Trends in Women's Wedding Dresses
The wedding dress is a symbol of purity, marriage, and love. It also serves as a symbol of identity, since women can reclaim or gain identities through the selection of a dress.
See how designers have interpreted bridal gowns over the decades, from Sophia Bush of One Tree Hill to Riccardo Tisci, former Givenchy creative Director.
The '50s
After the war, women looked to Hollywood icons for inspiration for their wedding dresses. Rather than consulting their local dressmaker, they looked for the perfect gown in high-end bridal salons and department stores. Bridal shows were also designed to allow brides to be to view the latest designs before they bought their gowns.
The dresses were usually large and full. They were rounded in shape and lots of lace detailing as well as a fitted bodice that slid into a full skirt. This type of dress was usually worn with a peplum waistline, and brides would opt for a wide belt to cinch in their waists. Many brides wore a bird-cage veil to complete the look.
Lace was very popular in the '50s, and was used on everything from gloves to gowns to. Sweetheart necklines with sleeves were popular for those wanting to appear more feminine. Some covered the area above their collarbones with sheer fabric to be discreet. Similar to the floral options, they were quite varied. Elizabeth Taylor opted for yellow Daffodils and tulips. Jackie Kennedy chose white and pink orchids with gardenia. Generally, these flowers were tied in a small white satin bow.
The 1960s
In the '60s, there wasn't an overarching fashion trend and, consequently, dresses were more versatile than ever. Some brides wore tight gowns inspired by models like Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton. Others chose various styles, from crocheted lace to velvet minis, to chiffon and psychedelic prints. Some were longer, while others were below the knee and are referred to as micro-minis.
While there was not a single dominant fashion for wedding dresses There were a few key moments that would influence the look of bridal dresses for years to come. Princess Diana, who married in 1981, was the epitome of "more is more". She had a stunning taffeta dress with a poufy shoulder and V-neck lace. The dress she wore was a legend and was a major influence on brides all over the world.
In the same time when rock singer Lulu made her debut in a white mini dress that had an over-sized hood that quickly became a trendsetter. In this decade the ready-to-wear clothing industry exploded and brides picked the finest materials that their families could afford for their wedding day. They paired these dresses with slicked back hair and silver accessories, giving them the ultimate bridal look.
The '70s
The '70s brought the era of hippie chic to wedding dresses. This included flowing styles with loose silhouettes and relaxed aesthetics that made a statement of individuality. In this decade, a lot of brides chose to wear gowns that were not white as a way to break away from the traditional bridal norms.
It was the first time in history that brides wore a different color than white during the wedding ceremony. Queen Victoria popularized this idea. Whether it was pink or blue women could still make their best dress work as an outfit for the big day.
The fashion designers of the seventies incorporated the hippy style into fashion, with a particular focus on handcrafted materials and intricate details. Crochet, embroidery, patchwork and other techniques were a hit. Repurposed fabrics from craft fairs with embroidery designs were also popular. In the 1970s the midi dress became more popular as a type of wedding dress. These dresses combined casual comfort and formal elegance as shown in the silk creations of Zandra Rhodes.
Another noteworthy trend was the lace-up bodice. This was a popular way to draw attention to the area around the bust, as it gave a more flattering and sexy appearance. It also evoked Victorian styles, as seen on the custom David Emmanuel dress worn by Marian Rivera for her wedding to actor Dingdong Dante in 1981.
The '80s
When Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840, the bridal style was transformed. Wearing white was seen as a sign of wealth and conspicuous consumerism prior to that, as it was difficult to keep formal clothing white after wear (Baird 142). It wasn't until the wedding of Victoria that white gowns was the norm for non-royal brides. She chose white in order to show off the intricate lacework of her dress. It was also a practical decision. She wanted to prove to her audience that she was a shrewd and responsible young woman who could be trusted to perform the role of queen, wife and mother.
In the 1930s, brides went for dresses that were stylish and practical. Due to budgetary restrictions and rationing restrictions, women often wore the dress they already had on their wedding day. If they could afford it silk dresses with high necklines and long sleeves were in fashion. Brides who couldn't have silk dresses could use rayon to achieve the same style.
In the 1970s, brides opted for column-style gowns instead of their big ball gowns. Some brides chose gowns with puffy sleeves. niceoo.com shortened, and many women wore veils that were replaced with elegant hats.
The 90s
The '90s brought with them a new sense of minimalism, which was embraced by brides who sought a simpler gown that allowed their natural beauty and radiant beauty to shine through. In this time, dresses were often simple and unadorned, but still oozed class thanks to their sleek silhouettes.
The decade also saw a return to formality after the wartime austerity and a return to formality with gowns that featured cathedral trains and puffed sleeves. Princess Diana's 1981 wedding dress that included lace and a 24-foot train was a major source of inspiration.
Sleeves were long and frothy and necklines were high. The hippy era also saw a revival of strapless dresses, and intricate details like embroidery and beads were a hit. Hairstyles included pixie and teased bouffants, influenced by British model Twiggy and also heavy black eyeliner and pink frosted lipstick and teased bobs.
Ultimately, the '90s brought a sense of nostalgia that shaped the classic wedding dress that we are familiar with and love today. These gowns are timeless and popular because they provide a look that is both traditional and modern. Lulus collection offers various wedding dresses with '90s silhouettes. Find your ideal look today!
The 2000s
The decade of the '00s saw more brides opt for a form-fitting dress that highlighted their curves. One of the biggest influences came from Kate Middleton and her Alexander McQueen gown that had the lace bodice, which was an elongated hip as well as a 25-foot train and a gorgeous tulle skirt with puff sleeves that are still popular today.
As the decade progressed increasing numbers of women started to ditch white altogether and go for a range of colors for their wedding day. Even if it was just a pop of colour in their wedding shoes or a flower-adorned hair crown, non-white dresses were all the rage as more and more couples started opting for smaller weddings with less extravagant decorations.
A major trend of the decade was the use of illusion fabrics to create a sheer effect on wedding dresses. This trend continues to be popular as designers incorporate this gorgeous element to their designs. Bows were also a common feature during this decade, with styles ranging from cute, small bows to large, eye-catching embellished ones. Many brides still enjoy the addition of bows to their appearance. Another trend that is growing in popularity is the addition of capes and trains that are typically removable and can completely alter the appearance and feel of your dress.
The 21st Century
The 21st century marked the dawn of a new age of non-traditional wedding dresses. The brides of today don't shy away from extravagant choices. From Olivia Palermo, a businesswoman's Carolina Herrera lace dress to reality TV star Whitney Port’s floral tulle gown - they aren't afraid to be different.
The '90s were a more relaxed bridal style than the '80s, when Dior's princess-line dresses and cinched waists made a big impact. Vera Wang opened her first bridal boutique in 1990. It featured strapless dresses that hugged the body and were perfect for a modern bride. They were a great match with slicked back hairstyles.
In the 1940s, silk production was limited by restrictions during wartime. Brides were dressed in Sunday clothes or altered versions of their suitors. This was in keeping with the "make-do and repair" mentality at the time. As silk was replaced by rayon, brides started to wear patterned and colored fabrics, and particularly red because it signified romance and love.
In recent times A-listers have blurred the lines between catwalk couture and bridal options with designers such as Alexander Wang and Virgil Abloh creating bespoke wedding dresses that nod to traditional white but are more contemporary. With the laws changing to allow gay marriages and a better understanding of feminism today's bride can choose anything she wants for her wedding.