One of my favorite songs from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (which also happens to be one of my favorite movies) is the song “June Bride.” It is extremely catchy and can pop into my head at random times…even when I haven’t watched the movie in months! If you haven’t seen/heard of this musical before, than close out this post and go find yourself a copy!!! You won’t regret it! 🙂
In the meantime, feel free to click the link below to watch the song!
And while getting married in June is not as common today (as I am a May bride), I still thought it would be fun to take a little look back at the do’s and don’ts of bridal wear!
One of my good friends is getting married, and watching her go through the fun of finding a wedding dress makes me feel just as excited as if it were for my own wedding (well, almost!) She finally found a dress through Alfred Angelo after much debate and what seemed like an endless stream of gowns. But she did it! And as I was researching for this post, I came across this wonderful advertisement for Alfred Angelo gowns from the 1950’s. After viewing this gown, I thought about how much wedding gown designs have changed…and not changed, as I feel like I saw this gown on display….just maybe not as fluffy!
But one thing that that hasn’t change too much over time is the color of the gown. This excerpt from a book written in the 1870’s explains what goes into a proper bridal ensemble…and it seems like quite a bit! And just in case you are interested, all sources quoted are listed at the bottom of this post.
“The dress for a bride will admit of such immense variety in materials, style, expense, and fashion, that it is difficult to give general directions. Yet from the millionaire’s daughter to the mechanic’s child, there is always one rule, that the dress must be white throughout. Dress, veil, gloves, slippers, wrapper, or bonnet all must be pure white for a full bridal dress. The material varies; moire antique, alpaca, muslin, or fine bishop’s lawn, are all suitable for the wedding-dress. The veil may be of illusion, lace, or very fine tulle, but should be long, very full, and fine. It is fastened by the wreath, but whether to fall over the face or not, is a matter left to Fashion.
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The slippers should be of white satin, and the gloves of white kid, trimmed with white lace or white satin ribbon.
No jewelry is suitable for a bride, excepting diamonds or pearls.
The same variety of selection of material, quality, and quantity, that applies to the wedding-dress, is equally applicable to the trousseau, but for a person in moderate circumstances, we give the usual quantity, which may be varied indefinitely, according to the purse or taste of the fair bride, or her parents.” (1)
Here is a 1920’s chart on bridal wear as created by Mary Brook Pickens. I adore this chart as it gives instructions on what to wear based on location and time of day! Fascinating!! (2)
Taking inspiration from the chart, one can see the changes in these two 1920’s gown pairings based on location and time of day!
And while many brides look back with pride on their wedding day and the choices they have made…one has to wonder if the other members of the bridal party feel the same way. Like this florally group:
To all you brides out there planning your wedding, no matter what month it happens to be in, I wish you happiness and great gown choices!
Sources:
(1)The Art of Dressing Well: A Complete Guide to Economy, Style, and Propriety of Costume by Annie S. Frost, 1870
(2)Guide to Correct Dress for the Bride: Harmony in Dress by Mary Brooks Picken, 1925
2 thoughts on “The June Bride”