So you've embarked on your quest for the perfect bridal gown and turned up something lovely and even better than you imagined. Your next thought turns to your bridesmaids—surely they must have something equally as stunning! Now, you think to yourself, where should I turn next? Well, the same options that were presented in the search for wedding gowns can easily be applied to this situation. The proper vintage bride must first ask herself a few important questions covering style, color and 'match-ability'.

Bridesmaids of the 30s and 40s

1930s Bridesmaid

The 1930s palette shifted to brighter colors, once again combined with muted, grayed shades—think richer pinks and purples, or even soft chartreuse. A 1940s bride would have picked a combination of rich colors and pastels; perhaps a deep blue, green or bright rose would have struck her fancy. Aqua and fuchsia, or gold and rust, would both be stunning 40s combinations. And finally, the 1950s look was a mix of pure pastels—any of the many shades of candy pink, blue, green, yellow or lavender would have been in vogue at that moment. You also can't go wrong with turquoise, gold or smoked colors like 'smoky raisin'. For those brides choosing a more 'Old Hollywood' influence, popular choices include shades of platinum, champagne, deep berry red, and of course, black.

Is it important to you for each maid to match one another? If you've always envisioned a row of bridal attendants clad in identical ensembles of pastel satin, then the world of reproduction garments is for you. There are several companies that specialize in authentic styling, and many of these looks translate easily into the bridal realm as well. ReVamp Vintage Recreations (http://www.revampvintage.com/), for example, offers up both day and evening styles of each era. 
 

The 1940s bride may choose a WWII appropriate day dress, while the 1930s bride can select a stunning velvet ensemble to set off her own silk satin gown.  Off the rack modern will also be flattering to the curvier wearer (as many a vintage enthusiast knows, authentic pieces are often impossibly small!) Annamarie von Firley, creator of ReVamp, notes that reproductions can be much more forgiving than the real thing. "The 1940s and 1950s are more consistent with contemporary notions of style as well as modern figures," she remarked. "Women are more curvy than they were earlier in the last century. I heard an interview with an 80 year old lingerie proprietor stating that early in her career the average bra size was an A cup; now she sells mostly D cups."

1950s Bridesmaids

Von Firley had one more important suggestion for the vintage bride—when choosing an era, make sure you consider your attendants' figures, as well as your own. 

"And don't be afraid of foundation garments," she added. "During 1910-1950 foundation garments were worn everyday, and designs were created with this in mind. This is especially important in the 1930s when garments are more 'clingy' to the body."
 

30s Bridesmaid

Rockabilly girls may already know of the gems available through Stop Staring Clothing—classic, 1950s inspired frocks that are perfect for a more casual wedding. Check out http://www.mybabyjo.com/ or http://www.daddyos.com/ for style selections and ordering information. The more flexible bride may decide to give her maids a simple request—find a 1940s dress, any dress, but choose one only in black, or a shade of blue for example. This bride's attendants are then free to search the wealth of eBay (http://www.ebay.com/), online vintage clothing stores like Matilda's Vintage Closet (http://www.vintagefinery.com/, voted Best of Phoenix in 2004), and local vintage shops as well. If you choose a readily available color (black being perhaps the easiest selection) each attendant has the ability to choose a dress best suited to her. And better yet, this increases the likelihood that she'll be able to wear the gown again! Jennifer Hollon, of http://www.cherishedbride.com/, feels this is a great option for today's vintage bride. She noted that in the 1950s, even "all-white" weddings were popular!

"Rather than matching, think of coordinating," she said. "Tie the look together using shades from the same color palette and by having each attendant wear a matching hat and carry an era appropriate bouquet." 

You might also choose one (or perhaps even two or three) vintage patterns and recreate them in a suitable classic fabric. Many modern companies, such as Vogue, Butterick and Simplicity (available at your local fabric store or through http://www.mccall.com/), have re-released vintage patterns for the modern enthusiast.

When whipped up in a fluid crepe, jacquard or chiffon, the look is so delightfully old-fashioned that your guests will think you've stumbled on an entire collection of vintage wedding party attire! Other sources of vintage patterns include http://www.oldpatterns.com/, http://www.evadress.com/, and http://www.rustyzipper.com/. Just be sure to chose the right fabric, as "drape is everything", according to Hollon of Cherished Bride.

1930s Bouguets

For spring and summer, organdy and organza fabrics speak of the days before air conditioning. For fall and winter, brocades and velvets make a lovely choice. 
 

Vintage Wedding Party

If you like the sheer look of marquisette, a filmy fabric used in the 40s and 50s both to create an entire gown and to fill in the top of an off the shoulder dress, then English net is a good modern day equivalent.  Seattle Lindy hopper Theresa Miller went this route; she selected a unique 1950s pattern and had a friend whip it up in a pretty green crepe. "I paired it with a 50s choker, modern black shoes, and a bouquet that matched mine, but with peach colored roses. I think the overall look turned out great!"

