Cultural Influences and Symbolism Behind Colored Wedding Dresses
In the traditional collective memory of the West, white has generally been considered the color of choice for brides. While this is still the case for many people, there are numerous cultural influences that dictate the use of other colors.
Depending on the society you live in and how much leniency you want to take with your color choices, you might want to go with something other than white for the big day.
But there is a lot to the larger story, so to uncover the cultural meanings of colored wedding dresses, read on.
History of Colors and Their Various Symbols
It is interesting to look at the larger history of socially-acceptable color choices for wedding dresses. The standards have changed dramatically over the years:
- In ancient Greece and Rome, it was standard to wear bright, bold colors such as bright blue, saffron, and yellow. Color choices depending on the availability of dyes, of course, which were not as widely available as they are today.
- By the Middle Ages, there were particular fashions popular among brides of higher status. Royal brides were clad in gold and silver to illustrate their higher status in society. Poor brides, on the other hand, were forced to wear whatever they had, and this often meant wearing a dark-colored dress that would hide any stains that they couldn't wash out.
- It was by the Victorian era that white came into fashion for those that could afford it. During this period, the color came to symbolize purity and innocence as it does today.
- By the turn of the 20th century, dresses started taking slightly different forms, with light pastel colors, silver, and floral patterns becoming popular.
- During the war period, most brides reverted to something practical that could have more than one use as they often couldn't afford an extra dress of higher quality.
- In the 1960s and 70s, bold colors came into fashion that were in keeping with the political movements of the times.
- In recent decades, white and variants of it are again the colors of choice for many, but on a larger societal level women are free to choose what they want. Many choose colors either that they like, or which have symbolic cultural meaning for them.
Read more: History of the White Wedding Dress and What It Symbolizes
Colors and What They Represent
There are meanings behind different colors that are used in wedding dresses, and this even applies to subtle shades. We will look by overall category.
Variants of white
Some people still choose to go the near-white route for their wedding.
Ivory: Perhaps more than any other color, ivory represents purity and innocence. Having a softer look to it than pure white, ivory draws in the observer with its subtle charm. It is also said to symbolize new beginnings, which is perfect for weddings.
Champagne: As you would think, the color champagne (like the drink that it represents) symbolizes celebration and festivity. It has a warm glow about it, and gives off an air of sophistication.
"Blush" Pink: This color is for brides that want to have a tender look about them (and who look good in pink). The color represents romance and femininity, and they give brides a soft look.
Gold: Gold, of course, is representative of wealth and luxury. For brides that want to show off their social status or appear super glamorous, gold wedding dresses could be the color of choice. Depending on your own coloring, it can also be a great match for certain skin tones.
Bright Colors
Now let's take a look at the spectrum of bright colors. People who choose these colors are definitely shooting for a bolder look on the big day.
Blue: Given that blue is associated with an entire genre of music, it's not hard to guess what its deeper meaning is. The color symbolizes serenity and tranquility - the way one would feel looking at the ocean. It is said to evoke a sense of peace.
Red: Red symbolizes strength, passion, and love. For brides who really want to make a bold statement at their wedding, there is no better choice than this. Read more: What Does a Red Wedding Dress Mean?
Green: For the environmentalists among us, green is also an acceptable option these days. Beyond symbolizing sustainability, it also represents growth, fertility, and, of course, wealth.
Purple: Purple is still something of an unconventional option, but not an inconceivable one. Girls who go for purple symbolize higher intellectual concepts such as creativity and wisdom. It is also the color of royalty.
Black: Like other evening gowns that one might see at a celebratory ball, brides who wear black symbolize elegance and sophistication. It is said to be mysterious.
Consult a colorist, but go with your gut
These days, there's nothing stopping you from wearing whatever you want to your wedding. After all, it's YOUR day, right? You might want to consult a color specialist to gain insight on what best matches your skin tone and hair color, but in the end it's up to you. Choose a dress you will want to remember!
