Once it was only proper for the bride's parents to cover those expenses and it was a breach of etiquette for anyone else to share the expenses. Good taste and good sense still dictate that no one is asked to go into debt to pay for the wedding and reception. Down through the ages brides have dressed in white as a symbol of purity. It was only the second time bride and the widow for whom etiquette prescribed wearing a pastel or off-white. Today, both colored bridal and attendants' gowns are permissible.
Colors range from simple off-white right through the color spectrum, and, even include black.
Market research tells us that today's bride still prefers white, but the move away to other options is growing in popularity. One of the most significant influences on changing etiquette is the expanding list of innovative wedding styles, moving further and further away from the traditional wedding reception of yesteryear. Today's receptions range from informal to formal with everything in between. An unusual, new reception idea, the progressive weddings, takes the bride and groom to the guests instead of guests traveling to the bride and groom. Couples may choose to be married in the town they live in, with local friends and relatives in attendance.