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Brides Dresses

History of brides dresses

Although the notion of marrying in white is associated with purity and it may feel like the tradition is age old, white only became the colour of choice for brides dresses during the 1800’s in Europe.

Before that time the bride had a choice of colors and brides dresses. The most popular colour before then was red. Red resembled joy and since it was also the easiest colour to die, it was the preferred choice for brides dresses. Traditional white garments came into being because most girls could afford the cotton and could create their own garments which could be converted to special occasion garments thereafter. It was however, Queen Victoria who set the trend for white. With her rule of purity and her wedding in white, she would spark the tradition which is kept by many today.

Bridal veils have a longer history dating back to the Roman Empire and even before that to the Biblical times when Jacob married the wrong woman because of a veil which covered her face. The Romans covered the brides to protect them from evil spirits that may have wanted to abduct the bride to be. Their veils were long and usually red or yellow. The veil would cover the beauty of the bride and thus prevent so-called spirits from whisking her away. The story of Jacob sparked a tradition in the Jewish community where the veil would only be lowered by the groom just before the wedding ceremony and then lifted before the wedding kiss.

If you are intrigued by the various traditions of brides dresses you will be more inclined to select a classic wedding garment. Browse our selection of classic wedding garments and partake in the traditions of old or select one of the modern styles to fit in with your contemporary lifestyle.