The evolution of wedding dress styles in the U.S. reflects both societal changes and the influence of fashion trends over the centuries.
Early American wedding dresses, before the 19th century, were often simply the best dress a woman owned, typically in any color, as weddings were more focused on the ceremony rather than the attire.
The major shift came in 1840 when Queen Victoria of England wore a white lace gown for her marriage to Prince Albert, setting a trend for white wedding dresses in Western culture.
This led to the rise of the white wedding dress in the U.S., symbolizing purity and innocence, with women often choosing white for its association with modesty.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, wedding dresses became more elaborate, with Victorian and Edwardian styles incorporating intricate lace, satin, and long trains, as well as corsets and voluminous skirts supported by crinolines.
The early to mid-20th century saw wedding dresses reflect the streamlined, more practical aesthetic influenced by the World Wars and the Great Depression.
However, the post-World War II era marked the beginning of a more glamorous wedding dress trend, with full skirts and long veils popularized by iconic figures like Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Kennedy.
The 1960s and 1970s witnessed a shift toward more relaxed and bohemian styles, with lace, bell sleeves, and softer fabrics gaining popularity.