Wedding Dresses of Different Colours: A bit of folklore

As with many other things in life, there is much folklore and legend surrounding the various other colours that brides have been known to wed in. One old rhyme seems to sum up these notions:
Married in white, you have chosen all right.
Married in green, ashamed to be seen.
Married in red, you will wish yourself dead.
Married in blue, you will always be true.
Married in yellow, ashamed of your fellow.
Married in black, you will wish yourself back.
Married in pink, your spirits will sink
Of course, most people will think nothing of this poem, apart from the fact that each colour has been coupled with a meaning that just happened to rhyme very well. We all know that there are plenty of people that have married in pinks, blues and every other colour, and have enjoyed a long and happy marriage. And we certainly know that there are plenty of people that have married in white, who have not prospered quite so well.

Women Haven't Always Been Marrying in White

In fact, in the grand scheme of things, the tradition isn't even all that old. The white wedding dress of today is deep-seated tradition, and for many is worn to signify virtue as well as uphold tradition. Millions -- in fact billions -- of women all over the world start thinking about the perfect white wedding gown before they have even found the perfect partner.

Britain is a place that is rife with traditions and legends, so it is little wonder that the tradition of the white wedding dress was started by the English Monarchy. It was the wedding of Queen Victoria that spawned the interest and popularity of white wedding dresses as we know them today.

Queen Victoria married Albert of Saxe in 1840, and wore what would then have been considered a flamboyant white gown. Of course, this did not start the tradition immediately; however, many women saw this as a statement of class and style, and copied the Queen by also getting married in white.

The white wedding dress in those days had nothing to do with being virtuous -- it was all about wealth. Getting married in a white, extravagant gown was a sign that you could afford to buy a dress that you would never be able to wear again because of its style and colour (whites were not easy to clean in those days as they are today!).

Of course, women still continued to be married in various colours and styles of dress -- it was only the vain and the wealthy that insisted on white to follow in the footsteps of the wealthy Monarch. However, during Edwardian times, the white wedding dress once more soared to new heights of popularity, as Coco Chanel unveiled its new knee-length white wedding dress, complete with extravagant train.

Even so, with the depression that followed World War I and the approach of World War II, many women continued to make do with whatever type of dress they could afford, and this went on for decades. Some women would marry in a short white informal wedding dress, which could then be dyed and used as an everyday dress. Again, it was only the fabulously wealthy that could really afford to splurge on an elaborate gown.

However, from the 1950s onwards, as the world watched Hollywood stars, royalty and members of high society get wed in stunning white gowns, the tradition of white became signed and sealed.

Design Your Red Wedding Dress

Since wearing a red wedding dress is becoming more and more popular among modern brides, there are designers who have included several red numbers among their bridal collections. Finding the perfect red dress can still be a daunting experience though, given the fact that designers will still cater more to the white wedding dress market. Luckily, there are lots of online sources such as redhotbrides.com where you can find designers who can make a red dress for your special day.
Here are some of the designers who can make you a dreamy red wedding dress:
Maggie Sottero wedding dress - Brookelyn - One-piece, strapless, A-line gown with zipper over inner lace-up closure. This style features horizontal contrasting bands around the skirt hem. Contrasting bands also accentuate the waist with a bow and sparkling brooch.
1. Maggie Sotero
As one of the most recognizable names in the bridal wear industry, the Maggie Sotero label has already reaped an impressive number of awards for its gorgeous wedding gowns. Sotero gowns are known for their perfect fit and excellent beading quality. Brides can avail of a high-fashion look for amazingly affordable prices. They can choose the perfect red wedding dress among Sotero?s beautiful designs. Some of the red wedding dress designs that are most popular include:
- Alice dress - a corset gown with asymmetrical neckline, a full A-line skirt extending into a rich train. The bodice is encrusted with Swarovski crystals and sequins
- Amara Lee dress - strapless gown with sweetheart neckline, accented with an empire waist
- Brookelyn dress ? a strapless, duchess organza gown with an A-line skirt
This Mori Lee wedding gown has a bold splash of red.
2. Mori Lee
Madeline Gardner is the brilliant designer behind the Mori Lee label. Her dresses for this category are mostly white with red accents. For those who can?t quite pull off the total red wedding dress, a Mori Lee gown is the great alternative. Some of her most popular designs include:
- An off-shoulder gown with a peaked empire waist and fully-embroidered bodice. The A-line skirt is accented with a hemline band in a deep red shade
- A halter gown with an empire waist, complete with a corset-style back. Red band around the waist and a red satin hemline sets the look off
Dress by Justin Alexander - Elegant and red hot sexy! See more of her in the wedding photo gallery.
3. Justin Alexander
Fantasy gowns are probably designer Justin Alexander?s label ? the wedding gowns have that rich and luxurious appeal. The label has a top-notch team made of international designers responsible for the modern yet elegant wedding gowns of the Justin Alexander name. The label is known for whipping out magnificent gowns at affordable prices. Any bride will surely find her perfect red wedding dress among Justin Alexander?s creations.
Web sites have been prominently praising the unconventional dresses made by Justin Alexander. One style in particular, the 8115, is very much in demand among unconventional brides. The 8115 is a stunning, red ball gown made of silk, with a strapless boned bodice and a full, floor-length skirt with asymmetrical seams. The look is completed with a matching red choker. The 8115 can be actually ordered in white if the bride is not gutsy enough to wear the red version. It is a bold, commanding dress that will make any bride a certified showstopper in her wedding day.

A Greek to Remember

Diogenes was a famous Greek philosopher of the fourth century B.C.，who established the philosophy of cynicism.He
often walked about in the daytime holding a lighted lantern，peering around as if he were looking for something.When
auestioned about his odd behavior，he would reply，"I am searching for an honest man."
Diogenes held that the good man was self-sufficient and did not require material comforts or wealth.He believed that
wealth and possessions constrained humanity's natural state of freedom.In keeping with his philosophy，he was
perefectly satisfied with making his home in a large tub discarded from the temple of Cybele，the goddess of nature.
This earthen tub，called a pithos，and formerly been used for holding wine or oil for the sacrifices at the temple.
One day，Alexander the Great ，conqueror of half the civilized world，saw Diogenes sitting in this tub in the sunshine
。So the king，surrounded by his countries，approached Diogenes and said，"I am Alexander the Great."The philosopher
replied rather contemptuously，"I am Diogenes，the Cynic."Alexander then asked him if he could help him in any way."
Yes，"shot back Diogenes，"don't stand between me and the sun."A surprised Alexander then replied quickly，"If I were
not Alexander，I would be Diogenes."