Wedding gowns have evolved quite a bit over the years. As soon as designers realized they could make a mint off of wedding gowns their creativity has shaped our culture and our wedding albums. Wedding gowns were not always white, that was a trend adopted in the mid-1800’s when Queen Victoria of England married in a white gown to her cousin. Yes, her cousin. Wedding gowns were even altered to be worn in the bride’s married life afterwards.
Before brides wore white they were married in colored gowns, there is an old poem that provides a rule of thumb to such a ritual: “Married in white, you will have chosen all right. Married in grey, you will go far away. Married in black, you will wish yourself back. Married in red, you’ll wish yourself dead. Married in blue, you will always be true. Married in pearl, you’ll live in a whirl. Married in green, ashamed to be seen, Married in yellow, ashamed of the fellow. Married in brown, you’ll live out of town. Married in pink, your spirits will sink.” Sarah Jessica Parker was married in black…..just saying.
As you can imagine 19th century gowns were very binding, made with whale bone and not that different from their daily attire. Wedding gowns have always reflected the clothes of the day and it isn’t until the 1920’s do we see more relaxed fit gowns that mirror the rebellious fashion of that era. You might have seen your grandmother’s wedding photos and thought she looks wrapped in an oversized table runner; fashions have always had a short life span. The only things that seem to last the test of time are shiny. In the 1950’s it was custom to keep your wedding gown to alter and wear as evening attire. Can you imagine wearing your wedding gown as a "night on the town" dress? The 60’s and 70’s ushered in night wear inspired styles while in the 80’s all the extra fabric ever set aside by anyone was used in those cream puff creations. With the exception of Celine Dion and Princess Diana, 90’s bridal fashion was fairly toned down and somewhat simple. However, we still hadn’t quite abandoned the “headdress.” Now in the year 2010 bridal gowns have become red carpet inspired, show stopping, “wow factor” creations. Form fitting strapless gowns are still the dominant trend ten years into the new millennium. Wedding gown designs will always reflect the time in which they were worn and preserve not only memories, but a generation in every stitch.
Check out the slideshow of wedding gowns through the years.
Comments