In May, I had the privilege of acting as emcee for a bridal fashion show for St. John of Rochester Church in Fairport, NY. It was a fundraiser for the church youth group. The gowns were submitted by the church parishioners and modeled by the members of the youth group. The gowns ranged from 1909 – 2009. I was delighted to see that the gowns fit the models beautifully. As I was mesmerized by the beauty and character of the gowns on these young ladies, I wished the gowns could tell their life story.

The gowns were aged with grace and beauty. It was wonderful to witness and be a part of fashion history. The earlier gowns had intricate details; tiny pin tucks, high collars, long lacey elegant sleeves. Some of the gowns were missing lace boarders on the hem because it was reused on other family bridal gowns and christening gowns. We thought the term re-cycle was new!

There were gowns from the 1980’s with big poufy sleeves; a reminder of the Princess Diana era. Princess Diana had a tremendous influence on fashion, bringing back elegance and style. Jackie Kennedy’s 1960’s influence was also displayed. Remember the pill box hat and empire waist? Both Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana were fashion icons.

In my research of wedding gowns, I discovered that gowns were not always white. The white wedding gown was a fashion statement introduced by Queen Victoria, married in 1840. In medieval times, royal marriages were of great political importance. They were often arranged to seal alliances between the ruling families of countries with economic troubles due to endless wars and border disputes. In that era a bride of royalty had to look magnificent on her wedding day; she had to uphold the prestige of her country and impress the groom’s family.
(Wow! What a responsibility). In the middle ages, blue not white was the symbol of purity. Both bride and groom would wear a band of blue ribbon in the wedding ceremony. Now you know where the something blue rhyme comes from. In the early 1900s grey was a common shade for a wedding gown because it was such a useful color to re-use as Sundays best.

Wedding gowns today are a relatively recent invention. By the last decade of the 19th century, because white fabric was more affordable and readily available, it was possible for more young women to wear a white gown.

Sometime when you get a chance ask your mother, grandmother, aunt, etc. to share her wedding gown story with you. If only the gowns could talk!