Women’s fashions are always changing, and bridal fashions are no different. If you remember the previous article (1904 Bride), the fashionable look at the beginning of the 1900s was a full puffy body with a high neck, a thin waist, and skirts that were full and draped gracefully over the hips with a long flowing train.

Bridal Gown

This 1908 bride illustrates the change in lady’s fashion that occurred about 1907. The bosom was no longer emphasized by a puffy bodice and lace ruffles. Hips had lost their emphasis as skirts became less full and flowing in favor of a more A-line look with the fabric loosely gathered at the waist. Bridal trains were also eliminated.

After the floor-dragging skirt lengths of the previous decades, skirts were now a “shocking” 2 to 3 inches off the floor. During the early 1900s it was considered improper to see a lady’s feet and now you could actually see the lady’s feet, but not her ankles. However, the modest bride was still expected to be totally covered. The fashion rules MUST be followed.

This bridal gown has a high neckline decorated with rows of small, flat lace. Although not as puffy as the 1904 Bride’s bodice, the bodice on this dress has a slight puff as the fabric is gathered into the high waist. The sleeves are slightly puffed and reach all the way down to her mid-fore arm. The rest of her arm is covered by a long, fingerless mitt. This fingerless mitt was both a fashionable and practical glove substitute. No worry about finger tips getting dirty or frayed with wear. Mitts could be rented or borrowed over and over without looking dirty or worn out.

If you have read the FREE 10 Wedding Ideas from Vintage Brides ebook, you would know that this dress is a Triangular shape. You can see how this shape compares to other bridal dress shapes in the ebook.

Bridal Bouquet

Although the bride’s bouquet hides her waistline, it is accentuated by a wide, gathered band. The slightly gathered skirt hangs from the band. Compared to the 1904 bride, this bride’s skirt is simple, with no decorations. Under the top layer of fabric, there was probably a layer of some kind of stiff fabric to hold the skirt out and give it shape.

This bride’s bouquet is full of roses, with green ferns and white baby’s breath filling in. The white ribbons hanging down from the bouquet are called a “water fall.” Small rose buds and bits of lacy greenery are tied to the ribbons.

Bridal Veil

The bride’s veil is a bit unusual. It appears to be a long length of bridal veil net that is gathered together in the middle and attached to her up-swept hair. The veil hangs down the sides of the bride instead of flowing behind her.

Ready for unique Bridal ideas?

If you are planning a wedding and are looking for bridal ideas, then the FREE 10 Wedding Ideas from Vintage Brides ebook can help you:

• Find your own Wedding Dress style
• Find a unique Headpiece and Veil
• Find a special Bridal Bouquet

To get your own FREE copy of 10 Wedding Ideas from Vintage Brides ebook PDF, just click the button.

Want your own historically-inspired Wedding Gown?

Want a wedding dress in a vintage style? Contact me at kayork@wowway.

Want to see more Vintage Brides?

If you want to find out more about American Bridal Fashions, 1900 to 1950, you can purchase the book and enjoy all the vintage bridal gowns and veils.

Like modern vintage fashions?

If you are interested in modern vintage fashions, check out The House of York on Etsy.