White or colored wedding dress: Which is better?

Emily (Colored)

Typically, weddings are special moments filled with so much love and joy. Couples usually also take a few (or a lot of) pictures to remember this special day. For these reasons, it is important to ensure the couple feels their best that day and wears things they feel comfortable in, even if that means steering away from tradition. 

The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress came from 1840 when Queen Victoria chose a white dress for her wedding to Prince Albert, influencing Western wedding traditions. Before then, brides wore any color dress so they could be practical and wear the dress again instead of spending money on something they would only wear once. 

Additionally, white is difficult to wear because it can get stained and ruined easily. This can lead to a potentially disastrous situation should makeup, food, or drink happen to soil the dress. Moreover, it can be difficult to keep a white dress clean if the ceremony or reception takes place outdoors due to the presence of dirt or grass. Furthermore, not everyone feels confident in white.

Thankfully, bridal attire has evolved to include other colors such as champagne, a subtle dark shade of cream, and blush, which has pink hues. Brides in 2024 made their mark on bridal wear by choosing non-traditional dresses ranging from floral to black. Bridal lines now include these types of statement dresses, allowing brides to easily find dresses that embrace their style and make a statement. This trend empowers couples to prioritize their unique expression over sticking to tradition, making their wedding day truly their own.

Joanna (White)

For many, when they are asked to picture a wedding dress, a traditional white gown typically comes to mind. In fact, white dresses are so common for weddings that 85% of brides choose dresses in some shade of white. This tradition didn’t start until Queen Victoria wore white when she married Prince Albert in 1840. The color white is also associated with purity and virtue, which adds to its symbolism for such a significant occasion. 

Despite the traditional association of white with purity and virtue, misconceptions exist about who can wear a white wedding dress. Some may believe they have to avoid wearing white if they aren’t a virgin or if it’s not their first marriage. But fortunately, anyone can wear a white dress at their wedding if they want to—there are absolutely no rules against it. The sexuality and the past of the wearer are irrelevant; what matters is wearing what feels right and beautiful on their special day.

Furthermore, white looks great on many people. For example, natural white (also called diamond white or silk white) is a shade of pure white that complements those with more yellow undertones. Additionally, white as a color shines on its own, bringing light, beauty, and elegance to the wearer as they embark on this next chapter of their life with the one they love. Moreover, since people don’t often wear white dresses, choosing a white gown for a wedding becomes even more special. Embracing this tradition allows individuals to find a white gown in which they feel truly beautiful and confident.