Wedding Flashback: 1950's

After the wedding of Queen Elizabeth II in the late 1940's weddings in the 50's were bigger than ever! And when I say bigger, I mean everything was BIGGER! Skirts were bigger, guest lists were bigger, parties were bigger, cakes were bigger, bridal parties were bigger! And with plenty of celebrity weddings to take inspiration from weddings were becoming the best yet.

Ballgowns of all lengths were all the rage in the 50's; while most brides oped for an ankle length ballgown, those with money had the fullest skirts that went all the way to the floor. Off the shoulder looks were hugely popular, and almost all wedding gowns had long, glamorous, lace sleeves. And brides often also wore lace gloves as an added glam look. Veils were shorter, but fuller to go with the full skirts. Bridesmaids also wore ballerina length ballgowns to show their importance to the big day.



Decorum was king for receptions. Everything was decorated in white and silver, the white rose first became popular as a wedding flower in the 50's. Dinner was served on only the finest china that could be had. Wedding cakes became more extravagant, often being a focal point of decor all by itself. Cakes were made to look like tiers of lace and would be topped with motifs that resembled the bride and groom (sound familiar?)



The decade that saw Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and three Elizabeth Taylor weddings, lead the way to the weddings we know and love today. The style of the 50's is classic and timeless and continues to be seen in weddings up to today and will continue to live on.