Prior to the Victorian era, most women were wedded in their “best dress,” regardless of color. The considerations for such a choice were mostly practical, as the dress could be worn for more than one occasion and often reflected the bride’s (and her family’s) social standing. Thus, wedding gowns were designed in styles fashionable for the time: high-necked and long-sleeved for day, or low-necked and sleeveless for evening – in all varieties of rich materials and colors, including blue and red.
