Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. This week, because it’s a common dilemma, we’re answering a reader question about whether or not the bride can bag the blanc on her wedding day.
Question: Growing up, I never envisioned the whole fairytale, white dress, traditional wedding. As a more artistic person, my style is far from conventional. While I’m drawn to some of the gowns at the bridal boutiques, I tend to veer more toward those with color and am not so interested in shades of white. Do I have to wear a white dress to my wedding?
Answer: Your wedding day is a day to celebrate the union between you and your beloved and an opportunity to share your personality and style as a couple. If you want to wear an unconventional gown or even a pantsuit, the choice is yours. According to the Emily Post Institute, the tradition of the white wedding dress dates back to Queen Victoria. Prior to her wearing one, a bride would wear her best dress, no matter the color. Fun fact: The dress would then be worn on various occasions throughout the coming year. How’s that for practicality? As long as your attire is appropriate to the venue (for example, some churches have rules against showing too much skin), the formality of the affair and the climate, the color is up to you.
Do you have a solution to share or a wedding etiquette question? Respond in the comments or email Melanie@MyNewOrleans.com.
Above image:
From the Winter/Spring 2015 issue of New Orleans Bride, a Coco Couture Tiffany blue tulle gown with beaded illusion neckline and modified cap sleeves with demure A-line skirt by New Orleans Designer Courtney Lee Ippolito, exclusively at Linda Lee Bridal & Boutique; 2 carat diamond cluster engagement ring and 7 carat diamond tennis bracelet at Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers. * Ippolito, 28, joins her mother and grandmother at family-owned and operated Linda Lee Bridal & Boutique as buyer and visual merchandise manager and this season marks the launch of her own line under the Coco Couture label.
