White Wedding

A white wedding is a term for a traditional formal or semi-formal wedding in British and American as well as Commonwealth traditions. Brides in many other countries are adopting this traditional white dress. This term refers to the white colour of the wedding dress, which became popular in the Victorian era and came to symbolize purity of heart and the innocence of childhood. Later attribution suggested that the colour white symbolized virginity.

The tradition of wearing white at weddings began due to the choice of colour of the wedding dress of Queen Victoria at her wedding to Prince Albert. Queen Victoria was not the first royal bride to wear a white wedding gown, but the first of the modern era. White had been a traditional colour of royal mourning, and although not often utilized as such, white was not considered a suitable choice for a royal wedding.

Victoria's choice popularized the white wedding gown as no other had before her. Previously, brides wore their best clothes or the most expensive new clothes they could afford. Gold or gold-threaded dresses became popular with royal brides; the rank-and-file wore dresses that reflected their station. White was one of many choices, pastel shades were also popular.

Until the mid-twentieth century, many brides in the United Kingdom did not wear a traditional wedding dress, merely a specially bought dress that could later be worn as an evening dress. This was also the case in pre-20th Century America where working and frontier brides often opted for a formal look that was practical and could be used again on special occasions.

Traditionally, the choice of the style of wedding was limited by the condition of the bride (unmarried, divorced, virginal etc.); the groom's status was immaterial outside of wearing a formal uniform if he is a member of the military or police.

Some couples, wanting to avoid a perceived sexist connotation implied in the white wedding dress have the groom dressed in a white tuxedo to give some parity. By extension, other variations are sometimes included to further this spirit such as the Mother of the Groom accompanying her son in the procession to the altar.

White weddings almost always take place in churches and people generally seek to be married in the most prestigious or picturesque church they can find. This often leads to the often bemoaned phenomenon of such churches attracting the unexpected attendance of unmarried couples who are in the early stages of planning their wedding and wish to be married there, but would not otherwise set foot in church.

As a consequence, some churches require that the couple either be parishioners or pledge to join and participate in the parish. In the United States, such white weddings may also be held at the family's residence or in a private club.

The full white wedding experience means that an organist, a choir, flower arrangements, flowers for lapels and commemorative wedding leaflets with the Order of Service need to be arranged and purchased. Also the hymns need to be selected and a reading from the Bible chosen. (Note: A less religious or non denominational form uses well known classical and popular music.)

Modern developments that are not part of the traditional "white wedding" include "themed weddings" and "destination weddings." These are discussed at the entry Wedding.

For a white wedding to take place preparations have to be undertaken dependent on the denomination of the Church involved and in the jurisdiction. In the United Kingdom Anglican the couple needs only read the banns of marriage three times. In the United States, Roman Catholics must undergo a lengthy preparation with the Church, as well as meet any local requirements for a civil marriage.

Most other recognised denominations need to acquire a marriage license. In the United States, a marriage license must be obtained prior to the ceremony; some jurisdictions have a waiting period.

Additionally, potential white wedding marriage mates will need to be confirmed in or converted to the religion or denomination of the church. At the very least the vicar, minister or priest will want to interview the couple and possibly have them attend marriage classes of some sort.