Like everything in the world of fashion, bridal outfits have also changed drastically with each passing decade. Over the century, bridal dresses have changed in length, silhouette, neckline patterns, sleeves, colors, fabric and styles.
Here we bring you the typical bridal fashion choices associated with each era. So, find all the wedding dress inspiration that you need to carve your unique wedding look around it.
1920’s and 30’s Gatsby Style
The Great Gatsby wedding inspired long flowing lace dresses, embellished with beading. Although the style later changed from dropped waist wedding dresses to those that once again featured the waistline, the overall effect was one of women embracing their sensuality and letting it shine through. The 30’s and 40’s were years marked by war, and the Great Depression had brides turning to practical and sensible options for wedding dresses. Many brides even chose to just wear their Sunday best for their big celebration.
Featured here is a magnificent gown from the Jasmine Couture ’14 collection. The beautiful play of lace on a simple fit and flare silhouette works perfectly for a 1920’s inspired wedding theme.
Stylish 1950’s and 60’s
This era introduced us to the sweetheart neckline and shorter hemlines. Tiered wedding dresses were a huge hit, with elaborate lace details being the trend. The illusion neckline made its debut, although in a very modest form, with the sweetheart neckline being barely visible under high collared lace necklines. The 60’s popularized empire waistlines and metallic embellishments.
This Mori Lee wedding dress 6749 from the 2014 Voyage Collection is just perfect for a 1950’s or 60’s theme wedding, with its lace illusion neckline and short hemline.
1980’s fairytale princess gowns
Princess Diana set the trend for princess style fairy tale gowns in the 1980’s. Wedding dresses featuring elaborate trains, flowing skirts, full sleeves and gathered or basque waists were the new trend in wedding fashion.
Featured here is a princess-style gown from the Mori Lee Spring 2015 collection. It is missing the statement enormous puff sleeves, or it would look the exact part of a 1980’s wedding gown.
Contemporary 1990’s style
As women of the 1990’s explored fashion, the wedding dress too took many shapes and forms. Lace was still popular, and elaborate ball gowns were still the rage. Illusion necklines and off-the-shoulder necklines were also growing in popularity, as women dared to bare more skin. Most women preferred puffed sleeves or shorter sleeves, in place of the full-sleeve gowns of the previous decade. The famous wedding movies like Father of the Bride and Four Weddings and a Funeral portrayed the common fashion styles of the time.
Our pick is this pretty ball gown with lace on the bodice from the Mori Lee 2015 collection.
The dynamic 2000’s and 2010’s
As we step into the 21st century, the strapless style makes its appearance. Simpler silhouettes such as the sheath and minimalist wedding dresses were growing in importance. In the 2010’s, a new wedding dress style was the mermaid-inspired or fit and flare gown. This continues to be a favorite with the slim modern woman.
This strapless mermaid gown belongs to the Mori Lee 2014 wedding collection. It is a common pattern we see brides of our generation sporting.
That wraps it up. To take a closer look at any of these gowns, and to find more choices, visit our bridal collection at Best for Bride today.
I like the fairy tale look. I wish I was getting married during that decade.
I have seen all of these styles in weddings that I have been to.
What about the 70s?! A whole decade has been missed…and that’s when I was married!