Colonial American Wedding Customs

Martha Washington’s bridal shoes were lavender. According to WhiteHouse History. org, as the wife of the nation’s first President, “Martha set important social and political precedents by building the stage of presidential hospitality with her warmth and conviviality.” - Image source, Pinterest

Many weddings in Colonial era America took place close to, and after, the Christmas season. Before brides started wearing white at their weddings, they wore the very best dress they owned and it was regardless of the color, though darker colors were more popular. They were easier to keep clean. For example, Martha Washington wore lavender shoes when she married future U.S. President George. She wore the lavender shoes with a gold-colored dress when the Washingtons were married shortly after Christmas of 1758, on Jan. 6, 1759.

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