a style reflective of you.
What comes to mind when you hear “wedding dress”? A white gown is a seemingly timeless tradition, along with something borrowed & somethings blue. Wearing a wedding dress dates back to the middle ages when brides were expected to look and wear their best to represent their family’s status. From medieval times and throughout early western society, marriages involved a lot of politics, business and the union of two families. It was therefore important that the bride dressed in the most presentable way as she represented more than just herself. Did you know that back in the 1700s & 1800s brides were more likely to wear – brace yourself – red when they tied the knot! Wealthy brides would have jewel-toned dresses edged with fur and embroidered in gold and silver to make a statement as they married their loved one. Dresses were a display of wealth with the brightest of colors, the most luxurious fabrics and decorated to the extreme.
That all changed in 1840 when Queen Victoria set a new standard in true bridal fashion. She chose to forgo the royal tradition of wearing coronation robes and instead stunned the world by wearing a simple white gown. Made of silk and satin with lace accents. She wore only British made materials and claimed that white would highlight all the delicate lacework. Reportedly, she wanted to marry her significant other not as a queen, but as a women who loves the man she was about to marry – and the dress did that by reflecting her purity, innocence and good sense. The dress was charming and conservative, and quickly became the standard for stylish brides everywhere. From here on white has become the go-to choice for brides on their wedding day. It has become an iconic symbol of weddings.
The wedding dress now, very importantly, signifies a commitment and partnership to the love of your life. What you’re wearing on a day where you make memories that will last you a lifetime. How lovely is it that the wedding dress has evolved from being a representation of family status to being a true representation and reflection of the bride herself? Her style. Her character. Her values. Her authentic self.
Finding a wedding dress is such a personal experience. You may just know it when you see it or you might be completely overwhelmed by the baffling diversity of choices. The challenge now isn’t finding something beautiful to wear – it’s finding something that truly reflects you. As a person. As an individual. As a bride.
