Unlike a good cocktail dress, which is designed to be a workhorse in a woman’s wardrobe, a white or cream-colored wedding dress need only dazzle its audience once. Unless, of course, it's a used wedding dress, either passed down from a beloved relative or picked up at auction or from a favorite vintage shop. The trend for white wedding dresses started in 1840, with the union of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Prior to Victoria's wedding, most brides wore whatever fashionable hue they wanted, since they were likely to wear the dress on other occasions. Breaking with tradition, Victoria selected an elaborate white dress featuring a long train, a bridal veil, and a crown of white blossoms. Victoria's choice of white was viewed as quite conservative since it was historically the color for mourning (decades later, Victoria would make black the defacto mourning color when her beloved Albert died). However, mass-media coverage of her wedding made her style an instant sensation, influencing brides to this day.

At the beginning of the 20th century, with the Belle Epoque in full swing, Edwardian brides were cinched into tight corsets, which were covered with wedding dresses made out of chiffon, lace, and taffeta. But by World War I, the practice of squeezing women into hourglass shapes was giving way to more natural looks. After the war, wedding dress hemlines had crept far enough off the ground to reveal a bride’s ankle. Hemlines continued to rise throughout the 1920s, producing wedding dresses that were relatively revealing in the front with a flowing train in the back. Wedding Dress Shopping EcardsDresses got long again in the ’30s, were generally straight, and for the first time were equipped with a detachable train, which allowed a bride to take her solemn walk down the aisle but then cut a rug on the dance floor after.Cattle Dogs For Sale Victoria

The 1940s was a schizophrenic decade when it came to fashion, and wedding dresses were no exception. During the war years, wedding gowns followed the overall trend of boxy, broad shouldered, military silhouettes. By the late ’40s, though, all bets were off as miles of previously rationed fabrics were lavished on wedding dresses and gowns. In some cases, wedding dresses were even made from silk salvaged from surplus parachutes. Wedding dresses returned to full femininity again in the 1950s, with tight waists and full skirts below. Stainless Steel Toilet Seat HardwareSleeve styles ranged from full length to almost none at all, while necks could be left open or collared. These varied looks remained consistent into the next decade, except for those adventurous brides who chose to be married in short numbers that ended well above their knees. By the 1970s, some women dispensed with the wedding dress altogether, trading tradition for the sophisticated look of an Yves Saint Laurent white tuxedo-jacket suit.

This article has been written by an outside contributor. It has not been reviewed by the LifeScript editorial staff for accuracy. 1. A Unique Style for Every Bride1920s Chemise and Tube Dresses 1930s Hollywood Glamour1940s Wartime Bride1950s PrincessRoman Holiday1960s Jacqueline Kennedy 1970s Disco StyleVintage Wedding Gowns are Green3. Vintage Wedding Dresses Save Money 4. Vintage Wedding Gowns are a Timeless Treasure5. Ebay is another vintage source. Thrift shops, yard sales, antique stores and consignment shops are always good places to look for anything vintage. Of course, don’t forget your family’s attic, where a hidden treasure box may hold your perfect vintage dress filled with memories.When searching for a vintage wedding dress, it’s important to remember the details of the era you’re looking for to ensure the gown’s authenticity. The more educated you are about the fabrics and styles that were available during that time, the more likely you are to find the real deal.

Always make sure that the company you order from accepts returns for a full refund before you order your dress.A vintage wedding dress represents the political and social history of its era, and holds a deep meaning that extends beyond fashion design. Go back in time with your guests as you walk down the aisle in a vintage 1920s chemise and cap veil. Give them a moment of elegance as you walk in wearing a vintage lace dress from the 50s. Vintage wedding gowns help make that special day an affair to remember.Are You Turning Into Bridezilla?Watching other brides turn into demanding monsters can be fun, as long as the fangs and claws are not aimed in your direction. Now it is your turn as the bride to be. Have you learned your lesson as a long-time bridesmaid, or is this day all about you and getting what you want? Are you turning into a bridezilla? Take this quiz and find out! More on vintage wedding gowns... Next: Return to first page of article Next: Return to first page of article

Vintage Party & Bridal Dresses > Page 1 of 3 Please select a wishlist category or create a new wishlistThe Ronald Joyce Bridal collection for Spring 15 is strikingly beautiful.  the glamorous 1930’s and theatrical 20’s era, this collection showcases a fabulous array of stylish and luxurious wedding dresses. Finding inspiration from the classical designs of the 20s and 30s, the Spring 15 wedding dress collection features elegant Lace, beautifully detailed sleeves and aKey colours are classic Ivory mixed with hints of warmer tones in Champagne and Light Gold. The beautiful colour palette accentuates this stunning new range of wedding dresses from Ronald Joyce. The collection focuses on flattering shapes including stylish fish tale silhouettes, subtle A-lines and full skirted traditional wedding gowns, all with the Ronald JoyceFeaturing laces embellished with beading and embroidery, soft tulle and organza, the romantic designs are complimented with delicate beadwork