White wedding dresses have become a symbol of purity, elegance, and new beginnings.
For many brides, wearing a white dress is one of the most important traditions of their wedding day.
But where did this tradition come from?
And more importantly, does the Bible say anything about wearing a white wedding dress?
While the Bible does not specifically mention wedding dresses, it does have a lot to say about purity, marriage, and the symbolism of white clothing.
Let’s explore what Scripture teaches about wedding attire and whether white wedding dresses carry any biblical significance.
The History of the White Wedding Dress
Many people assume that white wedding dresses have always been a tradition, but this is not true.
For most of history, brides wore whatever nice clothing they had, regardless of color.
The idea of a white wedding dress became popular in Western culture after Queen Victoria wore one for her wedding in 1840.
Before this, brides often wore colorful dresses, including blue, red, and even black, depending on their culture.
The white dress eventually became a symbol of purity, innocence, and the sacredness of marriage.
Today, it is the most common choice for brides in many parts of the world.
Does the Bible Mention White Wedding Dresses?
The Bible does not specifically command or forbid wearing a white wedding dress.
There are no verses that say brides must wear white or any other specific color.
However, the Bible does use white clothing as a symbol of purity, righteousness, and holiness.
Revelation 19:7-8 describes the church as the bride of Christ, saying,
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
This passage does not refer to a literal wedding dress, but it does use white garments to represent the spiritual purity of believers.
White as a Symbol of Purity
Throughout the Bible, the color white is associated with cleanliness and righteousness.
Isaiah 1:18 says,
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
This verse shows that white represents the cleansing power of God’s forgiveness.
Just as snow is pure and unstained, those who trust in God are made spiritually clean.
When a bride wears a white dress, it can serve as a reminder of this spiritual truth.
Marriage is a sacred covenant, and a white dress can symbolize entering into that covenant with purity and commitment.
The Bride of Christ and the Church
The Bible often compares the relationship between Christ and the church to a bride and groom.
Ephesians 5:25-27 says,
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Just as a bride prepares herself for her wedding, the church is called to be spiritually pure and ready for Christ.
The image of a spotless bride in a white dress reflects the holiness that believers should seek in their relationship with God.
Is Wearing a White Dress Required for a Christian Wedding?
While white has symbolic meaning, there is no biblical rule that requires a bride to wear white.
Weddings in biblical times were very different from modern Western weddings.
Brides did not wear white dresses, veils, or carry bouquets.
Instead, they often wore colorful garments, fine jewelry, and sometimes head coverings.
For example, in Genesis 24:65, when Rebekah met Isaac, she covered herself with a veil.
In Song of Solomon, the bride is described as wearing beautiful jewelry and rich clothing, but no specific mention of a white dress is made.
This means that choosing a white wedding dress is a personal decision, not a biblical command.
The Importance of the Heart Over Appearance
While wedding attire is meaningful, the Bible emphasizes inner purity over outward appearance.
First Peter 3:3-4 says,
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel.
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
This does not mean that dressing beautifully is wrong, but it reminds brides that their character and faithfulness are far more important than their clothing.
A bride could wear the most expensive white gown in the world, but if her heart is not committed to God and her marriage, the dress means nothing.
Cultural and Personal Preferences in Wedding Attire
While white wedding dresses are common in Western culture, many cultures have different traditions.
For example, in some Asian countries, brides wear red to symbolize joy and prosperity.
In parts of Africa, brides wear beautifully patterned garments that reflect their heritage.
These traditions are not wrong—they are simply different ways of celebrating marriage.
Romans 14:5 encourages believers to respect different traditions, saying,
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike.
Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Whether a bride wears white, red, blue, or any other color, what matters is that she honors God in her marriage.
Can a Bride Wear White If She Is Not a Virgin?
Some people believe that a bride should only wear white if she is a virgin.
This belief comes from the idea that white symbolizes purity.
But the Bible teaches that true purity comes from the heart, not just physical condition.
Second Corinthians 5:17 says,
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
If a bride has repented of past mistakes and is committed to living for God, she is spiritually pure in His eyes.
She can wear white with confidence, knowing that she has been made new through Christ.
White as a Symbol of Joy and Celebration
In addition to purity, white can also represent joy.
Ecclesiastes 9:8 says,
Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.
This verse speaks of wearing white as a symbol of joy and God’s blessing.
A wedding is one of the most joyful occasions in life, and a white dress can reflect the happiness of the day.
Should Grooms Also Wear White?
In many cultures, the groom traditionally wears black, while the bride wears white.
However, there is no biblical reason for this.
In Revelation 19:14, when Jesus returns, He is described as wearing white:
And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
White is not just for brides—it is a symbol of righteousness for all believers.
A groom who chooses to wear white is also reflecting the purity and holiness of marriage.
Final Thoughts
The Bible does not specifically mention white wedding dresses, but it does use the color white to symbolize purity, righteousness, and holiness.
Wearing a white dress is a personal choice, not a biblical command.
What matters most is the heart of the bride, not the color of her dress.
A Christian wedding should focus on honoring God, building a strong foundation for marriage, and committing to a life of love and faithfulness.
Whether a bride chooses to wear white or another color, the most important thing is that her heart is prepared for the lifelong journey of marriage.