Most brides spend quite a bit of time and effort, and not to forget money on choosing the most beautiful dress for their wedding. Most North American brides choose a traditional white dress and years ago used to slip away to change into a ‘going away’ outfit, most often a dress but it could also be a pantsuit. The ‘going away’ outfit seems to have lost its shine, as most brides tend to stay until the end of the wedding in their original wedding dress. Some brides do however have a dress that magically transforms into a ‘cocktail’ dress or do a wardrobe change so they can be more casual at the reception.
This is not so in other cultures. In ancient Rome, brides wore yellow and orange veils. The traditional Irish bride wore a blue wedding dress rather than white. This color was a symbol of purity before white became the universal symbol for virginity. In modern China, brides pick not one wedding dress, but three. First, there’s the traditional dress an embroidered, slim-fitting dress that’s usually red for weddings, because red is a lucky color. Later the bride will change into a white ball gown; a bridal nod to the popularity of Western trends. Finally, the bride slips out of the reception to change into a third dress, this one usually being a cocktail dress.
Do what ever suits you as a couple, and of course what is within your budget. As I keep telling brides and grooms.. this is your day, so celebrate it in a way that uniquely reflects you!