Today, Western wedding dresses are usually white, though "wedding white" includes many other creamy shades such as eggshell, ecru and ivory.
One of the first women to wear white at her wedding was Mary Queen of Scots, when she married François II of France.
It was not until1840, after the marriage of Queen Victoria to Albert of Saxe-Coburg that white became a popular choice of dress color. Victoria had worn a white gown for the event so as to incorporate some lace she owned. Many other brides opted for a similar dress in honor of the Queen's choice.
The tradition continues today in the form of a white wedding, though prior to the Victorian era, a bride was married in any color.
Later, many people assumed that the color white was intended to symbolize virginity, though this had not been the original intention. (It was the color blue that was connected to purity.) Today, the white dress is understood merely as the most traditional and popular choice for weddings.
Many wedding dresses in China are colored red, the traditional color of good luck.
In northern parts of India, the traditional color of women's wedding garments is red, a color symbolizing auspiciousness
In Japan, brides will often wear three or more dresses throughout the ceremony and subsequent celebrations with a traditional kimono, white and colour dress combination being popular.
If your after the perfect dress, try some of the links below to find that special one for you.
Wedding/Bridesmaid Dresses
Vintage Bridal Dresses
Evening/Ball Dresses
For all your wedding Reception/Party needs try Wedding Party
For an interesting look at Wedding Customs from around the world take a look at Customs
