Wedding Dresses Through The Ages

Wedding Dresses Through The Ages

One thing is for certain, wedding trends change dramatically with every decade – the wedding dress being the most memorable of that era’s fashion and lifestyle. I love looking back in time to see what use to be considered “stylish”. Just imagine what our grandchildren will be saying one day when looking back on our wedding day photos. Probably something along the lines of “Damn, grandma was hot!”, because the 2000’s are clearly the most fashionable years yet.

The Late 1800’s
The first thing that I’ve noticed about this era, is that the brides are obviously very angry. No, no…don’t blame it on the dress, I think it might be their corsets. It’s very possible that it isn’t easy to smile when you can’t breath, but I’ve never really tried it. Actually, a lot of the unique characteristics from these victorian dresses are coming back into style, only with an edgier and more modern twist.
The late 1800’s dresses generally had a tight bodice, but with the skirt falling more naturally than in previous years of exaggerated large skirts (Remember Cinderella’s step sisters? Mmmhmmm). The dresses were almost always long sleeve and accompanied by a veil and rather large headpiece.

The 1920’s
The 1920’s is the decade in which fashion entered a little more of a modern era. Women began to wear more comfortable clothing and less constricting fashions, as you can see in these 1920’s wedding dresses shown below. Women began to become more outlandish; going to jazz clubs, smoking cigarettes, and dating freely.
The flapper cloche hat was very popular, even wearing a headdress to resemble one in their wedding day. As you can see, their bodices were no longer tight, but free and flowing, resembling their new found womanhood.

The 1930’s & 40’s
Because of the restrictions that the war and great depression had on the amount of fabric manufacturers could use and clothing women could buy, a lot of the 1920’s new found fashions stuck through both of these decades, only dresses became a little more casual, and sometimes shorter and more fitted. Wedding dresses and accessories weren’t nearly as glamorized for practical reasons.

The 1950’s
You might not have noticed this at first, but I’m going to have to say, I think short and curly hairstyles were in! I wish I could get away with a cute, short bob like that. Hats and headpieces were essential with this look, only not worn on the most casual of occasions. This is when the sleeveless princess-line skirt became popular. Just look at Jackie Kennedy’s dress! It could almost pass as fashionable for the 21st century.

The 1960’s
This is definitely a decade of rebellion for women, as they are beginning to have a mind and fashion sense of their own, introducing the mini-skirt, pill box hat, bikinis, bell bottoms, and go-go boots. The idea of a short wedding dress has finally become accepted, as well as revolutionary wedding ideas and themes.

The 1980’s
This is the Era where I look back and say “What the hell were we thinking?”, but that’s probably because it’s the decade I grew up in. Or, maybe not? I don’t know, but everything was BIG – the sleeves, the hair, the veils, the skirts, and the bouquets. Oh yes, and it was an unwritten rule to have very bright and pastel colored bridesmaid dresses. Need I say more?

The 1990’s
The 1990’s was another decade of fashion change. The early 1990’s held onto some of the same styles, but as the years progressed, the styles became a little sexier and less traditional. Rock & Roll was the primary influence that changed this time period, slowly doing away with the big veil and long sleeved, modest wedding dress.

The early 2000’s
This is where personality prevails. The idea of making your wedding day your own has become more acceptable, and for good reason; it’s your day! As the years progress, creativity and using inspiration from years past, and future, has become more acceptable. Whether your invasion of the perfect wedding day is with all of the glitz and glamour or a casual picnic in the park, make it your own!


By Lilly Childers

About Lilly Childers
Lilly is a writer and journalist with a passion for helping brides plan a fun and memorable wedding day. She believes that what truly makes a wedding beautiful is one that captures the unique personalities of both the bride and groom.
Lilly's Google+ Profile:Lilly on Google+