Did you know the wedding dress has not always been white?  And the veil only came into fashion half way through the 19th century. Here are some more facts on the history of the wedding dress.

White dresses

In the early 19th century, the Empire Mode was in fashion. Straight Chemise dresses inspired by Greek antiquity. The colour was white because it was thought that women in Greek antiquity always wore white, because the sculptures from that time were white. Later it was acknowledged that the sculptures used to be painted with bright colours.
The brides at that time wore a bridal robe in the most expensive material they could afford. One advantage was that the dress was not only for the wedding, but could be worn at all official occasions in the first wedding year.

Dream dress

In 1854 Sissi married the emperor of Austria, Franz Joseph I. She wore a dream dress of white silk with a long veil side. From that day on, every bride who could afford it tried to follow her example.

The hippies

In the 60s came the big turnaround. It was the time of the flowerpower and the Beatles.
Coloured hats and dresses with a hippy look were popular, but also dresses with a Courège-like design.

Fairytale princess

In 1981, Lady Diana, on her marriage to Prince Charles, set a trend with her ivory-colored dress of dream taft silk and lace with a veil of 7.6 meters long and enormous puffed sleeve. (it was the time of the shoulder fills). From then on everyone wanted to look like a fairytale princess.

The veil

Halfway through the 19th century, the veil came into fashion. Until that time, other ornaments were worn in the hair. The veil was the symbol of innocence and virginity. Resting on the veil the bride wore a crown that was decorated with ribbons, flowers and pearls, which were a symbol of the fertility of women. Later this crown was replaced by orange blossoms. The orange tree blossoms and bears fruit at the same time, this is a beautiful symbol for marriage.

Personal style

These days, each bride chooses her personal style. Never before were weddings that individually.