The all-white tradition we’re so familiar with in the West isn’t even a very old tradition — only since the nineteenth century have white bridal gowns become popular.Before that, with clothing so costly and time consuming, one-time use gowns weren’t practical.  And white fabric wasn’t practical for everyday wear. But rich fabrics gave way to pastels, which lightened until white became the wedding day standard throughout Europe and America.But if you’re longing for a bright wedding and want to be a traditional bride at the same time, keep this in mind: far more brides around the world have begun their marriages in colorful gowns than in plain white.