Thursday, September 3, 2020

Weddings of the 1930's



After the shorter skirts and uptick in non-traditional weddings of the 1920's, brides-to-be of the 1930's were ready for something different. Two major influences molded couples' decisions about their weddings: the Depression and Hollywood--there was glamour, but on a budget. (And by the middle of the decade, there was official help, since dedicated bridal magazines first appeared at this time.)
File:Musical stars Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritchard's wedding, St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney, 16 September 1935.jpg
A gust of wind hits Australian musical stars Cyril Ritchard and Madge Elliott after their wedding in 1935. Public Domain.
The overall look of wedding dresses was far more conservative than the previous decade's, with higher necklines, lower hemlines, and long trains and veils. Rich fabrics that reflected light, such as satin or shiny silk, were the choicest fabrics for 1930's brides, cut in the slimming styles favored by movie stars. Those fabrics were expensive, however, so brides often turned to rayon as a thriftier alternative. Sometimes, these dresses would be dyed and worn again.

If a bride couldn't splurge on fabric, then, as now, she might wear her best dress, or borrow a relative's or friend's dress. 


Attention was drawn to the waist in these dresses, a stark contrast to the drop-waist gowns of the previous decade. Belts, pleats, and ruching were all in vogue. For church weddings, long-sleeve styles were considered appropriate, but a bride might wear a sleeveless gown with a jacket over it for the ceremony. 


Most new brides wore white, but my grandmother married in her favorite color: pastel blue. A bride who'd been married before often wore pastel colors. Shoes, gloves, and hats were often dyed to match.

File:StateLibQld 1 174063 Eric and Lillian Webster on their wedding day, 1934.jpg
Eric and Lillian Webster's wedding day, 1934. Public Domain.
Early in the decade, many a bride still sported short hair, popular in the Roaring 20's. Styles changed, however, and brides curled their hair to frame their faces, or grew it as the years went on. 

Atop these new hairdos, brides favored veils, but expensive lace was replaced by tulle--and lots of it. Some veils went to the floor, anchored by regal-looking tiaras (comprised of real or fashion gems, for larger budgets, or starched lace for those watching their pennies), flower wreaths, or, more simply, pins, holding it snug to the head.

File:Princess Marina 1934.jpg
Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark anchored her veil with a tiara at her 1934 wedding. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Template:PD-US, Public Domain in original country.
Other brides preferred a hat: sunhats and halo hats were all the rage.

A bride didn't forget her makeup, either. The style was thin eyebrows--sometimes shaved off completely and drawn back on with a pencil--as well as false eyelashes, pale foundation, and eye shadow.


Flowers were part of the wedding, with bouquets as large as desired and afforded, but a corsage would do, as well.


By the end of the decade, "Gone with the Wind" was incredibly popular, and Victorian-influenced fashions were all the rage. Crinolines (hoop skirts) and leg o'mutton sleeves shaped wedding gowns, bedecked with ruffles and bows.


Grooms often wore tuxedos with suits with shoulder pads, felt hats or no hats, patterned ties or white ties--and he might have worn a mustache, too. Since a diamond ring could cost upwards of a hundred dollars, some grooms offered their brides much more affordable bands, lacking stones. 


Of course, bridesmaids and groomsmen made up the wedding party--the higher the number, more likely the wealthier the family paying for the wedding.


Church weddings were more fashionable than in the previous decade, and after the ceremony, the new marriage was celebrated with a reception including cake and toasts. Only the wealthy could afford large dinner or luncheon receptions.

File:Wedding cakes by DeLuxe Pastry Shoppes, Fort Wayne, Indiana (78670).jpg
Advertisement for DeLuxe Pastry Shoppes in Fort Wayne, Indiana, 1930's. Public Domain.
Bakers began to provide wedding cakes in the 1930's, making them more affordable and accessible to many people, and cake toppers were also new--available in Bakelite, porcelain, or even wood. It first became a tradition for the bride and groom to cut the cake together using a knife or sword.

Times would change again with the coming of World War II, but 1930's brides and grooms created personal, memorable, and stunning weddings that would not soon be forgotten.


**



Today is my final post for Heroes, Heroines & History. I have loved my time here, but at present, my current contracts are all for contemporary-set stories with Love Inspired. This month, however, I'm celebrating the release of my story While Shepherds Watch Are Keeping in Love's Pure Light, a Christmas novella collection. To learn more about the collection, please visit my website, www.susannedietze.com. 

To enter to win a copy, an Amazon card, and a Willow Tree Nativity set, use the rafflecopter form found here.

Thank you to all the readers and and members of HHH!




14 comments:

  1. I loved your descriptions of the wedding styles. Thanks for your posts over your time here. Hope to see you here again. Best wishes for your book babies!!!

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    1. Hi Connie! Thanks so much for saying hello. I hope to be back, as well, and to see you around social media! Thanks for your best wishes! Have a great weekend.

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  2. I have enjoyed your posts here! I will look forward to your new stories too, I know they will be great reads.

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    1. Thank you so much, Linda! That means so much to me. Hope to cross paths again, either here or on social media! Have a wonderful weekend.

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  3. I'm looking forward to the new novella. I'm so sad to see you go. I've enjoyed your posts, but I'll continue following you on FB.

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    1. Hi Linda! Thanks so much for your kind words. I truly hope you enjoy Love's Pure Light! And I look forward to seeing you on Facebook! Have a wonderful day.

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  4. Susanne, Thanks for partnering with us here at HHH for a season. We've appreciated your informative posts. Blessings!

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    1. Thank you, Vickie! It's been a pleasure to be here. I wish you all the best!

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  5. Suzanne, you and I are trading places. I'm turning to the 1920s and 1930s as I've discovered I love writing in historical novels after 6 contemporary stories. :)

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    1. I forgot to say, this post of yours helps me out a lot!

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    2. Hello! I'm so glad the post is helpful, and I'm glad to hear you're writing stories set in the 20s and 30s! I wrote a novella set in the 20s and it was a blast. I'll be looking for those new stories of yours!

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  6. I enjoyed reading your posts on wedding attire. Sorry to see you leave this blog, but good luck on your new ventures!

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words! I appreciate them. I hope to see you around on social media, but until then, take care!

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  7. Susie, Thank you for sharing these amazing vintage photos. I'll miss your posts here on HHH. Best wishes on your new adventures!

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