This wedding took place in Chicago, IL about 2 – 3 years after World War II. I base this date on the amount of satin fabric in the bride’s dress and the luxurious velvet and taffeta bridesmaid dresses. During World War II, the amount of fabric that was allowed to be used in a dress was severely limited due to rationing of fabric to support the war effort. Luxury fabrics were also discontinued during the war.

Bridal Gown

The bride’s white satin dress has the “Sweet Heart” neckline and bodice style popular during the 1940s. This neckline style is more pronounced in the bridesmaids’ dresses. Like the bridal gown in the previous article, the bodice is gathered over the bust line and attaches to a flat panel along the ribcage. Her slightly gathered skirt and very large and full train are attached at the natural waistline. The bride’s long sleeves have a puffy top.

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 Hat & Bouquet

This bride’s headpiece is a hat made of satin covered millinery mesh. There probably was a rounded cap that balanced the stand-up brim. Hats were very popular during the 1940s for every day wear, inspired by the variety of hats worn by actresses in the movies. Her veil was attached to the back of her hat. Our bride’s bouquet is small mums or Shasta daisies with some smaller white flowers on long stems. A white sating bow completes the bouquet.

Bridesmaids’ Dresses

The bridesmaids’ dresses have dark velvet tops with long, slightly gathered taffeta skirts. The bodices are piped (accented) in the skirt fabric. The puffy tops to their short sleeves are accented too. The bridesmaids’ skirts reach to the ground and have what appears to be a horse shoe shaped pocket on the side.

Bridesmaids’ Hats & Bouquets

The bridesmaids wear caps similar to the bride’s headpiece, but theirs are done in the dark velvet and have a slightly different shape. The Maid-of-Honor’s bouquet is mostly pink and white Star Lilies and a satin bow. The other 2 bridesmaids’ bouquets have colored mums and Star Lilies with dark satin bow.

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.