Weddings are a celebration of love, and every couple brings their own personality, taste, and story into their big day. But even with all the personal touches, there’s one tradition that continues to dominate Western wedding culture: the white wedding dress. It’s so common, most people don’t even question it, but have you ever wondered where the tradition comes from? Our team of Toronto wedding photographers are here to break it down for you.
History of The White Wedding Dress
The white wedding dress trend began with Queen Victoria, who wore a white gown for her 1840 wedding to Prince Albert. At the time, brides typically wore colourful or practical dresses. White was seen as too difficult to keep clean. After Queen Victoria’s portraits were widely shared, white dresses became a symbol of wealth and status among the upper class. Only those who could afford to wear a dress once, and have it professionally cleaned, embraced the look. It wasn’t until after World War II that middle-class brides in Europe and North America started adopting the trend, thanks in part to the influence of Hollywood weddings and media.
Symbolic Meaning of White
In the years following Queen Victoria’s wedding, white came to represent wealth and privilege, not purity, as many believe today. Eventually, religious and cultural symbolism shifted. In Christian traditions especially, white became associated with purity, innocence, and modesty. This symbolism was often paired with the wearing of a veil, reinforcing ideas of chastity and humility before marriage. Today, most brides choose white simply because it feels iconic, timeless, and bridal, not necessarily because of what the colour symbolizes.
Wedding Dresses Today
Modern brides have more freedom than ever when it comes to wedding fashion. While many still dream of wearing a classic white or ivory gown, others are embracing bold, colourful alternatives that reflect their heritage, style, or personality. Here’s what we’re seeing more of at Toronto weddings:
- Ivory, cream, or champagne gowns instead of stark white
- Red or gold dresses for brides honouring Chinese or South Asian traditions
- Blush, dusty blue, or even black gowns for brides seeking something non-traditional
- Outfit changes, where the bride wears a classic white dress for the ceremony and switches to a more colourful or modern look for the reception
As wedding photographers, we love seeing this variety! The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful in what you wear. That’s when the best photos happen.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to feel pressure to follow every tradition, especially ones that feel so deeply embedded in wedding culture. But remember: even the white wedding dress started as a trend, and trends evolve!
So whether you’re wearing white, red, gold, black, or something completely your own, make sure your look feels true to you. Your wedding should reflect your love story, and your dress is a big part of that expression.
Need a wedding photographer in Toronto? Whether you’re going full traditional or putting your own spin on things, we’d be honoured to capture your day. Get in touch with us to book your date or learn more about our photography packages!