The History of Bridal

Bridal is a word that we associate with weddings. It’s used to describe anything related to the bride, the wedding party, or events leading up to the big day. When you’re searching for the perfect dress, shoes, or accessories, bridal is usually the term that comes to mind.

The history of bridal is a fascinating one, with the word coming from Old English, where it had two meanings. The first, which is still associated with the word today, was brdl, which meant “a banquet for a bride.” This was a tradition that was part of the marriage celebration, and it took place right before the actual wedding. The other sense of the word, which is now mostly associated with the wedding dress itself, dates back to around the 17th century. This was when it was first used to refer to a white dress that a bride would wear on her special day.

White is now the overwhelming choice for most American brides, and it’s become almost a uniform for the big day. It’s a look that symbolizes purity, innocence, and a new beginning. But the idea of a wedding dress in white only became standard practice during the Victorian era. Prior to that, women wore whatever color their best dress happened to be. Regardless of whether or not white was worn as the default bridal look, it certainly became popular for brides to do so after Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840.

It’s also interesting to note that, until the middle of the 19th century, no woman—not even royalty—expected to wear her wedding dress only once. Instead, she might keep the gown or veil to repurpose for subsequent occasions, or simply wear it as her Sunday best. This practice was likely inspired by the idea of emulating the style of royal brides.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your own wedding day, there are few better places to start than with the iconic brides of the past. From the dresses they wore to their heartfelt speeches, these women set the bar for what it means to be a bride.

Who Should Take Note: The uptown bride who leans more conservative than preppy and appreciates a sleek, sophisticated silhouette.

While planning a wedding can be stressful, it’s also an exciting time to create a unique moment that’s all your own. As you celebrate with your family and friends, remember that this is a time to reflect on your love story and show your appreciation for the people who have come together to support you. A bride’s speech is a great opportunity to do just that. Whether you’re opting for jokes or sentimental stories, it’s important to speak from the heart and honor your partner for their commitment to you.