The Top Reasons Why People Succeed In The Women s Wedding Dresses Industry

Trends in Women's Wedding Dresses

The wedding dress symbolizes of purity, marriage and love. It is also a symbol of identity, as women can find or regain their identities by selecting an appropriate dress.

From One Tree Hill star Sophia Bush to former Givenchy creative director Riccardo Tisci, see how designers have interpreted the bridal gown over the decades.

The 1950s

After the war, women looked to Hollywood icons for ideas about their wedding gowns. Instead of seeking out a local dressmaker, they looked for the perfect gown in the most fashionable bridal salons and department stores. bridal mini dress shows were also created for brides to view the latest designs before they made their purchases.

The dresses were usually big and voluminous. They were rounded in shape and a lot of lace detail as well as a fitted bodice that flowed into a full skirt. This style was often paired with a peplum waistline and brides opted for the wide belt that they could tie in their waists. Many brides were seen wearing a birdcage veil to complete their appearance.

Lace was a wildly popular fabric in the 1950s. It could be seen on everything from gloves, to veils, to gowns. For those looking for a more feminine look the sweetheart neckline with sleeves was popular. Some covered the top of their collarbone with sheer fabric to appear modest. The floral options were also quite varied. Elizabeth Taylor opted for yellow Daffodils and tulips. Jackie Kennedy chose white and pink orchids paired with gardenia. The flowers were typically tied with a bow of white.

The 1960s

In the '60s, there wasn't an overarching style in fashion and, consequently, dresses were more flexible than they had ever been. Some brides opted for dresses that were tight, inspired by models such as Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton. Others opted for a wide range of styles including crocheted lace, velvet minis to chiffon adorned with psychedelic prints. Some were long, while others were just below the knees, also known as micro-minis.

While there was no overarching fashion in wedding dress trends however, there were some significant moments that would shape the look of bridal maxi dress dresses for a long time to come. For example princess Diana totally nailed the "more is more" style when she was married in 1981 with massive taffeta dresses that had poufy shoulders and the V-neck was lace. Her dress was the stuff of legends and had a huge impact on brides everywhere.

In the same era, rock singer Lulu made her debut in a white mini dress with an exaggerated hood that instantly became a fashion icon. This was the time when the fashion industry was taking off and brides were wearing the highest quality materials that their families' money could buy for their big day. These dresses were paired with silver accessories and slicked back hair to create the perfect bridal look.

The 1970s

The 1970s saw the rise of hippie chic in wedding dress lace sleeves dresses. This included flowing styles with loose silhouettes and bridal mini dress a relaxed style that emphasized individuality. In this decade, a lot of brides opted to wear dresses that were not white as a way to break free from the traditional bridal norms.

It was the first time in the history of weddings that brides could wear a color other than white for the wedding ceremony. Queen Victoria introduced this idea. Ladies wore their most elegant gowns for the big day regardless of whether it was blue or pink.

The designers of the Seventies incorporated the hippy style into high fashion with a focus on handmade materials and intricate details. Crochet, patchwork and embroidery were in fashion and so were the re-use of embroidered fabrics from craft fairs. The midi dress became popular as a wedding dress style in the '70s. The dresses were a mix of casual comfort and formal elegance, as evident in this silk creation by Zandra Rhodes.

Another noteworthy trend was the lacing-up bodice. This was a popular way to draw attention to the area around the bust, as it provided a more flattering and sexy appearance. It was also reminiscent of Victorian styles, as seen on the online custom wedding dress David Emmanuel gown worn by Marian Rivera at her 1981 wedding to actor Dingdong Dante.

The 1980s

When Queen Victoria got married to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg in 1840 She set a new standard in bridal attire. Prior to that point, wearing white was a sign of wealth and a glaring display of consumption, since it was difficult to keep formal clothing white after a day of wear (Baird 142). It wasn't until Victoria's wedding that the dress became the norm for brides who weren't royal. The bride chose white to show off the intricate lacework on her gown but it was also a practical choice. She wanted to demonstrate to her guests that she was a smart young lady who was able to take on the role of a queen wife and mother.

The 1930s saw a return to simple, as brides sought dresses that were both functional and fashionable. Due to the constraints of budgets and rationing, many women wore their wedding dresses. Silk dresses with high necklines, long sleeves and a high neckline were in style for those who could afford them. Brides who could not have silk dresses could use rayon to achieve the same look.

In the 70s, brides moved on from their big ball gowns to slimmer, column-style gowns. Some brides chose gowns with puffy sleeves. The hemlines of skirts were reduced, and a lot of women wore veils that were replaced with elegant hats.

The 90s

The 1990s brought the concept of minimalism, embraced by brides seeking an uncluttered gown that allowed their natural beauty and sparkle to shine through. In this time, gowns were unadorned and simple, yet still oozed elegance thanks to their elegant shapes.

This decade also saw an increase in formality after the austerity of wartime which included gowns with cathedral trains and puffed sleeves. Princess Diana's 1981 wedding dress, which included the lace and a 24-foot train was a major influence.

The sleeves were long and fluffy and necklines were high. The hippy era also saw a revival of strapless dresses, as intricate details like beading and embroidery made a comeback. Hairstyles included pixies and teased bouffants, influenced by British model Twiggy and also heavy black eyeliner pink frosted lipstick and teased bobs.

Ultimately, the '90s brought a sense of nostalgia that helped create the classic wedding dress we know and love today. It's no wonder these gowns are timeless and a hit and offer a style that is both traditional and completely modern. Lulus Collection includes many wedding dresses that feature '90s-inspired silhouettes. Find your ideal look today!

The 2000s

In the '00s, brides went for dresses that fitted and highlighted their curves. Kate Middleton's Alexander McQueen dress, with its satin bodice, padded hips and 25-foot train as well as a stunning tulle skirt, with puff sleeves, remains popular today.

In the years following increasing numbers of brides began to abandon white gowns and choose a variety of colours on their wedding day. Even if it was just an accent of colour in their wedding shoes or a floral hair ring, non-white gowns became all the rage as more and more couples started choosing smaller weddings with less extravagant wedding accessories.

Designers continue to incorporate this beautiful detail in their designs. Bows were also a popular feature during this decade, with styles ranging from simple, adorable bows to large, eye-catching embellished ones. Many brides are still adding bows to their final appearance. Another trend is the additions of trains and capes. These are usually removable and can completely alter the look and feel.

The 21st Century

The 21st century has brought into a new era of nontraditional wedding gowns. From the likes of the entrepreneur Olivia Palermo going full-Carrie Bradshaw with her Carolina Herrera lace skirt to reality TV star Whitney Port's bespoke floral tulle gown, the brides of today aren't afraid to go bold.

The '90s had more relaxed in the bridal style than the '80s, where Dior's princess-line gowns and tight waistlines made an enormous impact. Designer Vera Wang started her first bridal boutique with strapless, figure-hugging gowns which were perfect for the modern bride and paired perfectly with slicked-back hairstyles.

In the 1940s, wartime rationing limited silk production, and brides often wore their Sunday clothes or redesigned versions of their husband's suits, exactly in line with the "make do and mend" style of the day. Since silk was replaced by rayon, brides started to wear patterns and coloured fabrics, particularly red because it signified romance and love.

Designers such as Alexander Wang and Virgil Abloh have designed wedding gowns that offer an homage to traditional white dress, but are decidedly contemporary. And with laws changing around same-sex marriage and the growing acceptance of feminism, the bride of today is free to choose whatever she'd like to wear on her big day.