Back to the beginning: Origins of wedding apparel and accessories
A symbol of the bride's purity, the wedding gown was regarded as the outward sign of a worthy maiden. Since marriage was considered a union between two families, it was essential that the bride be an "honor" to both her family and her future husband's family. As purity was valued above all else, great care was taken to present the bride as a protected and unspoiled, valuable treasure. The white dress became her symbol of innocence.
The styling of the "modern" bridal gown can be attributed to Empress Eugenie, the bride of Napoleon III. As a leader of fashion, she wore what was to become a worldwide style as she wed the French leader, rather than the customary wedding finery.
Fashioned after a coat worn by the Prince of Wales, Griswold Lorillard. A tobacco heir, in 1886 he wore a tail-less black dinner jacket to an autumn ball in Tuxedo Park, N.Y., and sent his contemporaries into a spin.
Traced back to superstitious Roman ceremonies, the veil was originally used to confuse evil spirits that might be jealous of the new couple's happiness. Covering her face averted recognition of the new bride, and although the fear no longer exists, beautiful veils are used by many happy brides.
In the days of silk stockings, this accessory was a necessity. Considered fair sport and good luck in old England to steal the garter and stockings before the ceremony, young unmarried gentlemen took the challenge seriously. The throwing of the garter evolved to prevent the embarrassment of the overturned young lady.
Traditionally matching the bridal gown, this useful accessory was also a part of the traditional "dollar dance." "Buying" a dance from the new bride by "secretly" slipping cash into her purse helped the young woman acquire "pin money" to start her new household.
Ancient times found a young woman kidnapped and held as a prisoner until she accepted her new life. This evolved to the groom being expected to capture his intended. The young woman would surround herself with friends for protection, and he would gather his friends to help in the abduction. Soon, stealing the bride became a fun ritual, the bride's "maids" dressing identically to the bride to confuse the men.
The symbol of unending love and fidelity, the origin of the ring can be traced back to the Egyptians who presented their brides circlets of hemp or rush every year.
All through history, ornate pillows have been used to present crowns to royalty. Placing the rings prominently on a pillow is the most honored way to present the most cherished of all gifts.
To ensure the bride a happy and bright life in old England, the entire bridal party would walk behind a small girl tossing flowers all the way to the church.
Originally, all guests were considered witnesses to the wedding and would sign the marriage document. Today only two witnesses are required and the guest book has become a way of remembering all those guests who joined the couple as they exchanged their vows.
