Most brides today marry in white
which symbolizes maidenhood. This tradition started by the rich in sixteenth
century. The tradition was given a boost by Queen Victoria who chose to marry in
white instead of silver which was the traditional color of Royal brides. Before
the white dress brides wore their best dress. The color was a matter of
preference. The following is a traditional rhyme offering advice on dress color:
Married in White, you have chosen right,
Married in Blue, your love will always be true,
Married in Pearl, you will live in a whirl,
Married in Brown, you will live in town,
Married in Red, you will wish yourself dead,
Married in Yellow, ashamed of your fellow,
Married in Green, ashamed to be seen,
Married in Pink, your spirit will sink,
Married in Grey, you will go far away,
Married in Black, you will wish yourself back.
A green dress is thought to be unlucky unless the bride is Irish. The old
expression that a woman has a 'green gown' was used to imply promiscuity, the
green staining being due to rolling in grassy fields.
