Traditionally White is the fashion?

Weddings are a universal rite of passage that allows one to separate from the old and become part of something new. Whilst the customs and celebrations associated with weddings vary from culture to culture, the tradition of the white wedding dress can be found amongst the majority of cultures throughout the world.
The tradition of the wedding dresses we see today is not static and unchanging; rather it is reminiscent of the fashions worn during the nineteenth century. Whilst the colours and styles have varied in accordance to fashions and circumstances of preceding times, the tradition of the white wedding dress remains comparable to wedding dresses worn in contemporary society.
The marriage of Queen Victoria to Albert of Saxe-Coburg in 1840 is often cited as the marker in which the tradition of the white wedding dress became popular; and has since set the precedent for the brides of today. By the 1930s, the tradition of the white wedding dress was resolutely in place, and weddings were perceived to be the only occasion whereby white dresses were worn. Whilst the wartime period briefly interrupted and influenced the fashion of the time, the resurgence of the tradition of the white wedding dress continued.
Today, wedding dresses continue to be white, however the colour white also incorporates creamy shades such as eggshell, ecru and ivory. The styles of the dresses continue to reflect contemporary fashions, featuring creative and innovative beading, stitching and embroidery. Choosing the right dress can be stressful and time consuming. Finding the right places to look can be even more taxing. Some things should be considered when searching for your dress.
As a general rule, the dress you choose should reflect your personality whilst complimenting your figure. The following should also be considered:
Check the workmanship of the dress and ensure that it is of good quality. You don’t want the dress falling apart on the day;
Sourcing designer dresses from overseas may seem customary, but Australian designers also provide elegant and stunning dresses;
Make the best of your figure and chose a dress that compliments your shape. Full-figured brides should select a dress that skims the body as opposed to hugging it. If you’re pear-shaped, then choose an A-line dress to hide the hips and thighs. Thin and tall brides should select a dress that accentuates the feminine curves, as opposed to looking thin and straight;
Ensure that you bring someone with you who will provide you with an honest opinion;
Remember that your dress will only be worn once, so if you’re on a tight budget, then don’t overlook the possibility of hiring your dress. You will probably find that you will be able to have that gorgeous dress you dreamt of without the price tag attached;
The shade of your wedding dress should accentuate your skin tone, and not make you look washed out. If you plan on tanning for the wedding day, bear in mind that the tone of your skin could alter the colour of the dress;
Accessories are great, but a good rule of thumb is the fancier the dress, the simpler the jewellery should be;
Consider the length of the dress. Envisage the type of shoes you will wear on the day and determine whether or not you will require dress alterations. You don’t want to be falling on the day;
If you want minimum fuss on the day, take into account the amount of time it will take you to get into your dress. Dresses with zips are great; you can jump in and get zipped up with minimal fuss. If you don’t mind preparation time, then you might like the look of the lace up back;
Whilst wearing a veil used to be traditionally part of the wedding attire, today it is strictly optional. If your dress is flamboyant, then you might like to keep it simple and not wear a veil. If you would like to formalise the dress a little, then the veil would be great.
The tradition of the wedding dress has developed over many years and has been influenced by social changes and developments. The contemporary wedding dress today is often reflective of past influences, either through the style or fabrics used. Whatever the dress you choose, should reflect who you are and the influences you bring into the marriage.