuart I in 1558 during her wedding to Francis II. However, this does not connect to the current tradition; the bride's attire reflected her family's colour, the De Guise.

The Tradition of the White Dress Established in the 19th Century

Queen Victoria I married Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in 1840 in Great Britain. At this occasion, and to everyone's surprise, she wore a white dress, which was quite unconventional. She enjoyed the colour so much that she wore it frequently at various events. A simple yet elegant dress adorned with lace made quite an impression. However, it was the Catholic Church that ascribed a symbolic meaning to the white dress, associating it with purity. In 1858, when Bernadette Soubirous claimed to have encountered the Virgin Mary in the cave of Lourdes, she stated that the Immaculate Conception wore entirely white. The Church immediately associated this colour with virginity. As a result, white became more frequently adopted in wealthy families. However, it was more a symbol of wealth than of purity. The family indicated their effort by purchasing a dress that would only be worn once. The white dress thus became a sign of the bourgeoisie above all. It was typically quite simple, embellished with lace, and accompanied by a veil. The rise of department stores in the latter part of the 19th century and advancements in design created a market and a fashion that became entrenched in traditions.

Symbols, Traditions, and Elegance

Throughout the 20th century, wearing a white wedding dress became the norm. For traditional Catholic weddings, white has become the symbol of the wife's chastity before marriage. She thus commits her life to her husband in front of God. White is therefore essential. The church wedding and ceremony naturally impose this. However, the white dress is not always mandatory, particularly from the 1980s onwards. The evolution of society, which no longer upholds virginity as a value of marriage, tends to relax the rules. Nonetheless, the tradition of the white dress persists for several reasons.

Honouring Traditions

The wedding dress is a gown that is typically worn only once. Understanding the symbol it represents, women take special care in choosing their attire. In the collective imagination, the dress holds symbolic value. White, traditionally seen as the colour associated with brides, remains cherished. When the wedding takes place in a church, and when the family has a Catholic tradition, this type of attire remains common. Additionally, some women enjoy embracing family tradition, honouring their mothers and grandmothers who married in white. It all depends on the family's history and the bride's imagination.

The White Dress, a Sign of Elegance

White, a neutral colour, signifies elegance. Very easy to wear, the white dress suits all women and fits with all seasons. Bright and easy to accessorise, embodying simplicity and elegance, it continues to be valued for these reasons. Moreover, the white wedding dress is incredibly photogenic, making it a perfect choice for capturing beautiful memories of this special day. Nowadays, it's often a purely aesthetic choice. If you're looking for a stunning wedding dress, we recommend considering a special bohemian dress. The wedding dresses from Boho Via are specially designed for this exceptional day.

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The white wedding dress is therefore a relatively recent tradition. While its origins date back to ancient times, along with its virgin connotations, this is not the version that has persisted in our society. Once, when the wedding dress was not only meant for the wedding day, white was quite uncommon. It ultimately became a symbol of purity under the influence of the Catholic Church and initially served as a religious symbol. Over time, wearing a white wedding dress has become more of a personal choice, not dictated by anyone. Women now wish to uphold a tradition or an aesthetic.