This is a picture of Charley Helms and Hilda Grafts on their wedding day in 1905. This photo was taken in Seymour, Wisconsin.

Bridal Gown

Hilda’s bridal gown reflects the women’s fashions of that time with its high neck collar, long sleeves, slightly puffy bodice, and gathered skirt that reaches the ground. At the beginning of the 1900s, a bride was supposed to be totally covered for modesty. Even though her bodice appears loose, Hilda had a stiff corset underneath everything.

Hilda’s dress displays a variety of lace and lace fabric. Her high collar, and the yoke area below it, is made of a sheer fabric with small embroidered decoration on it. Below that is a lace fabric with vertical bands of embroidery. This section is edged in a wide lace. This wide lace is repeated on the sleeves which reach to her wrists. There is a wide flat band of lace down the center of the front of the bodice and skirt.

Hilda’s skirt is gathered and hangs evenly around her. There is no train attached to her dress. The bottom of her skirt has a wide ruffle topped by a wide band of lace. She wears a narrow band or belt around her waist. Draped from this is a wide white ribbon with knots for decoration.

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

Hilda’s headpiece is a band of tightly ruffled netting that is standing upright. In front of that are bunches of small flowers. Her veil reaches almost to the ground. Hilda wears a large locket on a chain around her neck. She also has a small one flower boutonniere on her bodice.

Bridal Bouquet

Hilda’s bridal bouquet appears to be two large dark colored orchids along with some other smaller flowers and greenery, tied with wide white ribbon.

I think Hilda’s dress makes good use of a variety of laces without being overdone. If you like this style of dress, you should check out this 1904 Bride.

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.