Who doesn’t love some timeless wedding dress inspiration? Of course, you could be married for fifty years and still browse other couples’ wedding photos and assess the bride’s dress. One thing’s for sure: antique wedding dresses were not shielded from the powerful influence of trends. Each era had different design styles, which you can see demonstrated as you scroll through this gallery. So whether you’re looking for antique dress designs for your wedding or just love a bit of nostalgia, this collection shouldn’t disappoint.
Timeline
Before we get into the antique wedding gowns, here is a quick timeline of some key (political and aesthetic) eras. Each period had specific trends and characteristics that influenced its bridal designs.
Georgian Era
Started with the death of Queen Anne and lasted from 1714 to 1830
Victorian Era
This period highlights the reign of Queen Victoria, which lasted between 1837 and 1901.
Gilded Age
The end of the Victorian Era in the United States following the Civil War and through the end of the 19th century, the 1860s – 1890s.
Art Nouveau Era
A transitional movement brought to life at the Paris Exhibition Universelle took place between 1890 and 1910.
Progressive Era
This period of reform took place roughly between 1890 and 1920.
Art Deco Era
A modern era was first highlighted at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes and lasted between 1920 to 1939.
Antique Bridal Gowns
Of all these antique wedding dresses, which is your favorite? Could you see yourself wearing a purple corseted gown at your wedding? If so, you’d be in good company.
1876
Alice Pike Barney (American, 1857 – 1931)
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
1895
Alice Maude Allen Atwater (American, Unknown)
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
1899
Frances Folsom Cleveland (American, 1864 – 1947)
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
1907
Unknown Sitter, Artist Gari Melchers (American, 1860 – 1932)
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
1909
McCall’s Magazine, June 1909 Edition
1914
Mare “Mary” Labaš (Croatian, 1887 – 1924)
1928
The Saturday Evening Post, October 1928 Edition
1931
The Country Gentleman Magazine, June 1931 Edition
1939
Lollaretta Pemberton Allen (American, 1895 – 1979)
National Museum of African American History and Culture
