The Complete History of Wedding Dresses, Suits & Other Fashion

The flapper style occupies a central place in the bridal fashion of the 1920s, characterized by beautiful accessories and exaggerated Juliet veils, as well as detailed headdresses.

During the Great Depression of the '30s, weddings were a humble affair featuring repurposed gowns and minimal decor.

Many weddings were quick affairs, and brides wore white suiting.

Almost two-thirds of the grooms of this era were enlisted in the military and got married in their military attire. Wedding bands for men were new and served as a symbol of commitment for soldiers away from home.

As America emerged from WWII, weddings returned to glamour. Tiaras, ball gowns, beautiful cars and professional portraiture became trendy. Celebrity weddings offered exciting pastimes.

The 1960s featured London-inspired Mod style, shortening hemlines and A-line skirts. Big hair and bubble veils completed the look for the brides and long sideburns for the grooms.

The 1970s showed brides with beautiful headpieces and high-neck dresses. The grooms came into style too, with velvet tuxedos and ruffled shirts.

The 1980s featured prairie-inspired silhouettes and ladylike hats.

The appliqués of the 1990s brides dresses are characteristic of this era—shiny, long-sleeved ball gowns covered with sparkling, beaded lace.

The 2000s shows sleek, clingy satins, cap sleeves and straight-across strapless necklines.

In the 2010s, weddings and bridal fashion have embraced themes in unprecedented ways: the rustic barn, bohemian style, garden, Italian villa and high fashion.

In the first decade of social media, the style of weddings has reached new heights, with people photographing weddings more than ever before.