35 Fascinating Vintage Wedding Dresses Through the Years

It was common for men to post lonely hearts ads during the Victorian era seeking a mate who would be an adept homemaker. 

In the early 19th century, brown and black were common colors for wedding dresses. 

We can thank Queen Victoria for white wedding dresses. Before her 1840 nuptials, brides wore pale green as a sign of fertility, but she chose ivory because it best showed off her gown's intricate lace.

Most Victorian men and women were around 26 and 24, respectively, when they married for the first time. 

Victorian couples were often engaged for long periods of time to allow the man to establish himself and earn enough money to furnish a home for himself and his future wife.

Top hats were considered a necessity for men in the Victorian era. 

Victorian-era wedding veils were typically attached to a floral crown made of orange blossoms, a symbol of chastity. 

We have a feeling flowers were the theme at this shy bride's wedding!

The bride and groom's matching flowers are a sweet touch. 

 Afternoon weddings were popular during the Edwardian period that immediately followed the Victorian years. In America, superstitious brides typically tied the knot during June, September, October, and January though April.

Edwardian wedding dresses were typically made of satin in a cream-white color. The trains were often at least 80 inches, with tall brides sporting 95-inch trains. 

Wedding dresses were particularly elaborate during the Edwardian period, as brides were allowed to wear their gowns for six months after the ceremony to any social functions that had a fancy enough dress code. 

It was still common for people to not smile for photos through the '20s and '30s, even though this wedding was no doubt a joyous occasion. 

When the '40s rolled around, newlyweds were no longer afraid to smile for the camera. 

Juliet Cap veils, which covered the entire head, became popular during the 1920s. Big bouquets and short haircuts were ways women flouted social norms of the previous decades. 

Brides in the 1930s often opted for rayon gowns, because the material was cheaper. This was the time of the Great Depression, so brides often wore their fanciest dresses as opposed to buying a wedding gown. 

It was fashionable for brides in the '30s to wear hats adorned with jewels and netting in place of more traditional veils. Women also liked to shave their eyebrows to redraw them very thin. Bright eyeshadows, false eyelashes, and very pale foundation was also trendy at the time. 

Many Depression-era couples offered different appetizers at their wedding rather than full courses to save money.

Post WWII, brides revisited many popular wedding trends from the 1930s, like long lace veils. Weddings also transitioned from the backyard to venues outside of the home. 

In the '30s, white replaced the creams and ivories that were popular hues of older wedding gowns. During this time, the wedding dress became an item of clothing you wore once rather than a frock you could re-wear to social events. 

During the '40s, America was in the middle of WWII and materials for wedding gowns were scare. As a result, ceremonies were often more low-key affairs, with families hosting wedding parties in their backyards. Women often wore shorter gowns, and military men donned their uniforms. 

Gathered sleeves were popular during the '40s. Queen Elizabeth's wedding dress is a perfect example of wartime fashion — even she had to stockpile rations to get enough materials for her gown. 

Mom and daughter are all smiles on the big day! 

Satin adds a feeling of elegance and sophistication to this modest '40s V-neck wedding dress.

This stunning gown from the 1950s comes with a modest lace jacket that enables the bride to tastefully reveal skin. The jacket is longer in the back, giving the illusion of a second veil. 

Wedding dresses in the 1950s were quite modest, with high necklines and long sleeves. Grace Kelly's wedding dress is the epitome of '50s bridal fashion. 

This vintage satin wedding dress from the 1950s certainly has a lot going on!

Big hair and pillbox hats were trendy at weddings in the '60s. Floor-length gowns also came back into fashion during this era. 

Sleeveless dresses were considered far too casual for a wedding, but brides during the '60s started to make strides in that direction. Three-quarter-length and cap sleeves were all the rage. 

And, sleeves weren't the only things getting shorter. Hemlines rose in the 1960s as brides opted for tea-length and mini skirts to fit the trendy mod styles of the decade.

This stylish '60s bride sports a voluminous ballgown with a chunky crown veil.

There's something very old Hollywood about this wedding gown; we can totally imagine someone like '60s star Audrey Hepburn wearing it. 

We love this delicate lace headpiece!

This simple empire wedding gown from the 1970s wouldn't be complete without a crown of daisies.

This foxy bride looks uber-stylish in her high-neck, long-sleeve wedding gown.