It’s the Newest Wedding Trend But Is San Angelo Ready?

Wedding traditions are always changing.  The traditional wedding almost always included a bride in a white dress.  A traditional white wedding dress is most commonly associated with goodness, virginity, innocence, purity and wealth. The white wedding dress tradition was started during Queen Victoria's wedding to Prince Albert all the way back in 1840.

Another popular color is ivory.  Some scandalous people tend to say that off white or ivory, which one often has to look closely to ascertain, is a color that sends a not-so-good message. These people whisper that off white represents tainted innocence.  In truth, many brides prefer ivory, because it looks better on them and flatters their figure.

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There are other popular wedding dress colors. Light Gold symbolizes wealth and elegance.  Red symbolizes Power, Love Warmth. In India and Pakistan, red is color that means good look.

A pink wedding gown is associated with femininity, innocence  as well as a nurturing and caring spirit.  Most brides who wear this color choose a pale lighter version that is innocent without calling too much attention. While purple symbolizes royalty, power and sophistication.

And then, there's black.

Google Trends reports that searches for "black wedding dress" have kept pace with "white wedding dress" over the past 12 months.  In fact, last September and October searches for "black wedding dress" outpaced searches for "white wedding dress".  It is the first time that this has ever happened.

According to David's Bridal one of the biggest formalwear companies in the country, they are now seeing more brides custom ordering their most popular wedding dress styles in black. May brides are finding black gowns chic and dramatic.

So what about brides in San Angelo? Jaylen at Bridal Boutique says she's definitely noticed more brides locally who are embracing the non-white tradition and that includes black.  We also talked to a former formal wear store owner who is still active in local fashions here in San Angelo ( she asked that we not use her name) .

She told us that the black wedding dress trend is not as popular in San Angelo, but there are a few brides here selecting it.   She says it may be rather unusual here, because of cultural barriers.  Many cultures regard it as bad luck to wear black for a wedding as it is traditionally the color of mourning.  It is also associated with witchcraft in some cultures.

So, where does this black wedding dress trend come from? . For some, it might be the Goth Style influence.  Traditional Amish weddings also often included a black wedding dress. For most, it might just be a way to rebel against convention.  Because so many weddings had to be postponed due to Covid, many brides feel that circumstances have dictated a new normal.  So, why not rebel against traditions, since we are all living in a new normal these days.

In the end, black is a very flattering color.  There are so many beautiful black wedding dresses out there. The wedding day belongs to the bride. She should boldly wear whatever color she wants.  If that is black, then so be it.