It is lovely add a vintage touch to your wedding. One may wonder what the styles and traditions of certain eras were. Here we touch on the Vintage Wedding Dress

Prairie Bride: The vintage woman most often wore, not a creation of white but, her best dress, for her wedding. This  dress was put into continued use until it wore out and was used as rags for cleaning.

Victorian Bride: It was the wedding of Queen Victoria to her beloved Prince Albert that brought white wedding dresses into vogue. But it was still a dress limited to the well off unless your rented or borrowed.

Edwardian Bride: The Edwardian bride continued with the mode of the white wedding dress but now with a more elaborate touch. Silhouettes were more relaxed and hems rose. Here is an example of a lovely Edwardian styled wedding dress the bride reconstructed from an original. The entire wedding is period style and may give you some wonderful ideas.

WWI: With the onset of World War 1 fabric was at a premium and the shorter (above the ankles) wedding dress came into vogue.

1920’s: The 20’s, the era of the flapper, saw the wedding dress start to be constructed loosely as many fashions were that day. The hem was also still short and weddings took on a more casual air.

1930’s: World War 2 saw many brides construct wedding dresses from salvaged parachutes due to the lack of available wedding dress material.  It also saw many brides married in their best dress or suit as often the wedding was last minute such as when the groom had leave. The hem of the dress also moved back down to graze the floor.

1940’s: After the war the fantasy of the dream bride was back in full force. White wedding gowns and all the trimmings.

1950′s: 

Dig through this Lavendar and Lace Bridal Lookbook and find beautiful Vintage Inspired Wedding and Bridesmaid Dresses at Ruche Bridal Boutique

Are you looking to celebrate your nuptials in vintage style? eBay remains a great place to pick up an authentic vintage wedding dress at a reduced price.

Excellent Resources for Putting Together Your Own Vintage Wedding

To Love & to Cherish is just a lovely look back at matrimony in history. This is a treasured member of my collection and makes for interesting reading. Written by a quilt and women’s historian you will find personal stories, some good and some bad of brides of many cultures in American history.

Vintage Weddings also resides in my own personal collection.