Lyla Dejesus
Wedding photographs are often sentimental pictures that are carefully preserved and retain emotional value. They are visual representations of official marriage records and can be used to construct a family tree. Wedding photos can be dated by identifying the fashion and technology clues present in the image. For example, the style of clothing, hairstyles, and accessories can indicate the era in which the photo was taken. Advances in outdoor photography in the late 1800s also allow for a more precise dating of wedding photos. Today, wedding photographers are hired to capture every incredible moment and detail of the special day. Engagement photo shoots are also popular for save-the-date cards, allowing couples to showcase their love and joy and build excitement for the upcoming wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Thick chignon, layered costume with bustle drapery, narrow-fitting suit with coloured trim (1870s) |
| 'Leg-of-mutton' sleeves, pastel-coloured day dress, white veil, lace collar, white gloves, bodice corsage (mid-1890s) | |
| Asymmetrical grey gown (early 1900s) | |
| Photography style | Studio wedding portrait |
| Outdoor photography | |
| Accessories | Wedding band, veil, jewellery, shoes, invitations |
| Photographer | Arrives a few hours before the ceremony, documents the preparations of each partner, captures details |
| Rapport | Building rapport and trust with the photographer helps the couple relax |
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What You'll Learn
Familiarise yourself with wedding photo poses
When it comes to wedding photo poses, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you look natural and feel comfortable. While you want to avoid looking stiff or uncomfortable, you also want to showcase your unique personality and style. Here are some tips to help you familiarise yourself with wedding photo poses:
Embrace Your Natural Stance
It's important to feel relaxed and be yourself in front of the camera. Instead of forcing a pose that doesn't suit your body or personality, embrace your natural stance. Let your personality shine through with a casual lean, a playful gesture, or a genuine smile. Confidence is key, as it will transform an ordinary pose into a stunning and authentic moment.
Capture Candid Moments
Some of the most beautiful photos are those that capture spontaneous moments of laughter, tears of joy, or stolen glances between the couple. These candid shots skillfully capture genuine emotions and tell a unique story. Encourage the couple to interact naturally, as these simple gestures can speak volumes about their relationship.
Highlight the Details
Pay attention to the intricate details that make a wedding day special. For the bride, this could mean showcasing the dress, veil, jewellery, engagement ring, and heirloom bracelets. For the groom, it might be the buttoning of the jacket, tying the tie, lacing up shoes, or fastening a watch—all perfect opportunities to showcase accessories like cufflinks and watches.
Symbolic Poses
There are many simple yet symbolic poses that capture the essence of togetherness and unity between the couple. Holding hands while walking symbolises their journey through life as a team. Sharing a kiss after a champagne toast captures the sweet and romantic essence of their wedding celebration. These poses create meaningful moments that enhance the visual appeal of the photographs.
Know Your Wedding Era
Wedding fashion has evolved over the decades, and knowing the trends of a particular era can help date a wedding photo. For example, the 1920s were marked by the flapper look, with brides sporting short haircuts and embroidered lace dresses. The 1970s saw grooms in slim white suits, while brides took inspiration from Bianca Jagger's tailored suit jacket and veiled sun hat. Iconic wedding dresses, like Princess Diana's gown in the 1980s, can also help pinpoint a specific decade.
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Identify the fashion and hairstyles
Clothing, accessories, hairstyles, and makeup can help date wedding photographs. For instance, the University of Vermont's Landscape Change Program provides information on dating vintage and antique photographs using women's clothing, hats, hairstyles, fashion accessories, and men's fashions, broken down by decade.
The Victoria and Albert Museum in London also has a section on its website dedicated to dating clothes and photographs. It illustrates the dominant trends of the decades between 1840 and 1960, which can be helpful for investigating photographs taken outside of Great Britain.
1870s
A photograph can be dated to c. 1870-1874 due to the bride's hairstyle, which incorporates a thick chignon at the back of her head. The groom's outfit can also be a clue, as the coloured trim or piping outlining the outer trouser leg seams is a detail associated mainly with the 1870s.
Mid-1880s to 1890s
The type of high, standing collars in fashion can suggest that a photograph was taken in the mid-1880s. In the mid-1890s, "leg-of-mutton" sleeves were at their widest, and it was typical for brides to wear pastel-colored day dresses with white accessories, including a veil, a striking lace collar, white gloves, and a bodice corsage.
1920s
During the 1920s, bridal caps or floral wreaths attached to veils were worn low on the forehead. Hemlines followed daytime dress fashions, starting at low-calf length early in the decade, with stockings and shoes also in white for summer weddings. Grooms from this era often wore slender lounge suits with long, single-breasted jackets, short and narrow trousers, and a starched turned-down shirt collar.
It is important to note that location, income level, and individual tastes can also impact a person's style choices, so these clues may not always be precise.
