This bride and groom were married in Chicago, IL, at the beginning of World War II. There were a lot of quickie weddings during World War II. At the beginning of the war, couples married so that the man would not be drafted into the Army. Other couples had hurried weddings before the soldier/grooms shipped off to war.

Bridal Dress

The bride wears a white 2 – piece dress. The dress is buttoned down the front and has an open notched collar. Her three-quarter length sleeves have a gathered puff top. Her dress jacket is nipped in at the waist and flairs slightly over the hips. Her knee-length skirt is slightly gathered.

The bride wears a corsage instead of holding a bouquet. She isn’t wearing a veil or headpiece.

Although this was an early war wedding, even after World War II, many brides choose to wear a white suit instead of a traditional wedding gown.

Maid of Honor

The maid-of-honor seems to be wearing her good party dress. It has a solid fabric underneath and a sheer layer over the top with a thin tape sewn on to create the decoration. She also wears a corsage instead of carrying a bouquet.

Groom & Best Man

The groom is wearing his Army uniform. This was very common with war weddings.

The best man is wearing a pin-striped, double-breasted suit with a carnation boutonniere. This kind of suit was in fashion at the end of the 1930s and beginning of the 1940s. During World War II, the rationing of how much fabric could be used in civilian clothing made this style of suit seem un-American and un-patriotic. This suit is one of the reasons that I think this is an early war wedding. Also the best man’s white and brown “Spectator” shoes and his hair style are from the late 1930s.

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