As soon as one hears the word bride or bridal, a figure appears in a gorgeous white or off-white dress, carrying flowers with a headpiece or a veil walking gracefully towards his groom. It is a familiar image of a western bride that appears in mind and has not changed for centuries.
Talking about bridal accessories, these vary as per tradition, cultures and some religious scenarios. It is the use of accessories that historically have provided clothing with marital significance and gave the garments their meaning. Some seem to be timeless and evergreen while others can be traced to specific time periods.
Bridal dresses through decades:
For western brides, white colour seems to dominate the history. The white colour is known for its purity, virginity, peace and a happy start to a new relationship. In some cultural aspects, wearing white prevent evil attacks and is essential for a good omen.
In the British royal history, generation previous to Queen Victoria is recorded for introducing white bridal gown with silver tissue and lace overgrown. This fashion trend was revitalised when Queens Victoria selected a creamy white lace gown, and silk satin on her wedding day. She indeed set a fashion standard for an appreciable time and is known for bringing royalty in wedding dresses.
Today, it is on the bride-to-be (sometimes a responsibility of mother of the bride) to select an appropriate wedding dress, its colour and style as per her own choice. In the end, it remains a memorable day and a happy start for a new life.
Headwears fashion and trends:
As the history is traced back for the first clear evidence for headwears, veils and tiaras, it is found in the Hellenistic period of Greece in the form of bridal crowns and bridal veils to the simple flowers and metal tiaras. Undoubtedly, headsets started their trend from simple wreaths of plant material like flowers and leaves. With time, they were revolutionised with changing fashion trends.
The trends for headwears greatly depend on the cultural and traditional values, sometimes as per religious obligations as well.
According to various cultures, both bride and groom may have a specific type of head covering. In European culture, the veil also served as a disguise, a pre-Christian remnant of hiding the bride lest the forces of evil can attack her. Being a mother of a bride, if you believe the same, you will always protect your daughter even if it comes to superstitions and myths.
Bridal Bouquet variations with time:
Bride’s hands have not been seen empty as we walk through bridal fashion trends of history. Starting from fans and books to essential accessories like bouquets, wheat and several other objects are symbolic on different levels. Flowers indeed are a classical and traditional way of expressing wealth and taste in cost and choice.
When it comes to selecting a perfect look for your big day, choose what makes you happy. It is not always necessary to follow the fashion. Creating one’s style is always the best!