Wedding Dresses Through The Ages A Visual Story Of Style And Tradition
Weddings are a time-honored tradition, and wedding dresses are an integral part of this tradition. Be it opulent Victorian gowns or sleek modern outfits, every era offers its own distinct style of wedding gown. Join us for a an in-depth look at an era of the wedding dresses and examine the changing styles and fashions throughout the centuries!
Introduction
A wedding gown is more that a gown. It's also a symbol for the bride's desire, hopes, and the beginning of her new life. Over the centuries, the wedding dress has been the focus of attention and fascination. This is a picture of how wedding gowns have evolved over the years.
The first documented instance of the white wedding dress was in 1406 when heiress Joan of Kent married prince Henry the Fowler wearing "a tunic, a cloak and a dress with brooches all over her body" that was described as being "white as snow". White became associated with quality and faith, which made it the ideal dress for brides.
The silhouette in the bridal gown changed little. It wasn't until late in the 18th century that we saw any major changes in style. Before this time, the majority of dresses consisted in full skirts , tight bodices, and long sleeves. In the late 1700s, there was an evolution toward simpler modern, sleeker gowns since society became less formal.
The 19th century was a period of significant changes in fashion - and wedding dresses were not an exception. We see the introduction for empire waistlines. puff sleeves, and intricate lace details. This era also saw the popularity rise of wedding gowns that were colorfully decorated and, while white was still the most popular colour choice, more and more brides started to experiment using different colors. Wedding Dresses In Houston
Ancient Wedding Dresses
The wedding dress is a recognizable representation of a bride's grand day. It's a tradition that has been passed throughout the centuries and every cultural tradition has its own unique conception of the wedding dress. From the flowing gowns of Ancient Greece to the ornate gowns of Victorian England, the wedding dress has seen drastic changes throughout the centuries.
In ancient times, weddings were often lavish affairs that were held in public spaces like amphitheaters, temples, or temples. The bride would wear her gown in flowing white or light-colored fabric, that symbolized innocence and purity. The custom continued throughout medieval Europe in which brides wore white dresses to symbolize their virginity. However, during the Renaissance period, the hue of a bride's dress tends to reflect the status of her family than purity. Brides with wealth could wear extravagant gowns made of silk and decorated with diamonds however, the less fortunate brides could only afford lesser-priced materials like linen.
The Victorian Era saw a different shift in wedding gowns. Queen Victoria was the first to popularize the white wedding dress after she wore one to her own wedding in 1837. Prior to that wedding gowns were worn by brides in many different hues, including red and black. The white gown came to symbolize not only pureness but also wealth and the status of. The most wealthy Victorians could afford to purchase their dresses using expensive fabrics such as satin and silk, while those with less money had have to settle with less expensive fabrics such as cotton or
Medieval Wedding Dresses
Medieval wedding gowns were generally fairly simple and comprised of one dress or tunic, and an overcoat. The most popular styles for Medieval wedding gowns were blue and red. Yellow was also a favorite color however, it was more popular wedding gowns were made of silver or gold. The fashion of the dress was influenced by their status and status bride and groom. Noblewomen would often wear elaborate dresses decorated with gold embroidered, while peasants typically wore simple tunics.
The headdress was a crucial component that a medieval bride's ensemble. Married women wore veils that cover their hair while unmarried women wore their hair loose. Both widow
Renaissance Wedding Dresses
Renaissance wedding dresses were all about opulence and luxury. The gowns were luxurious and often embellished with embroidery, beading, or sequins. The silhouette was formed through the bodice and flared towards the skirt, creating an hourglass-like form. The sleeves were extended and dramatic, usually reaching the ground.
If you're seeking to bring out your inner Renaissance queen for your wedding day, take inspiration from these stunning gowns.
Victorian Wedding Dresses
In the Victorian time period, wedding dresses were often elaborate and featured a variety of styles and types to choose from. The most well-known style consisted of the "princess" appearance that featured an elegant bodice and full skirt. This kind of look was often adorned with lace, beads, and other ornaments.
Other popular styles include that of the "empire" waistline (which was high-waisted), the "mermaid" look (which wrapped the body from the chest to the knees before flaring out on the back) as well as"the "A-line" (which was made to fit at the top, and flared from the bottom).
Whatever style you decide to go with, a Victorian wedding dress is sure to look beautiful and timeless.
20th Century Wedding Dresses
The 20th century was a period that marked a major change in the market of fashionable. Designers began to play around with new designs and materials, and wedding dresses were more than the symbol of purity and traditional.
The first decade of 1900 saw the debut into fashion the Gibson Girl look, which featured a high neckline and huge skirt. This fashion was popularized by American artist Charles Dana Gibson and epitomized the spirit of modern period.
As time passed, hemlines began to rise and waistlines began to shrink. The iconic flapper gown was created in the 1920s, and many brides chose to opt for this type of dress for their own weddings. The 1930s brought the return of more traditional wedding dresses, but with modern twists. Wedding dresses typically featured intricate embellishments and beading.
The 1940s were inspired with the advent of World War II, and the fact that rationing was a factor meant that many brides had to improvise with their gowns. One solution that was popular was to use gowns from previous generation or to use plain white dresses without any ornaments.
The years following the war saw an increase in color and innovation in wedding clothing. Dior's "New Look" first introduced in 1947 was a collection of flowing skirts with nipped-in waists while other designers experimented with shorter hemlines and more striking patterns. Wedding dresses from this era are truly works of art.
The last 20 years of the 20th century were all about
Modern Wedding Dresses for the 21st Century
Although the basic shape of the wedding dress has remained largely the same over the centuries in the 21st century, it has seen many changes with regard to style and traditions. Today, wedding dresses are generally more transparent that have plunging necklines, and shorter hemlines becoming increasingly popular. The classic white dress is also getting replaced by an array of colors from blush pink to black.
The trend is increasing for brides to be choosing to wear non-traditional wedding attire that more reflect their personal style. In the age online, it's much easier than ever to source inspiration to create unique wedding dress designs. Whether you're looking for something classic or contemporary there's bound to be an 21st century wedding dress that's just right for you.
Conclusion
Wedding dresses have evolved over the years, evolving as time passes and reflecting various views and cultures. In the past, from empire waistlines to ball gowns each decade has offered its own distinct take on wedding dress styles. While brides continue to follow a variety of fashion trends on their special day it's clear that the tradition of wearing a gorgeous wedding dress will never go out of fashion. It doesn't matter if you're considering an antique look or something more modern for your big day, there's a wide selection of stunning wedding dresses to choose from which will make brides feel gorgeous as she is walking along the aisle.
