Does wearing a white wedding dress symbolize virginity or first time marriage?

Question

I don't feel that I am grateful to wear a white dress, because I am not a virgin. I was thinking of champagne or ivory. This is my first marriage.

Answer 1

You may be married in any color you like from stark white to navy blue to safety orange!

Pick your gown based on your skin tone and body type rather than what's expected. The state of your hymen is nobody's business but yours, and the color of your gown isn't an indication of it. There are white maternity wedding gowns now, and one of the prettiest first-time brides I ever saw chose a gown of wild rose pink.

Don't concern yourself so much about what people may think of your color choice. Just find the gown that makes you look and feel beautiful and wear it with pride.

Answer 2

That rule went out with the ark, sorry but in this day and age stuffy old "traditions" like that can get lost. It is generally only religious people that view white as being pure, and as for that person "sage" that answered, well I hope she remembers that she will be judged as she judges others, I hate people that put their personal opinions on others, keep it to yourself is what I say!!! It is no ones business if you are a virgin or not, and if you want to wear white then wear white, you do not have to be a virgin to wear it, that is old fashioned nonsense. A wedding is a wedding, regardless of whether the couple are virgins or not, and as it is a new beginning what could be more pure than that? This tradition only came about because Queen Victoria wore white, and tell me any religious people out there, where in the bible does it state that you should wear white to your wedding? It doesn't, it is a man made tradition.

Answer 3

In the year 2007, there is no scarlet letter written on a girl's forehead stating that she is not a virgin anymore. 90% of the girls that head for the alter have had sex with their fiances, so don't fee bad. If you want pure white then go for it. This is your first marriage and you should have the wedding gown of your dreams. You may like the ivory gowns too, but don't let the fact that you are not a virgin anymore sway you away from pure diamond white for your choice in a gown. You have to love it...that is the most important thing.

Answer 4

A white dress was made popular by Queen Victoria on her wedding day. Before that date, brides would wear their best dress, no matter what the color. The white dress became a sensation because it was seen as an extravagant possession, one that could easily be ruined and therefore only able to be worn once.

A white dress doesn't symbolize virginity or a first time marriage. Some older people have this viewpoint, but it's an old superstition, not a rule. Pale pink, blue, or gold wedding dresses are currently popular. You should wear whatever color you absolutely love and that looks good with your skin tone.

Answer 5

My dress is ivory. White does symbolize virginity but I've seen women on their second marriage with a child wear white. It's not that big a deal, but ivory is better than champagne I think.

Answer 6

White symbolizes purity, and therefore virginity. In most of Asia, brides wear red for "luck." Some bikers have gotten into the habit of having "black" weddings...

If you're not a virgin, you can still wear white to symbolize that your intentions are pure. It's what's expected in most of the western world, so if you intend to wear some other color, consider what the people at the wedding will think... Do you want them all to wonder whether you're not a virgin, whether you've been married before... whether your not feeling "pure" about the marriage...

Sure, not everyone wears white on the wedding, but there is usually an explanation as to why they do not, and it might be good to give an explanation to the guests. Tell them one reason you didn't wear white, even if it's not the biggest reason. Then they'll feel better.

Answer 7

Years ago the always associated a white dress on your wedding day a sign of still being pure. But times have changed. You don't have to wear white and if you don't people are not going to think the worse about you. Different colored dresses are becoming more popular than ever before. Go with a dress you look great in and feel comfortable in. I know for myself personally I would go with a champagne dress because I do have lighter skin and just look washed out in a white dress. Hope this helps. Good luck and best wishes on your marriage!

Answer 8

White symbolizes purity...so yes, it's traditionally to be worn by virgins. I have waited many years and am proudly wearing my white dress, I feel as though others should respect that too, but they don't.

So as times have changed, I think that as long as you aren't living with him or have a child/pregnant you can still wear the white. As for a second marriage, I find nothing tackier than when the bride walks down in a white gown...who is she trying to fool?

Answer 9

Traditionally women who weren't virgins did not wear white dresses. It traditionally meant purity. But to day,anything goes. If you do not feel comfortable wearing a white dress then do not...wear a ivory or champagne dress.

Answer 10

Don't worry about the virginity thing. Pretty well every bride these days wears white because it is traditional, and many brides aren't virgins. You can even wear white for a second or third marriage.

Answer 11

Its supposed to symbolize virginity/purity, you giving yourself to your soon to be hubby. If it makes you feel better, I was living with my fiance for years up until the wedding, & I got married in white. I think the colors & what they symbolize aren't as important as they used to be. If you're not, or your family's not very traditional, then it shouldn't matter. My sister looks good in ivory & golds, so she got a beautiful ivory dress & my grandma practically had a heart attack. LOL. Good Luck!