Wedding Dress History, Lore, and Tradition

by Christine Schultz

Until thenineteen-hundreds, brides hardly ever bought a special wedding dress, optingfor their best outfit instead. Here is some more interesting history and loreabout the wedding dress tradition.

Green was alwaysavoided, as it was thought to be unlucky. White symbolized purity and virginityand was also thought to ward off evil spirits.

Married in White,you have chosen right

Married in Grey,you will go far away

Married in Black,you will wish yourself back,

Married in Red, youwill wish yourself dead,

Married in Green,ashamed to be seen,

Married in Blue,you will always be true,

Married in Pearl, you will live in awhirl,

Married in Yellow,ashamed of your fellow,

Married in Brown,you will live in the town,

Married in Pink,your spirit will sink.

The white weddingdress, now a common tradition in the western world, originated with Anne of Brittany on the occasion of her marriage to Louis XII of France in 1499.But it wasn't until 1840, when Queen Victoriamarried Prince Albert,that the white dress was made popular. Now the white wedding dress is aclassic.

And the Groom's Attire?

To cut a dashingfigure, the groom should match the bride. For a formal afternoon wedding, heshould don a cutaway; after six, a black tie. There is no symbolism in hisclothes, as there is in the bride's. But there can, in fact, be symbolism inthe boutonniere he chooses. A red chrysanthemum means "I love you;" awhite rose means "I am worthy of you;" a sweet William representsgallantry.