George Boyle
Medieval wedding dresses are a far cry from the white gowns popularised by Queen Victoria and remain a popular choice for brides today. Medieval brides wore their finest dress and robe, usually in jewel tones like dark blue, red, or gold, with fur-trimmed mantles, silver belts, and rosemary sprigs. The amount of fabric and folds denoted social status, with royalty and nobles choosing materials like velvet, satin, or silk. Medieval bridal attire was influenced by the region's artistic and cultural currents, with embroidery and symbolic details inspired by illuminated manuscripts, religious iconography, and Gothic architecture. The dresses were often passed down as family heirlooms, with surviving records offering a glimpse into the colourful, textured, and symbolic fashion choices of medieval brides.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Bright red, deep green, blue |
| Fabric | Silk, velvet, satin, linen, cotton, wool |
| Details | Gold or silver thread, embroidery, buttons, belts, pouches, daggers, headdresses |
| Style | Flowing, loose sleeves, layered, U-shaped waistlines, capes, hoods, trains, bouffant |
| Symbolism | Religious iconography, Gothic architecture, folk patterns, natural embellishments |
| Function | Dual-purpose, durable, family heirlooms |
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What You'll Learn
Medieval wedding dresses were colourful
Red was another common colour for medieval wedding dresses, and it was often passed down through generations. In her research on the archives of the French town of Montpellier, Lucie Laumonier found 13 instances between 1350 and 1490 of wedding dresses being described as red and often accompanied by a silver belt. Royal wedding dresses were also colourful, trimmed with ermine, and adorned with gold and silver. For example, the 'Golden Gown' of Queen Margaret, which is kept in Uppsala Cathedral in Sweden, is made of a sumptuous gold brocade cloth with an all-over pattern on a base of red silk.
Medieval-inspired wedding dresses are currently trending, with brides incorporating vintage influences to create new looks. The medieval period is associated with romance and chivalry, and medieval-style gowns feature flowing designs with loose sleeves and dramatic capes and hoods. Medieval wedding dresses were colourful and diverse, reflecting the status, traditions, and identities of the brides who wore them.
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They were made from velvet, satin or silk
Medieval wedding dresses were made from a variety of luxurious fabrics, including velvet, satin, and silk. These opulent materials were often chosen by royalty and nobility, reflecting their social status and wealth.
Velvet, a plush fabric with a soft pile, was a popular choice for medieval wedding dresses. It provided a rich and luxurious look and feel to the gown. Silk velvet, in particular, was highly valued for its lustrous sheen and delicate texture. However, due to its sensitive nature, silk velvet presented unique challenges during the dressmaking process. Silk velvet is prone to tearing and requires careful handling when cutting and sewing. To overcome this, dressmakers often lined the velvet with a sturdy silk fabric, such as silk dupioni or taffeta, to provide support and enhance the overall appearance.
Silk, renowned for its softness and lustre, was another favoured fabric for medieval wedding dresses. It was often used as a lining or underlayer, providing a smooth and elegant foundation for the outer garment. Silk dresses could be crafted with intricate details, such as silk lucet cords, lacing holes, and matching silk belts adorned with freshwater pearls. The choice of silk added a layer of luxury and sophistication to the bride's ensemble.
Satin, known for its smooth and glossy surface, was also used in the creation of medieval wedding dresses. It offered a sleek and elegant option for brides, particularly those from noble or royal backgrounds. Satin provided a lustrous finish to the gown, enhancing the richness of the fabric and the overall opulence of the outfit.
The use of these exquisite fabrics elevated the medieval wedding dress to a true work of art, reflecting the skill and craftsmanship of the dressmakers. The combination of velvet, satin, and silk created a sumptuous and regal appearance, befitting the occasion and the social status of the bride. These fabrics, with their rich textures and vibrant colours, continue to inspire and influence wedding fashion even in modern times.
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Medieval fashion varied across Europe
Medieval wedding dresses were colourful, with reds, greens, and blues being prominent. They were also adorned with fur-trimmed mantles, silver belts, and embroidery.
England
In England, the Medieval period is classified as the time between the fall of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance (AD 410–1485). During this time, clothing styles varied among the Anglo-Saxons, Anglo-Danes, Normans, and Britons, as well as across social classes. Sumptuary laws regulated the clothing choices of different social classes, with certain colours and styles reserved for royalty and higher-status groups. For example, scarlet tones like red and purple were associated with luxury and wealth.
Around the 11th century, shortened tunics, shorter hairstyles, and beard lengths became popular among men. Men also wore coifs, a type of flat round cap, and long stockings with attached feet. Women's gowns became tighter and had lower necklines, and the skirt became more popular than the petticoat. Headdresses were varied, with hair long, plaited, and pinned up at the sides, often with a veil, a white linen crown, or a pillbox cap.