And let's talk about accessories—no vintage wedding party would be complete without matching headwear, stockings, gloves and shoes! Consider an era appropriate hat to accentuate the dresses—flower trimmed bonnets for the 1920s party, a wide brimmed portrait hat for a 1930s wedding, a delicate toy or doll hat for a 40s affair, or a Juliet cap for the 1950s maid (check out the attractive hat patterns in the Vintage Vogue line.) 
 

You say the girls are a bit apprehensive about wearing a hat? Then substitute a pretty, large flower (real or silk) instead—think delicate gardenias, traditional roses, or exotic Casablanca lilies—worn alone or with a simple, short veil (one wedding trend during the 1930s and 1940s was for each person to wear a veil—a long one for the bride, and a chin or shoulder length one for each maid.) Remember, she won't be fully dressed without a little something in her retro 'do! With the exception of the 1920s, gloves were frequently worn in weddings of the past; wrist length 'shorties' for an informal affair (these were quite popular in the 1950s), longer lengths were suitable, too. The general rule of thumb here? The shorter the sleeve, the longer the glove. And why not pick the girls up a pair of seamed stockings to complete the total look? For authentic stockings made on a 1950s mill, check out http://www.magnoliahosiery.com/. For bridesmaids who would prefer thigh highs or pantyhose, http://www.dancestore.com/ offers a small selection of styles. As for shoes, closed toe or peep toe pumps are always an appropriate choice. For spring and summer, delicate sandals were often worn. During the 1930s, brides chose glamorous styles, often in metallic shades of silver, gold or copper. In the 1940s, styles changed a bit to favor the platform sandal or heel, in white or black, or even a shade to dyed to match the gown.

50s Bridesmaid with hat

Satin high heeled pumps were a given in the fifties, with the style focusing on a rounded toe at the beginning of the era, graduating to a pointy toe, pointy heeled version as the 1960s neared. For an excellent guide to 1920s-50s shoes, be sure to check out Return to Style (* you are already here!), a German website with a wonderful and informative online museum. 
:-) Thank you Amanda! (* notes by "Return to Style")
And another popular source of swing-able shoes is http://www.remixvintageshoes.com/, which offers up reproduction 1940s wedges and 1950s ballet flats for your perusal. 
 

30s Bridesmaid

The Look: 1920s Allure A calf length, sleeveless dress such as the style 'Mabel', available from http://www.dancingdaughters.com/, with its dropped waist and asymmetrical yoke and hemline, would represent itself well at a 1920s wedding. Or Eva Dress style 9162—absolutely breathtaking in its fluttery, rose-colored illustration. Imagine it paired with refreshing green and white accents, then add a string of pearls and a finger waved do—so fresh and de rigueur! The Look: 1930s Glamour Raspberry Beret offers a few delicious embroidered georgette and velvet gowns well suited to any 1930s starlet, and the colors—pink ruby, emerald green—are delectably vintage besides. Or try pattern E20, available through http://www.evadress.com/. This slinky number will make your bridesmaids feel like a silver screen starlet, and an optional coatee (so '1933' with its ruched sleeves) will please a more modest wearer. The Look: 1940s War Bride More often than the not, the hurried war wedding was a patriotic one, too. Many a 40s attendant wore her best day dress, or selected a new frock made from minimal precious materials. For the less formal modern revival, try ReVamp's 'Natalie', a plummy confection with sweetheart neckline and gored rayon skirt. For a more formal occasion, opt for a full-length version of the same, or a similar, dress. Vintage Vogue 2786 is a good choice, especially in faille, velvet or satin backed crepe (makes a great mother's gown when worn with the hip length jacket, too.)

 

The Look: 1950s Opulence For a modern take on the 50s era, Alfred Angelo offers up two intriguing looks. Style 6837, a satin, tea length gown accented with a belt and rhinestone buckle, makes a darling choice. For a more daring bride, version 6836 is offered in a whimsical polka dot organza, perfect for a June wedding. Why not dress your maid of honor in polka dots, and the rest of your bridesmaids in the complementary satin? (Both styles available through AC Bridal, see http://www.acbridal.com/.)  If you would prefer to keep with tradition, then consider Vintage Vogue pattern 2267, a structured ballerina length sundress with matching bolero jacket. Do this style up in a floral chiffon, soft pastel lace, or even a heavier crepe or satin material. Voila—the 50s await! So there you have it—now you and your ladies are all dressed to perfection and ready for showtime. Next up, join me for a discussion on dressing the bridegroom!

50s Bridesmaids

xoxo, Amanda