Victorian fashion
Bridal Party Wedding Attire
by
Viki Teague
I was looking at some Edwardian/Victorian wedding photographs the other day and as usual wishing I had lived in that era. As I looked a little closer to examine the style of the attendants dresses I realized that they were all different. It must have been a winter wedding, probably a Christmas wedding. The young women wore what looked like velvet or velveteen dresses all in the same color.
I imagined them in a deep, luscious green. The styles were gorgeous! The majority of the dresses had long sleeves or elbow length sleeves. Necklines were square, round, draped and some had embroidered collars. In keeping with the style of the day the waists were dropped from an inch or two below the waist to below the hipline and then fell into ankle length, scalloped or straight hems.
The composition of the photograph created the effect of couples in a very relaxed setting with the Bride and Groom as the center of the tableau. It was evident that the women were happy, felt good about themselves, and were enjoying the day. Of course since I always say there is nothing so handsome as a man in a tuxedo or a military uniform maybe they were just happy to be standing with their handsome partners.
What I really think is this. They were relaxed and happy because they were comfortable in a dress that fit their particular figure and fashion sense. Maybe because the Bride was concerned enough to allow each attendant to choose the dress style that suited her they were truly happy to be in attendance.
There are no rules about weddings that say you must wear this or you cannot wear that. This Bride certainly wasn't concerned about rules and it paid off. Great pictures, happy attendants, and beautiful dresses to be worn another time, and...... priced within the budget of each women. No wonder they were so relaxed!
I hope you will remember this little story when you consider what the attendants in your wedding will wear. Let's face it. Figures vary. Sometimes they vary an awful lot! If your heart is set on a purple wedding think twice before you ask everyone to purchase a purple taffeta or chiffon dress that will hang in the closet or go to Goodwill the day after the wedding.
I will never forget the wedding in which the attendants wore strapless, silver lame, bubble dresses which stopped above the knees! No kidding! The horrible part is that one of the women was at least eight months pregnant. A Pregnant attendant? That is a whole other reason for allowing them to choose styles.
Have a Happy Wedding, and remember:
Whatever Happens You will Get Married!
Copyright © September 2000, Viki Teague, All Rights Reserved
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