Since 1900, there have been a few unchanging features of the Western wedding dress. White gowns have generally been favored (though historically, that wasn’t always true), longer dresses have remained in style and bridal veils have endured as a popular accessory.
But as with all fashion, wedding dresses evolved, adapting to the trends of the day.
In the video above, watch as Mode explores “100 Years of Wedding Gowns,” starting with a high-collared, lacy number from the 1910s and ending with a form-fitting, embellished gown from 2015.
Earlier this year, an infographic highlighting popular wedding dress styles went viral. The graphic, created by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, also detailed the shifts in bridal fashion from the 1900s to the 2010s. See it here.
Also on HuffPost:
Vintage-Inspired Wedding Dresses by Decade
Style Inspiration: The 1920s(01 of53)
Lavish Art Deco embellishments, tubular dress shapes, dropped waistlines, and shorter hemlines epitomized the Roaring Twenties. (Fun fact: The term "flapper" originated from college girls who wore untied galoshes at the time, which flapped as they walked.) More modest brides wore a transparent overdress with decorative edges. The use of white, the veil, and the bouquet became pivotal wedding elements during this era.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Robbins
Photo Credit: Jennifer Robbins
Style Inspiration: The 1920s(02 of53)
Gown by Maggie Sottero.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Maggie Sottero wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Maggie Sottero wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1920s(03 of53)
Gown by Demetrios Couture.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Demetrios Couture wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Demetrios Couture wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1920s(04 of53)
Gown by Essense of Australia.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Essense of Australia wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Essense of Australia wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1920s(05 of53)
Gown by Ellis Bridals.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Ellis Bridals wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Ellis Bridals wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1920s(06 of53)
Gown by Jenny Packham.
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1930s(07 of53)
The 1930s "boudoir bride" wore a form-fitting, bias-cut gown with long sweeping lines that often ended in a fluted fishtail. Shoulder-hanging trains and butterfly sleeves were also in vogue. Due to economic hardship, many couples deferred their wedding; brides who weren't well-to-do wore their best church dress or chose a practical style that they could wear again after the event.
Photo Credit: Trevor Dixon
Photo Credit: Trevor Dixon
Style Inspiration: The 1930s(08 of53)
Gown by Jenny Packham.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1930s(09 of53)
Gown by Justin Alexander.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Justin Alexander wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Justin Alexander wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1930s(10 of53)
Gown by Berta Bridal.
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1930s(11 of53)
Gown by Enzoani.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Enzoani wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Enzoani wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1930s(12 of53)
Gown by CB Couture.
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1930s(13 of53)
Gown by Gemy Maalouf.
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1940s(14 of53)
The 1940s wartime bride dressed down for her big day in a borrowed gown with a long, narrow skirt and sleeves from the previous decade. Silk was banned for use in clothing since it was needed to make parachutes. According to Vintage Weddings: One Hundred Years of Bridal Fashion and Style, bridal dress suppliers opposed manufacturing restrictions, arguing "long white gowns were vital to uphold morals." Once the war ended, gowns with V-shaped illusion necklines and squared-off shoulders became trendy.
Photo Credit: Trevor Dixon
Photo Credit: Trevor Dixon
Style Inspiration: The 1940s(15 of53)
Gown by Carolina Herrera.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Carolina Herrera wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Carolina Herrera wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1940s(16 of53)
Gown by Halfpenny London.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1940s(17 of53)
Gown by Melissa Sweet for David's Bridal.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1940s(18 of53)
Gown by Badgley Mischka Bride.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Badgley Mischka Bride wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Badgley Mischka Bride wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1940s(19 of53)
Gown by Ivy & Aster.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1950s(20 of53)
Christian Dior's "New Look" heralded the return of the hourglass silhouette, and Hollywood legends Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly inspired brides with their romantic bridal looks. Crinoline skirts embroidered with lace, sweetheart necklines and corseted waists were in-demand. More modern brides opted for a bateau neckline or they shortened their skirt to ballerina-length.
Photo Credit: Trevor Dixon
Photo Credit: Trevor Dixon
Style Inspiration: The 1950s(21 of53)
Gown by Casablanca Bridal.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Casablanca Bridal wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Casablanca Bridal wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1950s(22 of53)
Gown by Essense of Australia.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Essense of Australia wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Essense of Australia wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1950s(23 of53)
Gown by Ellis Bridals.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Ellis Bridals wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Ellis Bridals wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1950s(24 of53)
Gown by Legends by Romona Keveza.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Legends by Romona Keveza wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Legends by Romona Keveza wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1950s(25 of53)
Gown by James Clifford.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1960s(26 of53)
Experimentation was a defining characteristic of the '60s, with brides eschewing traditional styles for simple shifts or mini dresses (even Jackie Kennedy wore one for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis in 1968). Structured "Space Age" styles evolved into a softer, more feminine silhouette known as the babydoll. Smock tops with puffy sleeves and Peter Pan collars also became popular later in the decade.
