Why Should You Consider a Traditional Wedding Dress?
With the rise of modern wedding trends and less-traditional ideas of what a wedding should be, many couples still prefer the traditional white gown in favor of something more offbeat. But is that better or worse? You might have your own thoughts on that, but there's no denying that much has changed regarding wedding attire. From eloping in an unbuttoned coat for two Victorian lovers to donning Harry Potter robes as man and wife … we sure have seen it all, you get the picture? However, despite many changes, one thing remains constant: the importance of wearing a fabulous white dress that'll last you forever as a symbol of your big day. It's a classic! Something that has stood the test of time.
Why do brides choose white wedding gowns?
In spite of the widespread belief that white is the customary color for the bride's dress during American nuptials, this has not always been the case. Wedding dresses in early America were often hand-spun by the bride. The average modern bride needs nine to twelve months to order her wedding dress, as most are manufactured to order and require many fittings.
White was connected with sadness throughout the 1700s and 1800s, and no woman wanted to be reminded of loss on her wedding day, as reported by The Washington Post. While certain risk-taking brides, such as Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1558, made a statement by donning all white, this was not the case for the vast majority of brides. TIME reports that prior to the mid-20th century, brides at church weddings tended to wear the color red. Jewel-toned garments trimmed in fur and embroidered in gold and silver were worn by wealthy brides (mainly from the nobility) when they made their nuptials. The extravagantly colored and embroidered dresses were status symbols.
It's primarily due to a trend that began with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's wedding in 1840. Royal weddings back then were often seen as forerunners of fashion, much like they are now, even though there weren't nearly as many outlets for reporting on them. Weddings are always a big deal, and Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were no exception.
When the queen chose to wear a white gown (ostensibly to highlight the delicate, detailed Honiton lace, which was struggling at the time to get the limelight in Britain), her fashion choice gained immense popularity. It was widely reported in newspapers and magazines and soon began influencing domestic and international wedding trends. White wedding gowns were at first only worn by well-to-do women, but this "custom" quickly caught on with brides of all socioeconomic backgrounds in the 20th century.
Wedding dresses were around long before social media, so why not try something that has worked for generations of brides? So rather than ditch it entirely like so many other couples today, here are some reasons why you should consider bringing back the traditional white wedding dress after all:
1. Feel like a princess
For many, the feeling of a beautiful, elegant wedding dress is truly unlike any other. As you make your way down the aisle, you will experience a moment of pure magic that will give you the feeling of being a princess for the first time in your life. In fact, no other garment has such an enchanting ability to make you feel as memorable as a wedding dress. It's the ultimate way to make your day that much more impressive. You'll be able to cherish that feeling of being in love and being a princess forever by proudly wearing it for the rest of your life when you're married. You can even pass it down to your kids one day when they grow up and become adults. You can even consider preserving and mounting it in a frame for display. It's a breath-taking way to showcase your big day forever.
2. It's a timeless tradition
The white wedding dress has been around since the Victorian era, and it's now become a timeless tradition in the modern world of weddings. That's because it speaks volumes about the bride and groom and the sort of relationship they're starting together. Brides who want to make a good impression on their guests should consider wearing a white wedding dress because of the positive connotations associated with this color. It's a beautiful way to celebrate your new life with your partner and make your wedding day something truly memorable for everyone who attends.
3. You can proudly reuse the dress
A wedding dress is not just for one occasion—it's for every occasion! There are many ways to wear it to make your life more exciting and memorable. You can wear it to other weddings, proms, galas, and other fancy events. By doing this, you can make the most of your big day and stand out on occasion by donning your one-of-a-kind gown wherever you go. It's an excellent way to repurpose and reuse such a valuable item of clothing without having to throw it out or let someone else wear it. Doing this ensures that your dress will have a much longer lifespan than if you had just discarded it. Your dress can be a lifetime investment that'll make a lasting impression wherever you go.
4. It'll be a keepsake for your kids
Wedding dresses are symbols of love and passion, and many couples choose to keep them as keepsakes to showcase this for the rest of their lives. It's a great way to preserve the dress and have it around for display for many years to come. You can boast about it to your kids or even your grandkids someday, and they'll understand just how important the wedding dress is to your life.
That's because it'll serve as a symbol of your love and happy marriage—the very thing that'll make you want to preserve it in the first place. You can even have it framed and put on display in your house or put it into a box and keep it in your closet or attic as a keepsake. It's a great way to show off your wedding dress and save it as close to you as possible while preserving it for a long time.
5. You get to show off your unique body in white
It is especially true for women, who like to keep modest, as most wedding dresses are cut very low in the front and leave little to no coverage in the back. But with a white wedding dress, you have the chance to keep your body coverage to a minimum. It'll also provide plenty of coverage, so you don't have to worry about being exposed or uncomfortable.
You can enjoy the confidence of a white wedding dress while still feeling covered enough to feel secure with yourself. It's an excellent way to feel sexy and beautiful while also feeling protected at the same time. Your dress will not only make you feel confident but also provide you with a sense of security that's often hard to find with modern wedding attire. After all, a white gown is designed to be elegant and sophisticated, so you get to look fabulous while also feeling safe from being too exposed.
6. It'll make your Big Day even more special
The most important thing about any wedding is that it's unique and between you and your partner. That said, even with your bridal beauty look, a little bit of white goes a long way. Opt for a soft, white blush for a natural-looking glow that will highlight your best features. If you wish to try a bolder look, try a white eyeshadow. It's an attractive option for brides who want their eyes to stand out. It's a beautiful way to make your wedding day a memorable and unique one. Your dress will symbolize your love and commitment to each other, which is what you want your wedding day to be all about. It'll be a great way to set yourself apart from the rest of the crowd and make your wedding day truly unique.
Conclusion
The traditional wedding dress is white, and most little girls who daydream about their big day see themselves wearing one. Since white is the color of tradition, and many Southern ladies want a wedding that honors age-old traditions down to the last detail (something borrowed, something blue, etc.), this makes sense. Brides didn't always wear white to the altar, but those with an eye for historical detail will know that.
Fashion does repeat itself, and most brides today are still choosing to go the traditional way. Deviating too much from the tradition decreases the charm and the values they hold. Continue reading our blogs on AwayWedding.com for more inspiration related to weddings, wedding dresses, wedding preparations, and more.
