Franklin Dean
The 1980s were a time of bold and memorable fashion choices, and wedding dresses were no exception. From puffed sleeves to high collars and lace detailing, the decade's wedding dresses were characterised by their dramatic and ornate designs. With the rise of powerful career women, the 80s wedding dress reflected a blurring of gender lines, incorporating structured, masculine elements alongside more traditional feminine details. While some may view these dresses as gaudy or over-the-top, others appreciate their unique and retro appeal, with the style even making a recent comeback on the Chanel runway. Love it or hate it, the 80s wedding dress is an iconic symbol of a decade that embraced excess and individuality.
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What You'll Learn
Excessive frills, adornments, and 3D extras
The 1980s were a decade of excess, and this was reflected in the wedding dresses of the time. The bigger the better seemed to be the mantra, with puffed sleeves, high necks, and elaborate adornments. The decade's love for frills and frills was taken to the extreme in wedding dresses, with layers of lace, chiffon flounces, and bubble hemlines. The "bigger is better" aesthetic also applied to hair, with big, voluminous styles being popular.
Princess Diana's iconic wedding dress set the tone for the decade, with its 25-foot train and puffy sleeves. The influence of her dress can be seen in the styles chosen by other celebrities of the time, such as Diana Ross, who wore a silky dress with lace sleeves and a matching cape, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who was also inspired by Princess Di's look.
The 80s were a time when decorum was back in fashion, especially when it came to bridal wear. This meant that modest high necklines were popular, often with extra frills or flounces of fabric. The "New Romantics" trend also influenced wedding dress styles, with frilled and fussy details. Fabric choices were also important, with sheer, soft, and drapey fabrics being favoured.
The Chanel haute couture show in the 1980s also had a significant impact on wedding dress styles, with its fabric-heavy, voluminous, and extravagant looks. This aesthetic was embraced by celebrities such as Christie Brinkley, who had a nautical-themed wedding, and Jon Bon Jovi, who eloped to Las Vegas.
While the excessive frills, adornments, and 3D extras of 80s wedding dresses may not be to everyone's taste, the decade certainly left its mark on bridal fashion. The influence of the 80s can still be seen today, with some modern brides embracing the retro renaissance and choosing 80s-inspired gowns.
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Big shoulders, big sleeves, and shoulder pads
Big shoulders, voluminous sleeves, and shoulder pads were defining features of 1980s wedding dresses. The 1980s saw shoulder pads as a metaphor for women's increasing presence in the corporate world. They were a sartorial expression of ambition and authority, creating a strong, imposing silhouette that commanded respect in the boardroom. This look was not confined to office spaces, however, and influenced both evening wear and casual attire.
The use of shoulder pads in clothing dates back to the 1930s, when fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli incorporated them into her designs. However, the 1980s saw a resurgence of this trend, with designers like Giorgio Armani and Thierry Mugler incorporating shoulder pads into their designs to create a commanding and empowered silhouette. The broad-shouldered blazer, often paired with a nipped-in waist and pencil skirt, became the uniform of the powerful businesswoman.
In addition to shoulder pads, other means were used to enlarge the shoulders, including puff-top sleeves, tucks, pleats, shoulder flanges, and stiffened ruffles. The massive shoulders and power sleeves of the 1980s were also reflected in wedding dress styles, with some dresses featuring voluminous silk taffeta and floral designs. While these styles may be considered "so bad" in retrospect, they were a reflection of the fashion trends of the time and the changing dynamics of women's roles and societal expectations.
The 1980s were also a decade of excess, and this was reflected in the fabric-heavy and extravagant wedding dresses of the time. While some may view these dresses as gaudy or over-the-top, others may appreciate the drama and statement they make. Today, there is a resurgence of 1980s fashion trends, including bubble skirts, voluminous sleeves, and drop waists, and the 1980s wedding dress is also making a comeback, as seen on the Chanel haute couture runway.
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High-necked, square, or mandarin collars
A high neckline can be paired with a sheath to achieve a streamlined, column-like silhouette. High-necked wedding dresses can also be designed with a halter neckline, covering the décolletage while leaving the arms and shoulders exposed. This style can be both sexy and conservative, as it often features an open back. A high-necked wedding dress can be designed to be versatile, flattering, and timeless, evoking a sense of elegance and grace.
While some may view the 1980s wedding dress style as "big and fat," with "poufs, shoulder pads, and embellishments," the high-necked, square, or mandarin collar style has made a comeback in recent years, with Chanel showcasing it in their 2024 haute couture show. This resurgence may be surprising to those hiding their 1980s wedding albums, but it has gained new fans among brides-to-be. The style has been updated with modern touches, making it a trendy choice for those seeking a vintage yet sophisticated look.
