{Wedding Era Wednesday} Why white gowns?

Weddings are full of traditions today as we all know. Really though, where did all these traditions come from? There is an answer for everything and we wanted to start sharing some exciting facts about weddings that you may not know.

Why white gowns? Before 1840, color was of little importance. Practicality was. Women wore their best dress to their wedding ceremony and usually wore it multiple times after that day. It wasn't shocking to see a bride in red, black or even blue! What happened in 1840 that turned the fashion trend to white wedding gowns? Queen Victoria married Prince Albert.

That's when the white wedding gown became the tradition we know it as today. Queen Victoria wore a gown of white satin trimmed in lace, a matching white lace veil, and a crown of orange blossoms. From Europe to North America, she set a new standard of wedding attire. Later into the 1860's you would find weddings being completely achromatic (meaning all white). Bridesmaids even wore all white, something that isn't very common today.

Queen Victoria on her wedding day

One more fun tidbit. A common occurrence after your wedding in the late 1800's was to have your gown altered. The neckline dropped and sleeves raised, your wedding gown now became your new evening gown. Funny to think that we leave our gowns preserved, hidden away in a closet!

Feeling inspired by Queen Victoria's influence on wedding attire, here are some soft and intricate MEG Jewelry pieces that would fall perfectly into the late 1800's.

Abeye Bracelet

Abeye Earrings

 Shelly Ankelt

for your something blue!

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