There's nothing standard about a wedding dress or shoes anymore.
In these words, Jenny Packham, a master of bridal fashion, declares the transformation of tradition: “There’s nothing standard about a wedding dress or shoes anymore.” Once, these garments were bound by strict customs, dictated by culture and expectation. The wedding dress, long a symbol of purity and union, has now become a canvas for individuality, while the shoes, once merely functional, now speak of personality and daring. Her words proclaim an age where the bride is free to express her truest self, unshackled by the rules of the past.
The origin of this truth lies in the evolution of wedding traditions through the centuries. In ancient times, brides often wore garments tied to their family heritage or local customs: in Rome, yellow veils were worn to symbolize fire and fertility, while in China, red silk represented prosperity and joy. It was Queen Victoria who popularized the white wedding gown in 1840, establishing a standard that would endure for generations. Yet, as the world changed, so too did the vision of the bride. Packham’s words reflect a modern era where no single style reigns supreme, and every wedding becomes a personal narrative told through fabric, color, and design.
Consider the history of shoes, once hidden beneath voluminous gowns and deemed unworthy of attention. In past centuries, a bride’s footwear was practical, meant only to carry her down the aisle. Today, however, shoes have become symbols of boldness and creativity—from glittering heels to boots, sneakers, or even barefoot ceremonies. This change mirrors a larger shift: where once conformity was prized, now authenticity and self-expression are celebrated. What was once uniform has become a reflection of the bride’s spirit.
There is also a deeper spiritual lesson in this transformation. Weddings are moments of profound transition, where two lives are woven together. In the past, strict rules for attire reflected a society that valued unity through sameness. Today, diversity of style reflects a new understanding: that harmony can arise from uniqueness. Just as a beautiful tapestry is made richer by many colors, so too does a wedding gain beauty when each element reflects the individuality of those being joined.
Ultimately, Jenny Packham’s words are a call to freedom and creativity. They remind us that while traditions hold power, they must evolve to honor the living hearts of those who carry them forward. There is no longer a single “standard” for what a wedding dress or shoes should be, because no two love stories are alike. Let this wisdom be passed to future generations: wear what speaks of your journey, walk boldly in shoes that carry your truth, and let your wedding be not a repetition of the past, but a radiant celebration of who you truly are.
NSNhung sally
I think it’s wonderful that weddings today allow so much freedom—sneakers instead of heels, colored gowns instead of white, or even jumpsuits replacing dresses. It shows that love stories come in many forms and so should their celebrations. But part of me also misses the shared symbolism of a ‘traditional’ look. Can individuality and tradition coexist without one overshadowing the other?
MDMy Duyen
This statement speaks to individuality, but I also see it as a challenge for designers. How do they continue to innovate when every bride expects something entirely new? The absence of a ‘standard’ must make the creative process both exciting and daunting. I wonder if this era of limitless customization will ever circle back to simpler, classic styles again.
CPCuong Pham
It’s fascinating to think about how social media might have fueled this change. With every bride wanting to go viral or stand out online, the idea of a ‘standard’ wedding look feels outdated. But does this constant push for uniqueness risk making weddings more about aesthetics than emotion? It’s a question that says a lot about modern priorities and self-expression.
MDVu Minh Dai
This quote perfectly captures the modern shift in how people approach tradition. There’s a sense that brides no longer want to conform but instead want their outfits to express personality, culture, and emotion. I find that inspiring. Yet, I also wonder if we’ve lost some of the timeless elegance that once defined wedding fashion in the pursuit of being ‘different.’
THPham Luong Tri Hai
I love how this reflects the evolution of fashion and individuality. Weddings used to be so rigid in terms of what a bride 'should' wear, but now creativity has taken over. It makes me wonder—does this freedom make the experience more personal, or has it made choosing the 'right' dress even more stressful? With so many options, individuality can be both liberating and overwhelming.