This wedding party of Bride and Bridesmaids is from the late 1940s, in Stevens Point, WI.
Bridal Gown
The Bride’s dress is of shiny white satin with a “Sweet Heart” neckline. A band of embroidered lace runs down the front of her dress to the point where the skirt spits to show lace ruffles on the underskirt. The Bride’s sleeves are long and narrow with a puffed top and ending with several fabric-covered buttons to close the wrist opening. The dress also has a long satin train at the back of what looks like a full skirt.
Bridal Headpiece
The Bride’s headpiece is a ruffle of stiff lace with a mid-length veil. The veil has a deep lace edge.
Bridesmaids
The Bridesmaids’ dresses appear to be a chiffon over a matching satin or taffeta fabric. Their dresses also have “Sweet Heart” necklines, accented by lace ruffles that go over the top of their sleeves. Their short puffy sleeves are of the same chiffon with no underlying fabric. Bodices are typical of the time combined with medium full long skirts. Attached to the waist are double ruffles – chiffon over a lace ruffle – to create a “Peplum.” This Peplum was a popular style from the mid- to late-1940s.
Another bridal fashion of the late 1940s were the “faux sleeves”- a chiffon cylinder that started at the elbow and extended to the wrist. Not a sleeve or a long glove. An idea that doesn’t seem to be very practical as you can see in the photo. They don’t seem to be staying up very well.
The Maid-of-Honor is holding the Bride’s hand. Her dress is a lighter color than the other 4 Bridesmaids.
Bridesmaids Headpieces
From the front the Bridesmaids look like they are wearing hats, but they are really “doughnut” shaped rings with an opening in the center. These are wire frames with chiffon stretched over them. They are decorated with gathered chiffon flowers in the front and ribbons down the back. The color of their headpieces matches their dresses.
Bouquets
The Bride’s bouquet is a dozen roses and fern greenery tied with a wide white satin ribbon.
The Bridesmaids bouquets are carnations and fern greenery.
If you have read the 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 the other bridal dress shapes in the ebook.
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 copy of 10 Wedding Ideas from Vintage Brides ebook PDF just click the link.
Want your own Historically-Inspired Wedding Gown?
Want a wedding dress in a vintage style? Let’s talk. Contact me at kayork@wowway.com.
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