When it comes to weddings, “vintage” is hard to define. Over the past century, there have been many different influences on bridal fashion. Nevertheless, if you’re looking to incorporate some old-fashioned glamour to your wedding dress, here is a look at some interesting trends brides have worn throughout the decades:
Something Blue
Most people know that Queen Victoria set the standard for wearing a white wedding dress in 1840, but what was in vogue before that? As it turns out, brides commonly wore red or blue. Funny enough, white wasn’t even a symbol of purity like it is today — blue was the shade for that! Instead, white was attributed to wealth. Queen Victoria’s white lace gown was quite the fashion risk, but it certainly worked, as her dress kicked off the longest lasting bridal trend of them all.
Dressed to Dance
Around 1910, bridal gowns evolved from luxurious, cumbersome garments to loose-fitting silhouettes. This was due to the rising popularity of dancing at weddings. Instead of the Cha-Cha Slide, however, the turkey trot was the most popular dance for a wedding reception. Additionally, bridal gowns showcased lots of lace, high collars, and tiered skirts.
High-fashion Hats
Veils haven’t always been the most popular accessory for brides. During the 20’s and 30’s, hats were a key part of any bridal look. Cloche hats and Juliet headdresses were prevalent in many wedding portraits during this decade. If you’re planning a Gatsby wedding, consider wearing an imitation flapper headdress — they’re so ornate and beautiful!
Short and Sweet
While wedding dresses in the 30’s and 40’s were relatively simple, the 50’s saw a resurgence of luxurious details in bridal fashion. The popular film Father of the Bride made sweetheart necklines popular. Bridal fashion in the 50’s was actually super inventive. Many dresses tended to have shorter hemlines, strapless bodices, and lace bolero jackets. This meant the bride could achieve one look for the ceremony, and another for the reception. Ingenious!
Voluminous Veils
At one point, bigger was better when it came to veils! During the 60’s, the primary mode of styling your veil and hair was big and bouffant. Pair your fluffy layers of floating tulle with a gigantic metallic headdress or tiara, and you’re a vintage bride at heart. Is it weird that we’re kind of in love with this mid-century look?
Hippie Chic
Like today, the 70’s weren’t really defined by one single style of wedding dress. Admittedly, there was a revival of trends from the 40’s with full skirts and long sleeves, but plenty of brides opted for empire waisted hippie frocks and bohemian lace. Also like today, some fashion-forward brides even ditched the dress altogether, opting for non-traditional bridal suits.
All-Out 80’s
If there’s one bride whose style can summarize the 80’s, it’s Princess Diana. For years afterward ball gown skirts, huge puffed sleeves, and lace trim became the standard for bridal gowns across the globe. In fact, dress designer Elizabeth Emmanuel said in 2011 that she was still getting special requests from brides who wanted imitations of that dress. (Does that eliminate it’s “vintage” status? We think not.) Like Queen Victoria in 1840, Princess Diana set the standard for bridal trends in the latter part of the 20th Century.
We hope you enjoyed this walk down memory lane with us. It’s always interesting to see how brides express themselves through their dress. What bridal trends do you think will define the 2010’s?