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The Evolution of Wedding Gowns
Talking about a wedding the first thing that comes to mind is snow-white dress made of tender silk combined with luxuries lace and pearls. Yes, such dress is a dream for every girl. However, did you know that the dress symbolizing virtue and purity have changed many of times during the sequence of the time? Society, religion, historical era have had a great impact on the trends of wedding gown. Though the changes, brides of all times have had only one wish to be the most beautiful, fabulous and alluring.
In the middle Ages the wedding was something else than a unity of two lovers. It was a great political event sealing an alliance between two countries. Hence, every princess how was the authority of the country considered her duty to shine in front of the bridegroom and noblemen, showing off the wealth and treasures of her country. The wedding gown was made of precious fabrics: velvet, silk, satin, woven with gold and silver thread. The whole dress was covered with gemstones giving the bride stunning and fabulous look. Sometimes the gemstones and jewelry were so much used that covered the whole fabric making the dress extremely heavy. The gown of Margarita III was so heavy that she could hardly move and stepped to the church accompanied by two gentlemen. Not only were the fabrics diverse but also the range of the colors. Only the riches could obtain red, blue and purple. The skirts were voluminous, the sleeves stretched to the floor, and train could have several meters length. But not everyone could have had an honor to be a princess. The lower class noblewomen were trying to imitate the women higher than them. The peasants were satisfied only with wool dresses.
The Renaissance brought with her new traditions and customs. In this era the garter-toss tradition was created and in many Western and European countries it still goes on. It used to symbolize faithful and lucky life. In 1662 the Queen of England, Ireland and Scotland Catherine of Braganza laid the foundation of this tradition.
1800’s, the Victorian Period. Pink and bright yellow predominated in trends of wedding dresses. Grey was the color of misfortune suitable only for low class girls. Black was banned. In this era appeared tender, girlish bows trendy till now. Up until the nineteenth century ribbons would be tied into bows or "love knots" and loosely attached to the dress. In the end of feast it was given to the guests as a souvenirs or favours. During the sequence of the time the tradition went out of the usage.
The fashion of the wedding gowns took unexpected turn during 19th century. Until 1840s the white was not a symbol of purity and virginity. The Queen Victoria started the tradition of white wedding dress. And why very white? Simple she wanted to show her white lace satin fabric affordable only for her. From that on white is the most favorite color of any bride. By the way, Queen Victoria is also the first bride whose train was carried by bridesmaids
Roaring 20 century dictated its own rules in the field of fashion. Heavy long train gowns were no longer in use. The outfits replaced with shapeless dresses. The brides began showing their knees. World War I made brides make a humble choice. Because of the Great Depression brides were wearing their Sunday bests.
21 century is not only the era of traditions, but also a time for personality. All types of dresses are in trend: vintage, mermaid cuts, A-line and etc. Both full length and short cut gowns are popular. Beside forever fashionable white, ivory and cream, other colors seem to come back and have usage. Trumpet or mermaid dresses made of lace and bead illustrated are in 2014’s fashion.