One of the main focuses of any modern wedding is the wedding dress. It has served as a symbol of marriage since the 1840′s when the trend was begun by Queen Victoria in England. In 1840 The Times was ripe with a description of Victoria’s dress, “Her dress was a rich satin, trimmed with orange flower blossoms. On her head she wore a wreath of the same blossoms, over which, but not so as to conceal her face, a beautiful veil of Honiton lace was thrown. Her bridesmaids and train-bearers were similarily attired, save they had no veils. (The London Times, February 11, 1840). Her all white look changed the standards for wedding attire. Victoria’s high moral values and ‘purity’ gave rise to the idea of the ‘virginal and pure’ connotation of the white wedding dress. Prior to this event brides wore dresses of many different colors. There really was no set standard. Add to this the fact that up until the 18th century the groom’s attire was probably more elaborate than the bride’s. At Victoria’s wedding her fiance, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, wore a scarlet and white uniform of an officer of the British Guards. So his outfit began the trend of groom’s having more reserved clothing or military attire. Another component of Victoria’s outfit was loads of royal jewels. I think that there is many a woman today who would not mind the added weight of those on her special day.
Another point to note is that Victoria’s wedding also ushered in the idea of a special dress made for the occasion that would be worn only once. Prior to this time many women wore dresses from their regular wardrobe, often items considered to be their ‘Sunday Best.’ Few people could afford to have a brand new dress made for one day. Remember that the middle class as we know it today began to emerge after the French Revolution ended in 1799. Prior to that there were mostly two classes, rich and poor. It is interesting to look at the trend today amongst some brides to ‘trash the dress.’ I am not sure what has sparked this trend, but it is mostly a fad. Few women that I know, or photograph, would want to destroy their beautiful and expensive heirloom wedding dress.
Queen Victoria had a great influence on modern society and customs. She helped to form the Victorian Era (1837-1901). Styles of furniture, architecture, and a highly moralistic and religious society were just a few of the trappings of this era.
Gary Miller
Houston Fine Art Wedding Photographer
Eye Candy and Brain Veggies
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