Shopping For a Modest 1950's Wedding Clothing

The 1950s can be remembered as the birth of rock 'n roll or the immersion of Doris Day. If you're considering a classy 1950s wedding, rather than just a vintage wedding, you'll probably want something closer to Doris Day's dress, rather than Bettie page. Doris Day is not the only bride is remembered as modest from the 1950s. Grace Kelly married her prince in 1956. The Father of the Bride premiered Elizabeth Taylor as the beautiful, pure and innocent bride of the 1950s. What they wore, is how we remember the 1950s wedding.

When choosing a wedding dress for 1950s modest wedding, there are certain characteristics which are unique to that era. During the 1940s, the war had designers conserving cloth, therefore weddings were more conservative. This is why you see many 1940s wedding where the brides wear suits. The 1950s were a new beginning, and designers and brides were showing the cloth conservation had ended.

Wedding dresses were once again, adorned with Chantilly, and large swing and full skirts. Waists and bodices were form fitted, sometimes with large sashes and bows which tied in the back. Necklines were rounded and sleeves were capped with lace overlays over a pointed bosom. Brides often chose the Sabrina neckline, which was modeled after the character Sabrina from the movie, starring Audrey Hepburn. Adorned skullcap hats were worn with large veils as well as small hats, which fit almost like the crown top of the head. The entire effect was feminine with a decidedly hourglass figure.

During the 1950s, bridesmaids wore satin dresses with capped sleeves and portrait necklines. Underneath the swing skirts, they wore large crinolines. Typically, bridesmaids had little or no adornment on their dresses, so as not to draw attention away from the bride.

Again the emphasis was a pointed bosom and tight formfitting bodice. These dress styles are typically very easy to make and very cheap.

The bride typically chose a shoe with a pointed toe and a small pointed heel. The cloth was generally satin and was embroidered or had sequins and pearls. Bridesmaids wore a rounded toe with a very small heel, also in satin cloth (easily dye-able).

Rent some old movies and sit back and plan your dress styles. Movies such as Sabrina, Father of the Bride depict classic weddings styles. Indeed, Elizabeth Taylor's dress in Father of the Bride became one of the most popular styles during that era.