The Bride of the 1920s
The
Bride’s Outfit
From
Book of Etiquette
by Lillian Eichler, 1922
It would be ridiculous to attempt to list the
articles that must be included in the trousseau of the bride of to–day. This
matter must be entirely dependant upon circumstances, means and convenience.
There can be no definite set of rules to govern the contents of one’s
wedding outfit. But there are certain conventionalities we can discuss that
may be of value to the bride in preparing for her wedding.
There is, of course, something very beautiful in the thought of making
one’s trousseau entirely by hand. And there is an old tradition about
“sewing happiness into the wedding outfit” that brides like to believe. But
when we glance at the shop windows with their lavish displays of the
daintiest creations, and when we think of the professional modiste with her
developed sense of the artistic, we must admit that it is not a practical
custom.
It used to be the practice for each young girl to have a “hope chest”
into which she put linens, etc., against the wedding day. This was during
the time when most of the trousseaux were made by hand.
It seems rather a foolish waste of time for the girl of moderate means
to sit for endless hours sewing on rows and rows of lace when machine made
garments may be had at reasonable figures. If she chooses her things
carefully they will bear the stamp of her personality almost as much as if
she had fashioned them herself; and, of course, there are many finishing
touches that she can add which will make the things peculiarly her own, such
as initials and monograms, crocheted edgings, etc.
It is gratifying to note that the trousseau of to–day does not contain such
frilly, useless things as did the trousseaux of our grandmother’s time...
There are here underthings—soft, frivolous, much–be–ribboned chemises,
camisoles and petticoats. Some are of practical muslin or soft, crinkly
crepe. Others are of rich crepe–de–chine, and lately, knitted undergarments
of silk are favored. Then, there are the dresses, her chief delight. There
is one smart street dress of serge or poiret twill; an afternoon frock or
two of taffeta, georgette or satin as she prefers; one elaborate evening
gown for important occasions, and one very much less elaborate for
semi–evening affairs. And if she is a wise bride, she will include a smart
dark–colored suit, with several fluffy little blouses. Then, of course,
there are the crisp, neat, becoming little frocks for the morning–at–home.,
But she should not make the mistake, which is all too common to brides, of
getting several times as much as she needs.
Other details, such as hose, shoes an hats are best decided by the
bride herself. In fact, the entire trousseau must be determined b the bride
in proportion to such important considerations as her means, the length of
the honeymoon, and the distance of the trip she expects to make. The items
above were offered as a suggestion, and one may add or detract according to
the dictates of common sense. It is suggested, however, that the trousseau
be small and carefully selected, rather than large and expensive, for the
fashions are constantly changing and not even so momentous an occasion as
one’s wedding warrants heedless extravagance...
To–day the keynote of the wedding gown is simplicity. The days of
elaborate gowns with trains so heavy with the weight of precious jewels that
eight girls had to carry them, is over. The sensible American bride knows
that simplicity is more becoming to the solemn dignity of the occasion than
extremely elaborate dress.
With styles constantly changing as they do, it would be of no value to
offer any descriptions here. However, this little item, taken from the
announcement of a fashionable wedding recently held, may offer some helpful
suggestions: “The gown in which Miss ——— became the Countess ——— was of
heavy white satin cut with an almost austere simplicity. The drapery of the
skirt was marked with a garland of lilies and orange–blossoms. The tulle
veil was bordered with old English point lace, an heirloom of the ———
family.”
From a study of the descriptions of other bridal gowns at recent
important weddings, we find that satin is without doubt the favorite
material. Crepe–de–chine and heavy white brocade are also used; and the
bride may select whichever material she likes best, something soft and
clinging unless she is inclined to be too slender, when taffeta is more
suitable. Undoubtedly, no matter what the style of the gown happens to be,
it should boast a train; and a draped skirt is always a popular wedding
mode. The length of the sleeves and skirt is entirely governed by the
fashion of the moment.
White satin slippers and white gloves enhance the simple beauty of the
wedding gown. Jewels are rarely worn, except, perhaps, one large gem—a gift
of the groom...
Not so long ago, the veil was of tulle, and from the top of the bride’s
head it fell over her shoulders, completely enveloping her to the very tips
of her shoes. This all–enveloping veil is no longer considered good form. In
its place, is the very charming veil that is gathered into a becoming,
flower–trimmed crown at the back of her head, falling gracefully to the
train of the dress, leaving the face entirely uncovered.
The veil is always of filmy material. Tulle is favored; and lace is
particularly beautiful, especially if it is old lace that has been a long
time in the bride’s family. However, tulle is preferable to imitation lace.
Orange blossoms or tiny lilies–of–the–valley may be entwined around the
crown of the head, a spray or two nestling in the fold of the veil...
Very often, when a wedding takes place before twelve o’clock, or when
because of a difference of religious opinion the ceremony is performed by a
Justice of the Peace, or when the wedding is to be a very simple one, or
when for a number of other possible reasons the bride wishes it, she wears a
smart traveling suit instead of the white wedding gown.
The suit should be conservative in style and color. Flowers should be in
the form of a corsage. Neither bouquets not cut flowers are carried when one
is in traveling costume. Instead of a suit a dress may be worn but it must
be an attractive afternoon frock or street dress, not an evening dress of
any sort.
When the bride is a widow marrying for the second time her dress is
characterized by extreme simplicity whether the wedding takes place in the
afternoon or evening."
(c) 2002 by Kristina Harris
04/21/2006