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Voluminous, heavy, and fabric-intensive
The 1980s were a time of excess and flamboyance, and this was reflected in the wedding dresses of the time. The decade's ethos was characterised by poufs, shoulder pads, and embellishments, and this aesthetic extended to bridal gowns.
One defining feature of 1980s wedding dresses was their voluminous, heavy, and fabric-intensive nature. These gowns were often made from layers of fabric, including silk, taffeta, and floral prints, creating a sense of extravagance and opulence. The use of fabric was generous, with dresses featuring billowing skirts, puffed sleeves, and dramatic trains. The iconic wedding dress of Princess Diana exemplified this trend, with its 25-foot-long train and puffy sleeves.
The silhouette of 80s wedding dresses was distinct, often featuring a high or stand collar neckline, a style that gained popularity after the square necklines of the 1970s. The "bubble" effect was also popular, with bubbled sleeves and hemlines adding to the voluminous nature of the dresses. These gowns were not designed with minimalism in mind; instead, they embraced a more-is-more philosophy, making a statement with their dramatic silhouettes and generous use of fabric.
The 80s also saw a focus on decorative details and embellishments. Lace was a prominent feature, with many dresses featuring sheer lace bodices or layers of lace on the sleeves. The New Romantics influenced the trend of frilled and frilly details, adding a fussy and fancy element to the gowns. The decade's influence extended beyond the dress itself, with big hair and elaborate accessories completing the bridal look.
While the voluminous and fabric-intensive nature of 80s wedding dresses may be considered "so bad" by some, it is important to recognise the cultural and stylistic context of the time. The 80s were a decade of excess and expression, and these dresses reflected the fashion and trends of the era. Today, there is a resurgence of 80s-inspired styles, with designers like Chanel showcasing modern interpretations of the iconic 80s bridal look.
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Lace, rayon, polyester, and other synthetics
The 1980s were a decade of excess, and this was reflected in the wedding dresses of the time. While some brides opted for natural silk, others chose synthetic fabrics such as lace, rayon, polyester, and poly-cotton lawns. These synthetic fabrics were often chosen because they were lighter in weight and less prone to creasing than natural fabrics like pure muslin.
Lace was a particularly popular choice for 80s wedding dresses, with many brides opting for a semi-sheer lace upper bodice. The use of lace was often combined with other trends of the time, such as puffy sleeves and high necklines. The "Princess Di" look, with its massive puffed sleeves and 25-foot train, was highly influential on bridal fashion in the 1980s.
Rayon and polyester were also commonly used in 80s wedding dresses, particularly for the structured silhouettes that were popular at the time. These synthetic fabrics could be used to create a voluminous look without adding too much weight to the dress. They were also less likely to crease than natural fabrics, which was important for maintaining a smooth and polished appearance.
Poly-cotton lawns were another popular choice for 80s wedding dresses, especially for flower girls' dresses. This fabric has the appearance of sheer cotton lawns but is lighter in weight and less prone to creasing. It was often chosen for its ability to drape softly and create a romantic and ethereal look.
Overall, the use of synthetic fabrics such as lace, rayon, polyester, and poly-cotton lawns was a defining feature of 80s wedding dresses. These fabrics allowed brides to achieve the dramatic and voluminous silhouettes that were popular at the time, while also offering practical benefits such as lightness and resistance to creasing.
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Frequently asked questions
80s wedding dresses were characterised by big sleeves, puffed sleeve heads, dropped waists, and high or stand collar necklines. They were often long and puffy, with big shoulders, gaudy adornments, and 3-dimensional "extras" like big bow sashes. The dresses were typically made from polyester and rayon, with lace detailing.
The 80s wedding dress style is considered "bad" due to its association with excess and gaudiness. The decade's fashion was characterised by bold, oversized silhouettes, and this extended to wedding dresses, which often featured large sleeves, puffed shoulders, and voluminous skirts. The style is often seen as a departure from the elegance and simplicity favoured in more modern wedding dress styles.
Princess Diana's wedding dress in 1981 featured large puffed sleeves and a 25-foot train, setting a trend for similar styles in the early 80s.
There has been a recent resurgence of 80s fashion trends, including bubble skirts, voluminous sleeves, and drop waists. Chanel has featured 80s-inspired bridal looks in its recent haute couture shows, indicating a potential comeback for the 80s wedding dress style.
