Vintage wedding style always to some extent inspire the dress a bride ultimately chooses for her special day. Bridesmaids also have a huge history to delve into for inspiration. The 1920s are never out of vogue. Here’s an account of a very 1920s English wedding day from the diary of an Elsie Wood.
A 1920s Wedding Account
10 June, 1928 Elsie Wood
The sun dazzled over our family’s country house, its gables and quiet gardens. There was such a feeling of life there today. Mother, bless her patience, had spent the morning with Eleanor and me, going through the final checks of the trousseau. There were dozens of new things—silk nightgowns, suits, and coats—all folded neatly, ready for my sister’s new life.
The morning had been a whirlwind. At the church, our darling vicar got flustered, Completely forgot his lines. It was hilarious. Eleanor and I, our arms linked, bit our lips to keep from laughing. As it happens it actually relaxed everyone and broke the solemnity of it all.
With the vows exchanged, the garden party was in full swing. My fellow bridesmaids, Beatrice, Margaret, and I were a vision of modernity. I was in love with my dress, a cloud of pale lavender tulle with tiers and flounces that gave a delicious swish against my legs with every step. My new bob feels so wonderfully daring. I really loved the feel of those silk stockings, they were unbelievably sheer. Mother has warned me to be careful as they easily will get frayed. I have wrapped them in tissue and are safely in my drawer.
My happiest acquisition for Eleanor’s special day are my darling t-strap shoes. Who would think they are so divine for dancing? Eleanor looked simply breathtaking in her gown. She was like a Greek goddess! Her dress was a sleek column of white satin that fell to the floor, where it cascaded into a short train which little Rose, our flower girl, held on firmly too. . On her head, instead of a traditional veil, Eleanor’s choice of a Juliet cap and simple garland of little flowers was perfect.
Two Generations of Style
There were the older ladies, resplendent in their Edwardian finery. Their high-necked gowns and rigid posture were a stark contrast to our loose, modern silhouettes, a clash of two eras. It was a wonderful sight, the past and present standing side-by-side. The children were a force of nature, running wild across the grounds in a flock of shrieking joy. They raced through the formal rose gardens, their laughter ringing through the air. Oh, it was a day I never wanted to forget. This dress, this moment, this feeling of freedom—it was all just perfect.
From the private diaries of Miss Elsie Wood
From Edwardian Lace to ’60s Minis
Have you ever wondered what your grandmother’s wedding dress really meant? From the strict silhouettes of the Edwardian era to the rebellious mini-dresses of the ’60s, a bride’s gown has always been a beautiful symbol of her time. Let’s take a quick walk through a century of bridal history to see how fashion went from buttoned-up to bold.
Today’s brides have a fantastic freedom that their ancestors could only dream of. The modern wedding party can mix and match styles from any decade, blending timeless grace with personal flair. Whether you love the elegance of a bias-cut gown or the fun of a short A-line dress, there’s a vintage-inspired look for everyone for beautiful wedding and bridesmaid dresses.
The Downton Era to the 1930s
In recent years the dramatized weddings in the hit series Downton Abbey had women’s mouths salivating. Early 20th-century brides wore gowns of silk and lace that covered them from neck to wrist. The Edwardians excelled in modesty.
The ideal figure was an “S-bend,” created by a corset that pushed the chest forward and the hips back. The 1920s changed everything for women. Hemlines rose, and corsets were replaced with simpler undergarments. The new silhouette was a straight, loose-fitting sheath, perfect for dancing the Charleston. This shift was so powerful that in 1928, the word “obey” was officially removed from the bride’s vows by the Church of England, a true sign of a new, liberated era.
After the flapper party died down, the 1930s brought back a more romantic and feminine look. Wedding gowns became long and sleek again, but in a completely new way. The bias cut made dresses hug the body and drape beautifully, a style straight out of an old Hollywood movie. To get that smooth, perfect look, women wore newer, less restrictive shapewear made from a flexible elastic called Lastex. Due to the Great Depression, many brides opted for a practical dress they could wear again, often saving money by just adding a veil.
The Patriotic 1940s
With the outbreak of World War II, weddings became much simpler affairs. Fabric was rationed, so long, elaborate dresses were off the table. Many brides simply wore their best civilian dress or a suit, or they borrowed a gown from a friend or family member. It was a time of “make do and mend”. The utilitarian wartime dresses exuded a quiet patriotism.
The Fairytale 1950s
The end of the war brought huge relief and endless optimism. It also signaled a return to glamour. Bridal fashion exploded with the “New Look,” defined by a fitted bodice, a tiny cinched waist, and a voluminous skirt held up with layers of crinoline. This was the era of the fairytale wedding dress, often featuring delicate lace and soft tulle. The Hollywood star who embodied this style was Grace Kelly, whose lavish 1956 wedding gown was a gift from MGM. It was a true fantasy, made from over 100 yards of silk net and antique lace, and it remains one of the most iconic bridal looks ever. Personally speaking Kelly’s wedding was source of inspiration to my own mother who spent some years planning her wedding day, even before she met my father.
The Mod Sixties
The youth-driven culture of the 1960s shattered bridal traditions. The huge skirts and classic silhouettes of the previous decade were replaced by simple, clean lines. A-line and even mini-dresses became a radical new option for weddings, shocking the older generation. Jaws dropped when young actress Mia Farrow married a much older Frank Sinatra in 1966 wearing a shocking white mini dress. She later revealed that the ceremony was planned so last-minute, she just wore “whatever I had in my closet”.
From elegant, modest gowns to bold, free-spirited minis, wedding dresses tell a personal story that goes far beyond the day itself.
That’s all ! © Glamourdaze