A Short History Lesson: The Wedding Gown

Wedding dresses are a relatively new item; until the 1900s, brides just wore their church clothes or best dress. The traditional white gown was made popular in 1840 by Queen Victoria when she married Prince Albert.

Whether the bride is desirous of a fairy tale dress or simple gown, nothing else in history compares to the wedding gown. Gowns are inspired by movies and their stars, royalty, culture and haute couture, the runway, and fairy tales.

On June 26, Christie's auctioned Elizabeth Taylor's first wedding dress (her wedding to Conrad Hilton), for... drumroll please...

$187,931

That's right. $187, 931. Mere pocket change.

Grace Kelly's gown was a mere $7266 (minus design fees) in 1956. Her veil alone had 90 yards of tulle.

Jackie Kennedy wanted a simpler gown, but the Kennedy clan insisted and she relented.

Fifty yards of ivory silk taffeta.

Coco Chanel brought us the tan and broke with fashion dictates (or created them) in her short gown in the 1920s.                                 

Perhaps the most memorable gown is that of the gorgeous Diana Spencer, also known as Princess Diana. 

Ivory silk taffeta and antique lace, Diana's gown may be that fairy tale gown every little girl dreams of. 

Gown trends for 2014 are slim and elegant. Resplendent with metallic beading.

Gowns by Maggie Sottero. 

Ombre hues by Maggie Sottero

The Gianna - delicate gold metallic beading

The Gianna from the back

Gorgeous!

 Back detail is phenomenal!

Maggie Sottero Spring 2014 Collection

                                             Cinderella still lives! Can a dress get more beautiful?

Whether you go short, long, slim, or full-skirted, your wedding gown is one unique treasure sure to draw oohs and ahhs! It may not sell at Christie's or hang in the Smithsonian, but it's sure to draw attention.