Do you have a fancy for flapper girl glam’ or a penchant for flower power? Do you want to twist the night away in layers of tulle or shimmer down the aisle in lavishly embellished silk? The desire for retro wedding dresses is stronger than ever, with styles of yesteryear high up the inspiration charts for brides to be.
These retro wedding dresses ooze bygone glamour with a modern twist…
1920s Razzle Dazzle ‘Em
The roaring Twenties saw bridal designs of pure unadulterated glamour. The flapper style wedding dress with hemline either at the calf or below the knee later made way for full-length figure enhancing designs lavishly embellished with beading and embroidery.
Hope from Phase Eight
1930s Tres Chic
The Thirties saw sleek satin bias cut dresses skim the body with fluted fishtail skirts. Although wedding dresses were much simpler than the previous decade (due to the economic depression), they oozed sophistication and elegance, with strong influences filtering through from the big screen and Hollywood starlets of the day.
1940s Something Borrowed
With clothes rationing in full force due to the war, wedding gown silhouettes were often narrow in the Forties to conserve fabric. Some gowns were made with figure enhancing corsets and stylish v-shaped necklines covered in lace, and dresses were often shared and modified between family and friends during this ‘make-do and mend’ era.
Luna by Milamira from Rock the Frock
1950s Twist and Shout
Fifties fashion made a dramatic turn with knee length, full-skirts and flattering cinched in waists. Tulle ball gowns and long sleeved wedding dresses with lace bodices and ivory satin skirts in both tea and knee-length were worn on the big day.
1960s Dedicated Followers of Fashion
In the Sixties waistlines moved higher and empire line dresses were de rigueur. High necklines packed a punch and the hemline of shorter styles sat on or above the knee.
Long Sleeve Lace Mini Dress by ASOS Bridal
1970s Peace and Love
The Seventies fully embraced the boho flow of romantic wedding dresses, with long, loose sleeves, empire waists and square shaped necklines.
Guest post by Shelley Carter-Bright and Kirstie Taylor of Kitty and Dulcie
Images from Designers/Retailers in Captions
