When it comes to your wedding day, the decision of what to wear is entirely up to you. Whether you choose to stay in your stunning wedding dress all day and night, or opt for a whole new outfit for the evening's celebrations, it's a completely personal choice. If you want to make the most of your dress, you can wear it during cocktail hour and let your guests admire it up close. The tradition of the groom carrying the bride across the threshold dates back to ancient cultures, when it was believed that evil spirits lurked at the doorstep of the house.
By carrying his wife inside, the groom was protecting her from any potential intrusions. The trend of multi-tiered wedding cakes began in the 19th century, and as a result, couples began to see christenings as an opportunity to finish off the cake. This also became a tradition in which the bride and groom were only allowed to meet at the wedding ceremony so that the groom would not have a chance to change his mind. In some cases, rulers of Ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece wore pleated white sheets for celebrations, but for centuries it was common for brides to simply wear their best dress for the occasion.
It wasn't until Queen Victoria's wedding to Prince Albert in 1840 that wearing white became popular. As fashion became more daring and gender-fluid in the 60s and 70s, white dresses represented a nod to older times and customs. When choosing what to wear on your wedding day, consider both the time of day and type of venue. This will give you some contextual clues about the style and design of your dress. Ultimately, it's up to you whether you want to stay in your wedding dress all day or switch things up for the evening's festivities.
