The Beauty of a Lace Wedding Dress
In the reign of Queen Victoria, in which the possession of wealth and societal status were more important than that of having two arms and a good pair of legs, lace changed into a symbol of standing, a technique of singling out at a glance the extremely rich from the merely affluent. Women who enhanced themselves in lace were, compared with the highest class of social economics and pedigree, as only the wealthy managed to afford such lavish decorations on even a somewhat regular basis.
Because of its symbolism of wealth and prosperity it is not shock to find out that during the Victorian era a bride who came from a family of means would walk down the aisle in a lace wedding dress. This was one quick way to tell all the family’s friends and acquaintances that they were a family of means so much so that their daughter wore a lace gown on her wedding day.
Styles have evolved and you are not likely to find many people no matter what social class wearing an item of clothing which has lace. You are much more likely to find say a doily or tablecloth made from lace that find a shirt or dress made with lace. That is not true in the wedding world. Pick up any bridal magazine and you will see lace used extensively. You may find it in the trains of dresses, along the bustline of dresses, or used as an overlay.
One great was to utilize lace is by adding a thick, coloured ribbon at the bride’s waist which will contrast the embroidery from the smooth texture of the satin or silk. Another great use of lace is incorporating it into the hemline, the neckline, or waist of the dress. You will also find it down the middle of the front of many dresses as well as the gloves. While being a great addition to any dress it is most popular on casual or informal dresses that are worn in morning or mid afternoon ceremonies.
Because of this fashion “rule”, the more lace your dress has the earlier in the day it should be worn. If you are wanting an evening ceremony, you should limit the use of lace to appearing down the center of the train, or across the bodice, or using it on your gloves.