Wedding Blog
…With the success of Dior’s “new look,” Paris couturiers resumed operation and once again became the center for international fashion trends. Now that the usage of fabric had no constraints, The full, full and fuller skirt of the “new look” continued to gain popularity. Rounded and soft shoulders, an almost pinched waist, a pointed bosom and spike heels were the hallmarks of 50’s Bridal wear. The hourglass effect was further emphasized with crinolines and hoop skirts. It was at this time that the metal zipper moved to the wearer’s back, making the zip up a two person chore. Some say that after the success of the 1951 film, “A Place in the Sun,” the costuming of Edith Head epitomized the look that American women craved, exemplified to perfection by the film’s star, Elizabeth Taylor… (source)
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My desire to have a wedding inspired by those held in the early 1950s to the early 1960s was no doubt fueled by my early and ever-growing love of 1950-1960s romantic comedies. In fact, my dream wedding/life comes directly from those images forever burned onto my retinas as a child: Elizabeth Taylor in the original Father of the Bride, and “bunny-nose” June Allyson, Betty Grable, and Doris Day in every movie they ever made….
When I was younger, I would complacently sit and drool with envy (is that normal? do I have too much saliva? hehe) at the images flashing before me on that wonderful box, but now that I am “grown up” I have taken to staring fixedly and scribbling notes obsessively. As a result, I have quite a file on fashions, flowers, and colours used in my favorite films. To help bring some fifties flare to your wedding day ensemble, I’ve condensed those notes into a costumer’s 101…
Without further ado, a cheat sheet:
How to dress like a 1950’s bride
Popular wedding fabrics:
- taffetas, chantilly/french lace, nets, tulle, chiffon, silk, satin
Popular (evening wear) silhouettes:
the slim sheath, or “wiggle dress”
the “New Look” by Dior - fitted bodice and flared/bouffant skirt
the “ballerina” skirt - ends at mid calf, shows off the ankle
Popular necklines:
Bits and Pieces: accessories
brooches
“shortie” or opera-length gloves
pearls
bolero jackets
fur stoles
bridal caps/ hats
Some excellent resources:
1950’s History = excellent resource for bridal fashion by decade
Ask Ginka = huge collection of vintage wedding resources/links
Did you notice how similar “old’ 1950’s styles are to our “newer” “classy” cuts and necklines? Everything old comes around again!
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Share this post: The Anatomy of A 1950’s Bride - Details, Details, Details
My sister wore my mother’s wedding dress, and looked very 1950s - although mom was actually married in the very early 1960s. One thing to note if you are actually getting a vintage dress - bras were really different back then! (Remember “Lift and Separate?”) My sister referred to it as the “boob as a weapon” look. She found it difficult to fill out the pointy parts of the dress with a modern bra, and so had to get a little alternation done in that area.
It’s funny you mention about everything coming back. My mom and I were shopping last weekend and we walked into a store and saw a dress. The first thing out of her mouth was, “That looks just like my prom dress.” (She graduated in the early 60s) I always tell my mom I could kill her for not saving all her dresses through the years. All of them were amazing!
I absolutely adore Edith Head’s designs. She’s a bit competetive (taking the Oscar for best costume for Sabrina even though Givechy made most of the outfits), but everything she does is top notch. I think the only girl she couldn’t costume was Audrey Hepburn. She kept trying to give her curves and the test screens didn’t look “Audrey” enough. (okay, I’m done being a geek now.)
The interesting thing about the 1950’s is that it’s when the wedding gown really became a costume…seperating itself from mainstream and everyday fashion, so you’ll find a lot of 50’s looking gowns that were actually made in the 60’s.
Such beautiful eye candy in your post — thanks for sharing all of this!
lol…i noticed from another one of your posts a dress with a skirt that looked a lot like today’s “pick-up” skirt. not sure if that was exactly the detailing but the overall look was very similiar. it kinda put away my fears that buying such a dress would look very outdated 10-20 yrs from now. much like 80’s wedding dresses are today.
I really enjoyed reading your post. this is such an nostalgic material that you have posted.
My planner sent me this blog. I love it. I’m having a 1950’s theme wedding in September. I have always said I was born it the wrong era. My wedding is inspired by my grand parents wedding photo. The dresses back then… amazing! She gave me her gloves too. Yeah! Super Cute Post Thanx!
I LOVE this! I am planning my wedding and I am hoping and hinting for a 50’s 60’s themed bridal shower!
And YES, a lot of this stuff is totally back in style.
I am the “baby” of 4 and my mom was married in 1962, so she is a child of the 50’s and 60’s. Her dress had “draped duchesse satin”- ie: very loose, draped PICK UPS- and my dress has them as well. I think the difference is now some dresses have MORE pickups or those with more volume.
I also have pearls and bolero sweaters! What a great look!!!
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Mrs. Shortcake, Vancouver
Age and Occupation: 24, Marketing Manager/Children's Lit Writer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Master's Student/Personal Trainer
Engagement Date: August 7, 2007
Wedding Date: October 2008
Blogging Since:
Venue: Ceremony in a historic church, tented lawn reception at a golf and country club
About Me: 1950's housewife sent to the future, reborn as crafting-obsessed, jill of all trades. I enjoy decorating, writing, baking sweet things, singing show tunes/dancing in public, wearing pearls, and knitting sweaters for my furbaby, Harvey, to chew upon. I heart pink, and believe that sparkles are the new black.
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