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Wedding Gowns Through the Ages

The 1920s

Before the 1920s, wedding gowns were always in the style of the moment. There was a revolution in women's clothing, and hemlines rose to well above the knee. Wedding styles followed suit but as skirts became even shorter, it was felt by some to be unsuitable for a church service. Many brides returned to the full-length style in the 1920s, with a court train behind the dress. Some wedding gowns reflected the flapper fashion of the day, with a dropped waist, unshaped bodice and short skirt. The headdress was worn low over the brow, clasping the veil to the bride's head.

The 1930s

After the 'Roaring Twenties' came the depression of the 1930s. Waistlines returned to their natural position, hemlines dropped back below the knee and women emphasized their shape again. Bias cut wedding gowns that hugged the female figure became popular; most had a boat shaped neckline, fitted bodice and a hemline just below the knee.

The 1940s

In the 1940s, during the Second World War, clothes were rationed, frivolity was frowned upon and fashion almost ceased to exist. The white wedding dress virtually disappeared and most brides wore a uniform. Those not in the armed forces also tended to wear a suit, with a floral corsage pinned to the lapel. After the war ended in 1945, rationing was still in force, but nobody wanted Princess Elizabeth to skimp on her wedding gown. Her gown had embroidery and beading on satin, a sweetheart neckline, wide shoulders, a long train and silk net veil. This style gave way to Dior's stunning new styles, with narrow shoulders, nipped waist and wide skirts.

The 1950s

In the early 1950s, wedding gowns showed an intermediate style between the padded shoulders of the 1940s and the narrow look of the 1950s. A common style would have a draped skirt extended into a full train, with no trimming at all. By 1955, dresses changed to the 'ballerina' length, with tight sleeves with cuffs pointed over the hand and it came with a removable lace jacket bodice. The dress was worn over a low cut underdress with its circular skirt held out by stiff petticoats. Veils were circular and waist-length, usually attached to a coronet style headdress.

1960s

In the early 1960s, circular skirts were sometimes supported by a stiff petticoat and tight sleeves and short veils were the fashion for wedding gowns. The veils became more bouffant, and a large single rose was worn high on the forehead, where the veil was gathered. The bouquets had tight little posies instead of the large, loose bouquets previously carried. By the mid 1960s, the influence of the 'Swinging Sixties' were beginning to alter the bridal profile. Waistlines dropped, and the straight, shift-style dresses became popular. The shift became too shapeless for wedding fashion, and it quickly changed into the empire line, with the waist tight under the bust. Some brides wore floral bonnets or floppy hats instead of a veil.

1970s

Sleeves were the big feature of 1970s wedding gowns, especially Tudor sleeves. The shape of the dress changed from the narrow, high-waisted empire line of the late 1960s to the more flared princess line, with little or no train. Scooped necklines, bishop sleeves and a high waistline were popular. Pinafore styles were also popular, either with two layers, or just giving the effect of layers with a contrasting sleeve and bib front. Hoods attached to the dress and Juliet caps worn with or without a veil became popular headgear.

1980s

The Princess of Wales' extravagant skirt and huge sleeves became the style for wedding gowns of the 1980s. Every bride now wanted a fairytale petticoat and tiara. Waistlines returned to their natural position with full skirts gathered at the waist and the sleeves were big to the elbow, with flounces and bows and lace embellishments. Taffeta and silk became popular. The big bouquet returned, with trailing greenery.

1990s

In the 1990s, applied embroidery and beading on a fairly stiff sculpted satin corset bodice had become very much the norm for wedding gowns. The wide skirt stayed popular, but some gowns had a dropped waist below the hip, and then flared. Gradually, more fluid and narrow profiles returned, such as a draped georgette under a ruched corset. Shift dresses with a fine fabric layered over a lining for an ethereal effect became popular in the late 1990s.

2000s

Now in the 21^st century, wedding gowns will continue to change fabrics and forms. Wedding gowns have begun to evolve separately from the latest styles as themed, fantasy and destination weddings become the norm.

You can find your style at romanticgowns.com.