
Circa 1910s? Germany
From the Middle Ages on, marriages - especially among the upper class - were considered more of a business or social alliance than a matter of romance. So what the bride wore often needed to be a reflection of the high status of the family. Furs, velvet, silk, and bold color were the fashion for centuries. Rich and luxurious, these dresses made the family look prosperous. In poorer families, the bride would simply wear her best dress - often her "go to church" dress.
Until Queen Victoria married in 1840, dresses were rarely white (some were even black). Stories vary as to why Victoria wore white - because of some beautiful lace she had? to honor a custom in her husband's homeland? - but once her wedding picture was published, it became the height of fashion to wear white as a bride.
Have photos that you'd like to see included? Share your photos or see photos weddings of 100 years ago on the next page.