Free Article: White Wedding

You are here:
Directory | Wedding |

The Tradition Of A White Wedding
By Barbara Kelly

The traditional “white wedding” is an affair in elegance and formality. The traditional custom of the bride wearing white in her wedding originated in the Victorian era when the white wedding dress was recognized as a symbol for purity. The wearing of a white wedding dress was only appropriate in the first marriage for both bride and groom.

Today the term “white wedding” means that the event is going to be traditional or semi-formal. The term is actually speaking in terms of the color of the gown, white, which has come to symbolize purity of heart and body.

The Influences of World War I On The World Of Weddings

Prior to World War I, most women wore formal style dresses during their wedding that were useful and could be worn later for special occasions. The modern bridal gown as part of a formal wedding began post World War I when mothers began to plan large events for the marriages of their daughters. In many cases, young women of today begin planning their dream marriage long before they ever meet the man of their dreams.

Bride’s Magazine, a popular bridal magazine created in 1934, began as an advertising leaflet that created the idea of formal weddings. Their competitor, Modern Bride came into existence in 1949. These two magazines significantly affected the “white wedding” as it is known today. With the influence of these two magazines, the small family event once known as a wedding is now a multi-billion dollar industry.

The White Wedding Of Today

Today, a traditional “white wedding” is an event that includes a formal wedding service at a church or religious facility. Only guests that received formal wedding invitations attend the event. The guest list is made up of family, friends and business associates. The ceremony is followed by a reception that usually includes a meal, an elaborate wedding cake and champagne toasts to the newlyweds. The reception provides an opportunity for guests to meet the bride and groom and to celebrate the wedded union. In addition to the meal, there is usually a first dance between the bride and groom, the cutting of the wedding cake and the throwing of the bouquet and garter.

Today brides in a traditional “white wedding”, usually follow an age old tradition found in a wedding poem, “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”. It is considered good luck for newlyweds if the bride carries something from each of the stanzas of the poem or if she is able to find one item that fills all the categories. Often times she will receive a gift from a family member that completes the poem and provides a special memento from this special day.

Author Details:
Barbara Kelly writes for a number of sites about weddings and related. You may find the following links useful: Jewelry, watches & wedding photography

Article Source: Free Article Directory

NOTE: This article may be reproduced ONLY if this note, the author details, source and ALL links remain in place and active.

Articles About Weddings:

See also: Wedding favors, wedding gifts, wedding invitation, wedding planner & wedding photography