Bridal fashion constantly reflects current cultural & societal trends. From the lavish patterns of the early twentieth century to the minimalistic Asian bride dresses of the 1990s, every decade has imprinted on modern bridal fashion.

Origins of the Wedding Dress

According to historians, wearing a distinctive wedding gown dates back centuries, with Chinese folklore serving as the earliest documented source. According to legend, a princess donned a phoenix dress & crown that gave her good luck and vigour throughout her marriage. Nowadays, Chinese brides select a bright red gown with a phoenix tail as an act of good luck. Silk bridal robes in Korea and Japan were worn in various fashions depending on the dynasty & season, but their designs were usually brightly coloured and appropriate for royalty. Although the tradition of marriage extends back to ancient civilisations like Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria, the notion of weddings as romantic affairs is more recent.

Historical study of paintings portraying Assyrian artefacts, notably Edwin Long's 1875 interpretation, suggests that ladies would get dressed in draped white or cream clothes to be auctioned off in a market-like atmosphere, with the less appealing women allotted to "commoners." Brides in ancient Rome had braided locks and deep yellow veils. Still, Athenian ladies wore violet and scarlet robes tied together by a figurative girdle that the groom would unfasten after the wedding.

Early 20th-century Bridal Fashion

The early twentieth century, especially the Edwardian era, had an important effect on bridal fashion. This time was characterised by extravagance, with elaborate lace, high necklines, & costly decorations. These motifs were frequently seen in vintage wedding gowns, representing the era's grandeur. The outbreak of World War I prompted a shift favouring less complicated patterns and more utilitarian textiles. 

With resources dedicated to the war dedication, brides started to choose more understated gowns that emphasised usefulness without compromising elegance. One of this era's most notable bridal fashion highlights was Queen Elizabeth's wedding gown, which typified the move from Edwardian extravagance to the less extravagant forms required by the war. Her gown featured a combination of classic lace and a simplified design, establishing a standard for postwar wedding fashion.

The Roaring Twenties and Flapper Influence

The 1920s saw a significant transition in wedding fashion, driven by the flapper style & jazz culture of the day. Hemlines rose, & shapes were looser, representing the newfound freedom & modernism of the era. This decade was marked by financial stability, which allowed for more intricate designs & expensive materials. Wedding gowns frequently included extravagant beading and fringe, evoking the lavishness of the Jazz Age. The flapper influence was visible in bridal fashion at the period, with brides wearing shorter, more whimsical dresses that broke free from previous decades' customary restraints. A sense of revolt and festivity, evident in the bridal clothing, characterised the period.

Mid-Century Modern: 1940s–1960s

Following World War II, the mid-twentieth century witnessed a return to standard styles in the 1940s. Brides like classic styles that emphasise modesty & grace. The 1950s emphasised these characteristics even more, with nipped waists and voluminous skirts being wedding fashion staples. This time was all about honouring femininity & class, with sumptuous fabrics and meticulous details. In the 1960s, silhouettes became sleeker and streamlined. Influential people such as Audrey Hepburn established trends with famous outfits which were both simple and classy. Her wedding dress from "Funny Face" exemplified this change, with a basic style that was both stylish and modern.

Bold and Bohemian 1970s

The 1970s saw a shift away from the regimented designs of earlier decades, towards a bohemian style rooted in the hippie movement. This era saw the growth of ecological fabrics and flowing patterns, with brides choosing dresses which reflected their unique personalities and styles. The emphasis was on comfort and expression, with many women choosing floral crowns & earthy tones for their wedding outfits. Brides began to seek out one-of-a-kind gowns that reflected their preferences. This movement towards individualism paved the way for subsequent bridal fashion trends, emphasising the value of individual flair in wedding dresses.

Final Words

The emergence of the bridal gown is a remarkable voyage through time, reflecting shifts in culture, technology, and social ideals. The wedding dress has been an influential representation of love and personality since its humble earliest days in ancient civilisations, from the opulent dresses of the Victorian era to the personalised fashions of today.

Visit invastor for more informative articles.