For example, in the late 1800′s, it was typical and the norm for a bride to wear her wedding gown again (to the opera, a special dinner party) even more than a few times. Also, it didn’t have to be white—the color of the dress bore no indication of the bride’s virginity.

In the 1920′s, because the bob was such a hit with women, a cloche or cap veil was worn to compliment their femininity. They fit over the forehead, and then fell down the back like typical, modern veils do.

During the 1930′s, because of the Great Depression, economy was everything to a bride and her groom. The wedding gowns were of a satin bias cut, closely fitted, hugging a women’s curves.  A detachable train was necessary to make sure the bride could wear her gown after the wedding. Just like they did in 1860! As they were not like the ball gown wedding dresses, they could be stitched into an evening dress easily, with just some cutting and a little bit of dye.

The popular wedding destination, Niagara Falls, photographed in 1911.