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Look for clues in the photo's setting
When trying to date a wedding photo, one of the most important things to do is to look for clues in the photo's setting. Here are some things to consider:
First, examine the background of the photo for any contextual clues. Look for distinctive landmarks, buildings, or natural features that can help identify the location. Consider when these landmarks were constructed or renovated, and whether the photo predates any significant changes to the site.
Next, pay attention to the attire of the wedding party and guests. Clothing styles, including cuts, colours, and fabrics, can provide valuable insight into the era. Hairstyles, makeup trends, and accessories can also help narrow down the timeframe.
Analyse the decor and styling choices visible in the photo. Details such as centrepieces, floral arrangements, and table settings may reflect popular trends or themes from a specific time period. For example, vintage-themed weddings might indicate the early 2010s, while rustic barn weddings could point to the late 2000s.
Look for technological clues in the photo. The presence or absence of certain technologies can help pinpoint a date range. For instance, the use of film cameras suggests an earlier era, while the presence of smartphones or digital cameras indicates a more recent wedding.
Examine the lighting and colour palette of the photo. Different lighting techniques and colour grading can offer hints about the decade. For example, warm, sepia-toned lighting may suggest an earlier style, while cooler, blue-tinted lighting is indicative of modern trends.
Lastly, consider the overall composition and style of the photo. Wedding photography styles evolve, with different poses, angles, and editing techniques coming in and out of fashion. Research popular wedding photography trends from different decades to help identify when the photo was likely taken.
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Check for details like flowers, jewellery, and accessories
Flowers, jewellery, and accessories are key details that can help date a wedding photo.
Flowers
The wedding bouquet is a key accessory that can provide clues about the date of the wedding. For instance, the colour of the flowers can indicate the season. Bright and bold bouquets are often chosen for spring and summer weddings, while darker, moody flowers are more commonly seen in autumn and winter. White bouquets are considered classic and can be used in any season. However, it is important to note that the shade of white flowers can vary, and they may appear differently in photos depending on the lighting and photography style.
Jewellery
The style of jewellery can also provide clues about the date of the wedding. Mixing metals is a popular trend in 2024, while coordinated looks that match the engagement ring or gown are more traditional. The type of jewellery chosen can also indicate the season, with platinum or silver accessories complementing white or black gowns in cooler seasons, and gold jewellery enhancing the warm tones of ivory or champagne-coloured gowns in warmer months.
Accessories
Other accessories in the photo can also provide dating clues. For example, ribbons are a popular wedding accessory that can be used in a variety of ways, from decorating invitations to accenting the bride's hairstyle. The style and colour of ribbons chosen may reflect the overall theme or colour scheme of the wedding, which can help narrow down the potential dates.
In addition to flowers, jewellery, and accessories, it is important to consider the overall style and theme of the wedding when trying to date a photo.
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Note the photo's format and printing type
One of the most important aspects of dating a wedding photo is to note the photo's format and printing type. This can provide valuable insights into the time period and style of the wedding. Here are some key considerations:
Paper Type:
The type of paper used for the photo can be indicative of the era. For example, traditional photo paper options include luster, glossy, matte, silk, linen, pebble, and deep matte. More modern printing methods may offer different paper types, such as fine art Hahnemuhle paper for a more artsy look.
Printing Techniques:
Different printing techniques have been used over time, and identifying the printing type can help date a wedding photo. Traditional silver halide printing, for instance, produces vibrant colours, depth, and better flesh tones. Other techniques include foil-pressed, letterpress, and digital printing methods like giclee prints.
Photo Size:
The size of the photo can also be a factor in dating wedding photos. Standard sizes for wedding invitations and save-the-dates have varied over time, with popular sizes being 5x5, 5x7, 6x8, and even larger formats for a bolder statement.
Framing and Display:
The framing and display methods of the photo can also provide clues about its age. Older photos may be framed in traditional ways, while more modern photos might be displayed in acrylic blocks, poster hanger bars, or copper frames.
Image Quality:
The quality of the image can also be indicative of the time period. Older photos may have lower resolution, while modern digital images are typically high-resolution, allowing for large-format prints without losing detail.
By examining these aspects of the photo's format and printing type, you can gather information to help date a wedding photo and understand the style and trends of that particular era.
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Frequently asked questions
Look for fashion clues. For example, women's 'leg-of-mutton' sleeves were at their widest in 1895/1896, and thick chignons behind the head indicate a date between 1870 and 1874.
Wedding photos often feature the bride's wedding band, a veil, and/or a special dress. The couple may be in an intimate pose.
Advances in outdoor photography were made in the late 1860s, so if your photo was taken outside, it's likely from the late 1860s onwards.
Commercial photography developed in the 1840s, so if your photo was taken in a studio, it's likely from the 1840s onwards.
