Is this true?

Question

Someone told me that if you get married in a pure white dress that it means you are a virgin and if you get married in a ivory dress that means you were previously married and you are getting married for your second time and that if you wear a colorful dress that means you have kids and/or this is your thrid or fourth and so on wedding.

Answer 1

Traditionally, it goes like that, but nowadays, you can pretty much wear whatever you like.

Answer 2

I quickly done some research, because I believed the whole white for virginity thing as well, I was suprised at what I found, here's some important points.

White did not become a popular option until 1840, after the marriage of Queen Victoria to Albert of Saxe-Coburg. Victoria had worn a white gown for the event so as to incorporate some lace she owned. The official wedding portrait photograph was widely published, and many other brides opted for a similar dress in honor of the Queen's choice. The tradition continues today in the form of a white wedding, though prior to the Victorian era a bride was married in any color except black (the color of mourning) or red (which was connected with prostitutes). Later, many people assumed that the color white was intended to symbolize virginity, though this had not been the original intention. (It was the color blue that was connected to purity.) Today, the white dress is understood merely as the most traditional and popular choice for weddings, not a statement of virginity.


The links below were pretty interesting. The second one even goes into colors in other countries.

Answer 3

Actually, the custom of wearing white to a wedding was started by Queen Victoria who married Prince Albert in a white dress. For the longest time, it signified that you had money because no one would wear a white dress only one day. Before that, brides dressed in their best clothes but no one bought special clothes just for the wedding. I have no idea where the other stuff came from.

Answer 4

No that isn't true at all, and anyone who tells you that clearly has not done any research on the topic.

The tradition of wearing white on ones wedding day started with Mary Queen of Scotts. It really became popular when Queen Victoria wore white to her wedding though, in 1840.

The reason these queens chose white was NOT because it represented virginity (The color blue represents purity if you want to get technical). They chose white because it was a sign of oppulance, and it was a way to show that they were so priviledged that they could purchase a dress to only wear for one day... (as no one of the time would regularly be wearing an all white dress around for daily tasks.

And just to give you a modern perspective, I know girls who were virgins on their wedding day who wore ivory, and also ones who wore dresses with red and black accents who were virgins. I also know ladies that are far from virginial who wore pure white.

The color of a woman's wedding dress truly has nothing to do with their sexual experience.

Answer 5

That is not entirely true.

The white wedding dress became popular in the Victorian era and came to symbolize purity of heart and the innocence of childhood.

Later attribution suggested that the color white symbolized virginity.

But, you can wear WHATEVER color you want to wear!

If you are not a virgin, and you want to wear white, DO IT!

Its none of anyone's business or concern if you are a virgin or not while wearing a white wedding dress.

Answer 6

It's rubbish, think about it, in India the brides wear red and they are more likely to be virgins than UK/USA brides. It's just our custom that brides marry in white and weddings are big lavish affairs. It's only deeply religious people that view white as "virginal" which is not true, blue is in fact the colour for purity. Queen Victoria wore white and it became popular after that, only the wealthy could afford to keep white clean (or they could afford to discard the garment after one wear) so it is in fact a status symbol and nothing to do with virginity. I am also extremely uncomfortable with the thought of guests speculating on a person's virginity based on the colour of their dress, it is none of their business!!!!

Answer 7

I'm wearing a colored dress and I can tell you I don't have kids.

Lots of people opt for different styles and colors just because they like it better. Some people just don't like the color white on them (like I do). Others just want to wear something they really like.

I just like this maroon dress I found and that's what I'm wearing. It's become a trend in England to wear red dresses. It's becoming common here to at least add a splash of color.

Answer 8

That is the old saying as far as tradition is concerned. But not everyone wears white gowns-that is really only for americans. There are many cultures where white is used for funerals and instead they wear colored dressed. I think today it is totally acceptable to wear whatever color dress you want whether it is to stick with the old american tradition or cultural traditions from any other country.

Answer 9

When our grandparents got married, that was true. Now, any color goes. I just saw a bridal magazine the other day that had a gown that was pure white with a deep purple panel in the back!

Answer 10

That may be an old, out of date tradition but nowadays you can wear what ever you want. Historically any color best gown was worn for a wedding and only the weathy, titled and royalty wore white to distinguish themselves from teh masses.

Answer 11

When I first got married, 35 years ago (to my ex) first time brides had the choice of either bright white or ivory...it was a matter of what shade was most complimentary to their skin tones.

Things have changed.....there are no rules that dictate color of the wedding attire and 1st, 2nd, etc marriages...go with what you want.