COLORED BRIDAL GOWNS
Looking at different bridal gowns from various parts of the world brings me great joy because I get to see the different elements put into them, what each detail symbolizes depending on their culture, traditions or faith beliefs and of course the array of colours too.
Many brides do incorporate their favorite color or fabric into their gowns that makes them really stand out and we get to see their uniqueness. I’m happy to see more brides step away from the ‘traditional white bridal look’ and be a little more daring.
Well to begin with the rule about white bridal gowns is a self imposed one. Some take it as a sign of purity, a sign of innocence etc and I respect that. It makes me think about brides from other cultures though. If they wore purple does it take away from their innocence? Maybe that’s their sign for royalty. Blue for serenity, green for newness and a fresh start, a blush color because they are always tickled pink…whatever the reason I believe brides shouldn’t limit themselves to a tradition that has no roots.
The white wedding dress was first worn by Mary Queen of Scots and she was accused of cursing her husband because white was associated with mourning then 
. She wore it because it was her favorite color(
go girl!!!).White was only made popular by an “influencer”called Queen Victoria on the day she married Prince Albert in 1840 because she wanted something simple away from her royal lineage, that showed of lace beautifully and also by wearing this lace, she hoped it would boost the declining lace industry. Also in that period, finally a detergent that cleans white fabric properly was made.
The norm in those days was brides actually wore black or brown because it was practical, could easily be washed and the gown was worn as a regular dress afterward. Only the rich wore brightly coloured wedding gowns because coloured fabric was very expensive. It was only after the Queen wore white and it was published in the newspaper that every bride wanted to look like her and it stuck since then. That’s pretty much it folks!!!
so what am I trying to say, if your faith or culture doesn’t dictate a brides choice of color or fabric go right ahead and wear whatever pleases and suits you. Forget the ‘rules’. And if the bridal gown mafia tells you your ankara gown isn’t bridal, just ask them, says who?
Note: pictures used are for illustration.
