February 10, 1840
Queen Victoria & Prince Albert

Victoria & Albert

She might not be the first person to wear a white wedding dress, but she is credited with starting the trend. Before Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840, royal wedding dresses were typically silver. Balking tradition, Victoria settled on a long white satin gown and ever since then brides have followed suit.

Before her marriage, Victoria was courted by several suiters. Although Albert was her favorite of her admirers, she had to have permission to marry him. In a letter to her uncle, who had a hand in the decision, Victoria declared that Albert “possesses every quality that could be desired to render me perfectly happy.” Upon getting approval, she proposed to him on October 15, 1839.

Nearly four months later they were married at the Chapel Royal at St. James Palace in London. It was pouring rain, which as the old adage goes, proved to be lucky for their relationship. They had nine children and remained devoted to each other for 21 years (until Albert’s death in 1861).

If you want to know more about the queen and Prince Albert, you can see the new movie Young Victoria, about the first few years of her rule. It stars Emily Blunt (who is currently engaged to actor John Krasinski.)

Or you can check out one of the numerous books written about their royal romance.