Page "Bride" Paragraph 8

For first marriages in Western countries, a white wedding dress is usually worn, a tradition started by Queen Victoria's wedding.

Through the earlier parts of the 20th century, Western etiquette prescribed that a white dress should not be worn for subsequent marriages, since the wearing of white was mistakenly regarded by some as an ancient symbol of virginity, despite the fact that wearing white is a fairly recent development in wedding traditions, and its origin has more to do with conspicuous consumption from an era when a white dress was luxurious, even prodigal, because of difficulties with laundering delicate clothes.

Today, Western brides frequently wear white, cream, or ivory dresses for any number of marriages ; the color of the dress is not a comment on the bride's sexual history.

Outside of Western countries, brides most commonly wear national dress.

White wedding dresses are particularly uncommon in Asian traditions, because white is the color of mourning and death in those cultures.

In many Asian cultures, red is usual for brides, as this colour indicates vibrance and health and has over time been associated with brides.

However in modern times other colours may be worn, or Western styles preferred.

Regardless of colour in most Asian cultures bridal clothes are highly decorative, often covered with embroidery, beading or gold.

In some traditions brides may wear more than one outfit, this is true for example in Japan, parts of India, and, archaically, in parts of the Arab world.