Photo Credit: Trevor Dixon
Photo Credit: Trevor Dixon
Style Inspiration: The 1960s(27 of53)
Dress by Houghton Bride.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1960s(28 of53)
Dress by Stone Fox Bride.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1960s(29 of53)
Dress by Pamella Roland.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1960s(30 of53)
Dress by Marchesa.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Marchesa wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Marchesa wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1960s(31 of53)
Gown by Angel Sanchez.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1960s(32 of53)
Dress by DB Studio at David's Bridal.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1970s(33 of53)
Boho-chic brides during the seventies donned free-flowing dresses and leg-of-mutton sleeves, which had full gathers and buttoned cuffs. Sleeveless wedding gowns also became more mainstream during this time. Cutting-edge brides and grooms wore matching ensembles (think Mick Jagger and his wife, Bianca at their wedding in St. Tropez). Couples accessorized with platform shoes and chokers, and turbans and hats with veils came back in style, too.
Photo Credit: Trevor Dixon
Photo Credit: Trevor Dixon
Style Inspiration: The 1970s(34 of53)
Gown by Claire Pettibone.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Claire Pettibone wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Claire Pettibone wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1970s(35 of53)
Gown by Houghton Bride.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1970s(36 of53)
Gown by Oscar de la Renta.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1970s(37 of53)
Outfit by Delphine Manivet.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1970s(38 of53)
Gown by Carol Hannah.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1970s(39 of53)
Gown by Jim Hjelm.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Jim Hjelm wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Jim Hjelm wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1980s(40 of53)
The 1980s were all about glitz and glamour: over-the-top ruffles, rosettes, and extreme sleeves were all in high demand. Princess Diana's wedding in 1981 set the tone for opulence, and long trains became a status symbol. Another member of the royal family, Sarah Ferguson, also influenced bridal attire by wearing a Basque waistline (a dropped V-shaped, fitted waist) at her wedding in 1986. Due to the strength of the American dollar, couples had a surfeit of disposable income and weddings became commoditized.
Photo Credit: Trevor Dixon
Photo Credit: Trevor Dixon
Style Inspiration: The 1980s(41 of53)
Gown by Allure Couture.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Allure Couture wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Allure Couture wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Style Inspiration: The 1980s(42 of53)
Gown by Moonlight Collection.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Moonlight Collection wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Moonlight Collection wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1980s(43 of53)
Gown by Katerina Bocci.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1980s(44 of53)
Gown by Reem Acra.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Reem Acra wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Reem Acra wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1980s(45 of53)
Gown by Legends by Romona Keveza.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Legends by Romona Keveza wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Legends by Romona Keveza wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Style Inspiration: The 1980s(46 of53)
Gown by Eugenia Couture.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Style Inspiration: The 1990s(47 of53)
After the excess of the '80s, '90s brides embraced minimalistic wedding-day styles. Carolyn Bessette's iconic slip dress designed by Narciso Rodriguez for her marriage to John F. Kennedy was the epitome of pared-down simplicity. Vera Wang also made a splash with her striking gowns, and she was the first American bridal designer to influence European style as well. Strapless gowns, plunging necklines, and lower backs became more acceptable thanks to the fact that more ceremonies took place in wedding venues as opposed to churches, and even in destinations abroad.
Photo Credit: Trevor Dixon
Photo Credit: Trevor Dixon
Style Inspiration: The 1990s(48 of53)
Gown by Amsale.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Style Inspiration: The 1990s(49 of53)
Gown by Vera Wang.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Vera Wang wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Vera Wang wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Style Inspiration: The 1990s(50 of53)
Gown by Romona Keveza.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Romona Keveza wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our Romona Keveza wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Style Inspiration: The 1990s(51 of53)
Gown by Oscar de la Renta.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Style Inspiration: The 1990s(52 of53)
Gown by Naeem Khan.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
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Style Inspiration: The 1930s(53 of53)
Gown by Anna Maier ~ Ulla-Maija.
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
Check out more gorgeous dresses in our wedding gown gallery ►
Photo courtesy of designer
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