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The 1920's
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the 1930's
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1920's
Wedding Styles |
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Now that the shorter "bobbed" hairstyle became
the norm, women looked for ways to offset the boyish pixie appearance
and compliment their feminine appeal. The celebration of the head
became the call of the hair liberation movement.
were de rigueur for the twenties, fitting over the
forehead and then falling gracefully
at the back. Often made from
silk tulle, starched and pleated, they became more and more elaborate, some using the
finest Lyon and Brussels lace. These were decorated with
embroidery floss, satin ribbon
or metallic gimp.
At Left:
The corners of this veil are a rounded
rectangle and the veil is made from unmistakable silk tulle as it falls
straight to the floor with no body. Her forehead
is embellished with a metallic lace geometric, popular during the
Egyptian craze. |
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At
Right:
This brides cap veil incorporated a large,
gathered pouf of doubled
tulle at the back
that was balanced by her simple daisy and crown trim. Her over the
elbow opera length gloves and her huge bouquet with traditional ribbon knots were
cutting edge twenties style. Her Bridesmaid
carries a bouquet of black-eyed susans to match.
Note the similarity between
the bride's silhouette at right, from the cut of her sleeve to her over the
elbow gloves and single strand of pearls; to the Bride
below. The two Brides are almost
identical in their 1920's wedding style.
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Headpieces in the roaring twenties became more and more elaborate in
contrast to the simplistic appearance of the rather loose cut dresses of
the period. The chemise dress appeared to go straight up and
straight down and the focus of style went to their, er... heads. Veils
became yards of dreamy silk tulle that was often photographed
in a graceful gather at the Bride's feet. This bride's veil is
rectangular cut, perfectly matching her lack of waistline typically
associated with gowns of this decade. |
 Naturally
as America began to assimilate different cultures into it's society,
wedding headgear was open for interpretation. Integrating styles and customs of the
old country with the new, weddings became elaborate affairs that often
measured a family's worth and social standing in the new American society.
This photo at left appears to be a Westernized wedding with Mediterranean
style. Amazingly, the trend for crownless floppy wedding hats did
not catch on in America, but the photos prove they at least tried.
The
flapper of the twenties created a rather appealing look with their
adorable headpieces. Without a doubt, wreath
headpieces are absolutely the most flattering type of headpiece worn,
suitable for all types of facial features and shapes. Vintage wreaths or
"hakus" like
the one worn at right were made from velvet and gilded leaves and sewn to a
grosgrain or velvet ribbon headband.
"The wreath is best
made from natural materials or suitably elegant materials for it to work
pleasingly," wrote Mary Frye.
These bridesmaids must have taken her advice because
they are absolutely
stunning. Note how the hairpieces compliment the pearl chokers as well as the
neck and sleeve line of the chemise.
A rectangular or square
shaped veil will work best with vintage wreaths
or antique
crowns where the veil drops directly from the back of the headpiece. 1920's silk
tulle fell out like spun sugar and did not overwhelm the simple wreath.
Cloche
hats have established themselves as the timeless classic of the twenties.
Sometimes a hat can be just as dramatic as a veil and is an appropriate
alternative for the modern bride to consider, but the style is a demanding
one, since the removal of the cloche during or after the ceremony
may leave flat hair.
Gloria Swanson perfected the fit
of her cloche so that she never had to take it off. It rested low
over her eyebrows and made it necessary for her to lift her chin and
peer imperiously down her nose.
The bridesmaid at left didn't have
that problem. Be aware
though, that modern flash photography at your wedding may leave shadows
from the cloche brim shielding the flash. An alternative is a knitted or
crocheted cloche cap, covered with pearls or sequins and without the
upturn or fold.
 Cloche hats best accompany the chemise or tube dress of
the 20's, tea length and worn with opaque stockings. Contemporary
millinery shops abound with versions of the cloche and should you decide
to wear one for your wedding, the added benefit exists that it may be worn
after your ceremony!
The 1920's
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the 1930's
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