Tying the Knot

Embroidered Cotton Dress worn in Quebec City, 1816

White silk was difficult to clean and few brides could afford the luxury of a white silk gown, but by 1800 the more practical and easier to clean ‘little white dress’ of cotton became popular for most occasions, including weddings.

Cream Satin Dress, English, mid 1840s

By the 1830s, the rising wealth of the middle class popularized the luxury of a white silk wedding gown. The tradition of wearing a white wedding gown was set when Queen Victoria chose one for her own marriage in 1840.

Brown Wool and Silk Taffeta Day Dress, c. 1874

Practical considerations remained for many brides. This dress was worn as a wedding dress in rural Ontario (Huron County) in the middle of winter (February 25, 1875).

Cream Silk Taffeta and Faille Wedding Dress, 1887

Until the early 20th century, the wedding dress was typically a woman’s best dress in her trousseau, and the bride would wear her wedding gown to several functions after the ceremony so everyone could see it.

Photograph of Original Bride Wearing Dress, Chatham, 1887

A few minor alterations were made after the wedding. The dickey was removed from the square shaped neckline, and the lower sleeves were reworked with the addition of lace cuffs.

Cream Silk Satin and Lace Dress with Hobbled Hemline and Train, likely Canadian, c. 1913

The practice of wearing a wedding gown for later functions died out by the 1920s as wedding dresses became more specifically styled for one time use.

Cream Silk Satin and Chiffon Dress worn 24 August, 1922 in Woody Point, Bonne Bay, Newfoundland

Pink Machine Lace with Blue Tulle Net Trim Dress with original pink felt hat worn by bridesmaid for April 1930 wedding in Port Hope, Ontario

White Lace Dress, Canadian, c. 1933

Cream Satin Dress worn in Hamilton, Ontario, 1934

Cream Rayon Satin and Lace dress, worn in Des Plaines, Illinois, 6 June, 1942

Blue Rayon Crepe and Machine Lace Dress worn 4 July, 1942, in Victoria, B.C.

Wartime necessity from fabric shortages resulted in many brides choosing practical styles they could wear again.

Cream Silk Dress with Silk Net Veil, English, worn June 5, 1961

Designed by Elspeth Champcommunal for Worth, London. The House of Worth was established in Paris in 1858. The Paris atelier closed in 1956, but the English branch continued to operate until 1968.