THE image of a bride in a flowing white gown has become so familiar that many believe it to be a timeless tradition.
From royal weddings to movie scenes, white seems inseparable from the idea of marriage.
But is it true that wedding dresses have always been white?
Verdict:
FALSE
For much of history, brides did not wear white at all. Instead, their dresses reflected cultural symbolism, family wealth, or regional traditions.
In Chinese and Indian weddings, red has long symbolised joy, prosperity, and good fortune. In Malay weddings, brides often wear vibrant songket woven with gold or rich colours, paired with intricate embroidery.
For medieval Europe, blue was popular because it represented fidelity, while darker tones such as black were common in parts of Scandinavia, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Simply put, the idea of a “traditional” white gown was not the norm for centuries.
The shift began in 1840, when Britain’s Queen Victoria chose a white dress for her wedding to Prince Albert.
At the time, her choice was considered unusual. Yet, portraits and reports of her gown spread across Europe, sparking fascination and imitation among the elite.
White soon became associated with purity, elegance and, significantly, wealth — since the delicate fabric and colour showed stains easily and could rarely be reused.
Wearing white signalled privilege.
Over time, the trend trickled down to wider society. By the early 20th century, white wedding gowns had become firmly entrenched in Western culture.
So the next time someone says white is the “one true wedding colour”, remember — in Malaysia at least, our weddings have always been a rainbow affair.
References:
1) Vogue – Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the White Wedding Dress
https://www.vogue.com/
2) Britannica – Why Do Brides Wear White?
https://www.britannica.com/
3) Contrado – The History of the White Wedding Dress & How It Changed the World
https://www.contrado.co.uk/
