This is the bridal picture of Julia May Hoff and Donald Paul who were married in Chicago, IL in 1941. The bride’s dress is a style that would be popular during the 1940s. During World War II (U.S. involvement in war was 1941 – 1945) the center of fashion design, Paris, France, was occupied by the Germans. As a result of this occupation, the fashion ideas of the fashion houses in Paris were cut off from the rest of the world. So the designers in the United States had to rely on their own ideas. As a result, fashion didn’t change much during the war.

Bridal Gown

The neckline of the bride’s dress was called a “Sweet Heart” neckline at the time. The bust line is gathered into a flat panel over the ribcage. A gathered skirt is attached at the natural waistline. The skirt is joined into 3 gathered sections that just reaches the floor. The bride’s short sleeves are called a “Tulip” sleeve because it has 2 curved sections that overlap.

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 Headpiece

The bride’s headpiece is pearl strings on a starched mesh foundation to make a tiara. She has 2 layers of veil, a short layer and a longer one that reaches below her hips. In some bridal traditions, the shorter veil was hung over the bride’s face for modesty, and flipped back after the couple was pronounced husband and wife.

Bridal Bouquet

Our bride is wearing thin over-the-elbow gloves. She is holding a small bouquet of 2 orchids and several knotted white ribbons hanging down in a “waterfall.”

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.