Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dresses in the 1890s came in a variety of styles and colours, with some being made from silk, satin, lace, tulle, gauze, linen, or cashmere. While white dresses were becoming increasingly popular, other colours were also used, such as grey-green, pastel, ivory, and gold. The style of the dress often depended on the financial situation and location of the bride, with some dresses being made by local dressmakers and others being designed by high-end fashion companies.
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What You'll Learn
White wedding dresses were gaining popularity
Wedding dresses in the 1890s were made from a variety of materials, including organdy, tulle, lace, gauze, silk, linen, and cashmere. The dresses came in a range of colours, but white wedding dresses were gaining popularity. This trend was spurred by the development of a mass consumer economy, as well as the influence of Queen Victoria, who wore a white wedding dress in 1840.
White wedding dresses had been worn by royalty in previous centuries, but Queen Victoria's choice of a non-traditional dress set a new fashion trend. The rise of photography and wedding portraits also contributed to the popularity of white wedding dresses, as they photographed well in black-and-white or sepia-toned images. As society became more prosperous, the idea of a single-use wedding dress became more feasible, and the white dress became a symbol of purity and innocence, in addition to wealth.
The trend toward white weddings continued to gain momentum in the late 19th century, with bridesmaids' dresses and veils also adopting the colour. However, it was not until the 1920s and 1930s that the bridal industry truly developed into what we know today. The portrayal of weddings in Hollywood and the widespread dissemination of celebrity wedding images also contributed to the cementing of the white wedding dress as a matrimonial classic.
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Wedding dresses were made from silk
Wedding dresses in the 1890s were made from a variety of materials, including silk. Silk was a popular choice for wedding dresses in the 19th century, as it was a luxurious and elegant fabric that was well-suited for formal occasions. It was also a practical choice, as it was durable and could be used to create a variety of silhouettes that were popular during the time.
Silk was often used in combination with other materials, such as satin and faille, to create a contrasting luster and visual interest. For example, a wedding dress from the 1890s in the Victoria & Albert Museum is made of cream-colored corded silk for the skirt and bodice, with rosettes and embroidered appliques. The bodice is framed by gold and brown floral appliques, while the cuffs and neckline are accented with silk chiffon.
Another example of a wedding dress from the early 1890s is made by a local dressmaker in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This dress is constructed mainly of silk with silver beading, wide lapels, and beading along the bottom of the bodice. The use of silk provides a luxurious and elegant base for the intricate beading and embroidery that decorates the dress.
The choice of silk as a base fabric for wedding dresses in the 1890s also took into consideration the time of day that most weddings were held. As morning weddings were common, especially for society weddings, a dress completely made of satin would have been too bright. Thus, the use of silk toned down the luster and created a more appropriate look for the occasion.
In addition to its use in the construction of the dress, silk was also incorporated into the trim and detailing. For example, silk ribbon ruching along the neckline and hem of the bodice, as well as silk chiffon for the cuffs and neckline accents, added a delicate and luxurious touch to the overall design.
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Veils were made from silk tulle or lace
In the 1890s, veils were made from silk tulle or lace. Silk tulle is a luxurious fabric that is soft, light, and lustrous. It is often favoured for its ethereal quality and ability to drape gracefully. For example, it can be used to create a draped, back cowl veil or a boho Juliet veil.
Silk tulle veils are typically handcrafted, and their delicate nature makes them special heirlooms. However, silk tulle has a tendency to cling, which some may not prefer. It is also important to note that silk tulle may not always be the best choice for a wedding veil, as it can cling to the dress.
In contrast, lace veils offer a different aesthetic. Lace is a delicate fabric characterized by intricate patterns and designs. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any bridal ensemble.
The choice between silk tulle and lace for veils in the 1890s would have depended on the bride's personal preference, the overall wedding theme, and the desired look. Both fabrics offer unique benefits and can enhance the beauty of the bridal ensemble in their own ways.
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Bridesmaids' dresses were white
In the 1890s, wedding dresses were made from a variety of materials, including silk, satin, lace, tulle, faille, and chiffon. While white wedding dresses were gaining popularity, coloured wedding dresses were still common. Bridesmaids' dresses were white, a tradition that began in the 1840s when Queen Victoria wore a white dress at her wedding to Prince Albert. This set a new trend for elite bridesmaids on both sides of the Atlantic.
In the 1890s, the trend towards the white wedding continued, spurred by the development of a mass consumer economy. However, it was still common for brides to wear coloured wedding dresses, and some sources suggest that this was more common than white. For example, one source mentions a wedding dress from 1891 that was grey-green, and another source mentions a gold dress from 1884.
The white wedding dress trend began to gain momentum in the 1880s, with some sources stating that by the 1880s, the white wedding dress was considered the "epitome of fashion". This trend continued into the 1890s, with some sources specifically mentioning bridesmaids' dresses as being white. One source from the 1890s includes a wedding portrait in which the only thing that could be construed as white is the bride's long veil, while the bridesmaid's dress is described as "lighter".
The materials used for bridesmaids' dresses in the 1890s are not clear, but it is likely that they were made from similar materials as wedding dresses, such as silk, satin, and lace. The style of bridesmaids' dresses may have also been influenced by the overall fashion trends of the time, which included slender, upright silhouettes and elaborate embroidery.
Overall, while the specific details of bridesmaids' dresses in the 1890s may vary, it is clear that the tradition of white bridesmaids' dresses has its roots in this time period and that it was considered an important part of the wedding ceremony.
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Coloured wedding dresses were still worn
In the 1890s, wedding dresses could be found in a variety of colours, including cream, ivory, grey-green, and lavender. The base fabric for these dresses often consisted of alternating stripes of silk satin and faille, creating an interesting visual effect with the difference in their lustres. The sheen of the satin complemented by the duller luster of the faille. This combination was particularly suitable for morning weddings, as a dress completely made of satin might have been too bright.
One notable example of a coloured wedding dress from the 1890s is the grey-green gown made by Mary Molloy, a local dressmaker in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This dress, likely made of silk with silver beading, was worn by Martha L. Berry on her wedding day on July 6, 1891. It featured wide lapels embellished with an elaborate silver beading pattern and further beading along the bottom of the bodice. This dress was designed with a timeless style, indicating that it was intended for use long beyond the wedding day.
Remarried widows in the early to mid-1890s avoided wearing white and instead opted for pearl or lavender satin gowns trimmed with ostrich feathers. Coloured dresses were also more practical for brides on the western frontier, who often married in their best calico dress or borrowed a dress from a family member. These dresses were usually well-worn but still considered a step up from everyday calico.
While the trend towards white wedding dresses was becoming more prevalent in the 1890s, it is clear that coloured wedding dresses were still worn and accepted during this time period. The choice of colour often depended on various factors, including personal preference, social status, and practical considerations.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding dresses in the 1890s were made from a variety of materials, including silk, satin, tulle, lace, gauze, linen, cashmere, cotton, and velvet.
Wedding dresses in the 1890s came in a variety of colours, including white, cream, ivory, grey-green, gold, and brown.
Wedding dresses in the 1890s featured a train, a veil, and oversized sleeves. The dresses were often decorated with lace, pearls, and floral appliques.
No, it was common for brides to wear their best dress as their wedding dress, which would be worn on formal occasions after the wedding. Some brides would borrow a dress from a family member.
Yes, the social status of the bride influenced the style and material of the wedding dress. Wealthier brides could afford more expensive and elaborate dresses, while less wealthy brides might wear a calico dress or borrow a dress from a family member.