France
In the 15th century, France was influenced by the fashion of Burgundy, a wealthy duchy that controlled much of modern-day France. Burgundian fabrics included velvets, silks, gold and silver materials, and embroideries. After Burgundy's defeat in 1477, Italy became the fashion centre of Europe, and Italian fabrics, though equally beautiful, were lighter and less furry.
Italy
Italy played a significant role in influencing European fashion during the Medieval period. Italian fabrics, which were of high quality and elegance, reached Western Europe and influenced the styles there. Byzantine styles, such as turbans, were introduced in Italy and became fashionable across Europe in the 15th century.
Northern Europe
In Northern Europe, including regions like Kent in England, there was a decreasing influence of Northern European fashion and a growing influence from the Frankish Kingdom, Byzantine Empire, and a revival of Roman culture. Veils and other head coverings became more pervasive, especially for married women, following the Christianization of the Germanic tribes.
Iberia
Iberia, which was largely ruled by the Moors during the later Medieval period, received distinct influences from the Visigoths compared to other invading peoples.
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Medieval bridal attire was influenced by religion
Medieval bridal attire was heavily influenced by religion. In the 12th century, the Catholic Church became a powerful institution in Europe, referring to marriage as a sacrament tied to experiencing God's presence. This religious influence extended to bridal attire, with specific types of headgear mandated by religious traditions. For example, in Orthodox Christian ceremonies, crowns are held over the heads of the bridal couple.
The colours chosen for medieval bridal attire also carried religious significance. Blue was associated with the Virgin Mary and conveyed piety and purity, while red represented strength and family loyalty. These colours were popular choices for wedding dresses, with surviving records indicating that medieval brides often wore colourful dresses in shades of green, red, and blue.
The gowns themselves were considered more than just attire; they were seen as spiritual and familial investments. Noble brides wore gowns rich with symbolic detail, echoing the elaborate decorations of cathedrals, with layered fabrics draped like the folds of statues. Commoners' wedding attire, though simpler in design, was also imbued with meaning, often incorporating folk patterns or natural embellishments like berries and herbs for good fortune.
The textiles used in medieval bridal attire were imported through a vast trade network, with noble brides adorning themselves in silk from Italy or Byzantium, dyed with costly pigments. These gowns were not only a display of wealth but also a reflection of the religious and cultural influences of the time, with the intricate details and symbolism conveying a message of piety, virtue, and alliance.
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Medieval-inspired wedding dresses are trendy
Medieval-inspired wedding dresses are having a moment. From social media to the runways, this nostalgic trend is everywhere, and it's not hard to see why. Medieval bridal attire was rich with symbolic detail, with colours and fabrics chosen to convey a message. Medieval brides often opted for jewel tones like dark blue, which symbolised purity, as well as shades of red, gold, and green. Royals and nobles chose luxurious materials such as velvet, satin, or silk, and adorned their gowns with gold and silver threads, intricate embroidery, and elaborate patterns.
The fashion world often looks to the past for inspiration, and bridalwear is no exception. Medieval-inspired wedding dresses offer a unique aesthetic with their flowing designs, loose sleeves, and dramatic capes and hoods. They also evoke a sense of romance and chivalry, attracting brides who are drawn to the historical period.
The medieval trend can be seen in the collections of top bridal designers and has been favoured by celebrity brides. It's a style that's particularly well-suited to winter weddings, with its warm fabrics and dramatic accessories. Medieval gowns often featured trains and were cut to be narrow at the shoulders and wider at the bottom, creating a flattering silhouette.
For those who want to embrace the trend, there are plenty of options available, from bespoke creations to ready-to-wear collections. Medieval-inspired dresses can be found at brands like ArmStreet, which specialises in high-end workmanship and natural fabrics, or The North Way Studio, which offers engagement rings and bridal attire inspired by medieval noble brides.
Whether you're attracted to the beauty of the aesthetic or the symbolism and history of the period, medieval-inspired wedding dresses offer a unique and romantic option for brides who want to stand out and make a statement on their big day.
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Frequently asked questions
Medieval brides wore a variety of colours, including dark blue, the colour of purity, as well as red, gold, green, and shimmering blue.
Medieval wedding dresses were made from a variety of materials, including velvet, satin, silk, linen, cotton, and wool.
Medieval wedding dresses had flowing sleeves, long trains, and bouffant gowns. They often featured intricate embroidery and symbolic details, such as religious iconography and Gothic architecture. The amount of fabric and the number of folds indicated social status.
