Before the 1800s, brides rarely bought a special wedding dress, opting instead for a homemade dress or their best outfit. White fabric was impractical and expensive. It was reserved for the wealthy.

Other wedding dress colors also have symbolic meanings.

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, you will 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 a whirl,
Married in Yellow, ashamed of your fellow,
Married in Brown, you will live in the town,
Married in Pink, your spirit will sink.

Wearing a white wedding dress originated in 1499 with Anne of Brittany’s marriage to Louis XII of France. When Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840, wearing a white gown, the white wedding dress became popular.

Nowadays, a white wedding dress is the traditional classic.

But brides often choose colors based on personal style or cultural traditions. Colors like ivory, blush, and blue, as well as black or patterned dresses, are now common.

What Does the Groom Wear?

The groom’s suit should match the bride’s choice. That might be a dress suit, a cutaway suit, or a tuxedo.

A cutaway suit is distinct from a tuxedo or a standard suit because it has a unique tailcoat design with a front that tapers away into long tails at the back. The cutaway is usually worn with a waistcoat (vest), a crisp dress shirt, and a tie or cravat and matching striped or checked trousers.

Accessories might include a boutonniere, a pocket watch, and sometimes a top hat, depending on the formality and wedding theme.

There is no symbolism in his clothing like the bride’s. There is meaning in the boutonniere he chooses. Different flowers traditionally represent love, devotion, or gallantry.

A red chrysanthemum means “I love you,” a white rose means “I am worthy of you,” and a sweet William stands for gallantry. Find out more about the meaning of flowers here.

If you are married, what was your wedding dress like?