The History of Wedding Attire
A Journey Through the Centuries
Wedding fashion has transformed dramatically over the centuries, reflecting cultural traditions, societal expectations, and personal style. From vibrant medieval gowns to the classic white dresses we see today, let’s take a journey through time and explore how wedding attire has evolved—with some famous examples from popular culture along the way.
Medieval Era (5th-15th Century): Vibrant Colours & Regal Fabrics
During the medieval period, marriages were primarily strategic arrangements between families to secure alliances and elevate social standing. Wedding dresses were a reflection of wealth and status, rather than a symbol of purity or romance. Brides of nobility and wealth often wore luxurious fabrics such as velvet, silk, and fur, dyed in deep, rich colors like red, gold, and blue, which were expensive to produce and signified prestige. Gold and silver embroidery adorned the gowns, further emphasizing opulence. The idea of wearing white was not yet established—brides simply wore their finest gown, often a family heirloom.
Depiction of a wedding from 1350, you can see the groom placing the ring on the brides finger. Source: https://www.newcastlecastle.co.uk/castle-blog/wedding
Renaissance Era (15th-17th Century): Embroidery & Opulence
The Renaissance was a time of artistic and cultural flourishing, and wedding attire reflected this emphasis on beauty and craftsmanship. Brides favored gowns made of rich brocades, damasks, and velvets, adorned with intricate embroidery, pearls, and precious gems. The dresses featured voluminous skirts, tight-fitting bodices, and elaborate sleeves, showcasing the bride’s wealth and status. The inclusion of metallic threads, particularly gold and silver, added a shimmering elegance.
Claire’s wedding dress in Outlander (2014) captures Renaissance-era grandeur with its structured bodice, delicate lace, and opulent design. (Image source: https://blog.overthemoon.com/weddings/revisiting-the-outlander-wedding/).
18th Century: Corsets & Wide Skirts
In the 18th century, the silhouette of wedding dresses became more exaggerated. Corsets sculpted the torso into an hourglass shape, while wide skirts supported by panniers created a dramatic, grand appearance. Pastel shades like pale pink, blue, and ivory became fashionable among the European aristocracy. Silk, satin, and taffeta were the fabrics of choice, and lace accents added a delicate touch.
Marie Antoinette’s wedding gown (as depicted in Marie Antoinette (2006)) was a lavish confection of embroidery and luxurious fabrics, embodying the excess of the French court. (Image source: https://www.invitinghistory.com/2015/05/marie-antoinettes-wedding-dress.html). Additionally, the gowns in The Duchess (2008) showcase the extreme elegance and structure of 18th-century wedding fashion. (Image source: https://medium.com/@amar.dwy/the-glamorous-gown-in-the-duchess-6a35f9e92a80).
19th Century: The White Dress Trend Begins
The most significant shift in wedding fashion occurred in the 19th century when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840. She chose a white satin and lace gown, breaking away from the tradition of colorful wedding dresses. Her decision cemented white as the preferred color for brides, symbolizing purity and elegance. Lace, delicate embroidery, and full skirts remained popular throughout the century, influenced by Victorian modesty and romantic ideals.
Emily Blunt’s portrayal of Queen Victoria in The Young Victoria (2009) beautifully recreates the historic wedding gown that set a lasting trend.https://brightside.me/articles/19-movie-wedding-dresses-that-became-legendary-807888/
Pop Culture Example: Early 20th Century: Edwardian Grace & Flapper Fun
The early 1900s saw wedding gowns take on a more delicate and ethereal aesthetic, featuring lace overlays, high necklines, and soft, flowing fabrics. However, the roaring 1920s brought a dramatic shift—waistlines dropped, hemlines shortened, and beaded embellishments became popular as the flapper style took over. Brides embraced a more modern, liberated look, reflecting the cultural changes of the time.
Daisy Buchanan’s wedding dress in The Great Gatsby (2013) perfectly embodies 1920s elegance with its intricate beading and art deco influences. (Image source: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/1071293830106769535/).
Mid-20th Century: Hollywood Glamour & Traditional Gowns
The 1950s were defined by ultra-feminine, structured gowns inspired by Hollywood icons. Grace Kelly’s 1956 wedding dress became one of the most famous bridal looks of all time, featuring a high neckline, lace bodice, and voluminous skirt. The 1960s saw a mix of sleek, minimalist dresses and bohemian styles inspired by the counterculture movement. By the 1970s, flowy, empire-waist dresses and floral crowns became the go-to bridal look, reflecting a more relaxed and free-spirited approach.
Grace Kelly’s wedding dress directly influenced Kate Middleton’s 2011 gown, showcasing the enduring appeal of classic, timeless bridal fashion. (Images sources: http://www.beyondgracekelly.com/wedding-dress/, https://www.vogue.com.au/brides/news/hm-are-selling-kate-middletons-wedding-dress-for-300/news-story/5b2bc603cf91aa05b6f1555d1f3ce172).
Late 20th Century: Princess Diana’s Extravagance
The 1980s were all about grandeur, and no wedding dress captured this more than Princess Diana’s in 1981. Designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, her gown featured dramatic puffed sleeves, an elaborate 25-foot train, and layers of taffeta and lace. The 1990s, in contrast, favored a more streamlined look, epitomized by Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s sleek slip dress in 1996.
Princess Diana’s wedding gown in The Crown (2020) was a faithful recreation of her unforgettable royal look. (Image source: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a33950871/crown-emma-corrin-princess-diana-wedding-dress/).
21st Century: Individuality & Sustainability
Today’s bridal fashion is all about choice and individuality. Brides are no longer confined to tradition—many opt for jumpsuits, colorful gowns, or vintage-inspired dresses. Sustainability has also become a key focus, with designers using eco-friendly fabrics and ethical production methods.
Carrie Bradshaw’s extravagant wedding gown in Sex and the City (2008) (image source: https://www.vogue.com/article/and-just-like-that-carrie-bradshaw-vivienne-westwood-wedding-dress) showcases how modern bridal fashion blends tradition with bold, fashion-forward choices. Meanwhile, celebrities like Keira Knightley and Ellie Goulding have chosen simple, sustainable wedding dresses, reflecting a growing shift toward mindful bridal fashion. (Image sources: https://chicvintagebrides.com/keira-knightleys-bridal-style/, https://www.vogue.com/article/ellie-goulding-marries-caspar-jopling-in-york-england).
Breaking Tradition & Embracing Individuality
As wedding fashion continues to evolve, one thing remains true: it’s all about personal expression. Whether you choose a dramatic ballgown, a chic jumpsuit, or a vintage-inspired dress, the most important thing is that you feel confident and beautiful on your big day.
From the regal gowns of the medieval era to the sustainable bridal trends of today, wedding attire has always been a reflection of culture, history, and personality. So why not make your own mark on history by choosing a look that is uniquely you because as we have seen, traditions change!
