Article: The story of the bride: A trip through time

mariée en robe blanche souriante avec son mari qui lui tient sa robe

Aug 17, 2023Inspirations

The story of the bride: A trip through time

To help you narrow down your wedding outfit choices, the Lilac team has put together a history of wedding looks from the Middle Ages to today!

Wedding, a symbol of love and union between two people, is a ceremony celebrated for thousands of years across different cultures and civilizations. Over time, brides have evolved, reflecting both the trends of each era and cultural traditions.

Join us on a journey through time to discover the stunning wedding dresses, accessories and jewelry that have marked history.

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Inspiration Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, wedding dresses were often brightly colored, such as red or blue, symbolizing joy and prosperity. Precious fabrics and embroidery adorned the fabrics but were reserved for noble and wealthy families.

Bridal crowns

Bridal crowns were a must-have accessory for aristocratic weddings in the Middle Ages. Made from materials such as flowers, foliage, pearls or ribbons. These crowns were worn by brides to symbolize their purity and status as queen of the day. They were often beautifully adorned and helped to create a majestic appearance for the bride.

3 photos de couronnes de fleurs séchées rose rouge et violette pour mariée

Mariée avec une robe comportant un décolleté en forme de coeur et des gants semi transparents

Bridal Gloves

Wearing gloves at the wedding was a sign of distinction and refinement. Bridal gloves were most often made of white lace to symbolize the purity of the bride. These accessories brought a touch of grace to the bride's hands on this special day. helped to create a majestic appearance for the bride.

Renaissance inspiration

During the Renaissance, wedding dress fashions evolved toward more elaborate and voluminous silhouettes . It was a period of artistic and cultural renewal in Europe, which also left an indelible mark on weddings of the time. Brides chose sumptuous fabrics, such as velvet and silk, embellished with lace and embroidery. Corset dresses cinched the waist and emphasized the bust, creating an hourglass silhouette.

3 mariées habillées en robe de mariage dans le style Renaissance avec bustier et dentelle

Bridal purses and bags

Bridal purses and bags were practical and aesthetic accessories. Made of rich fabrics , such as silk and often embroidered with gold threads. They were used to carry small objects or gifts during the wedding. These bridal bags were often precious gifts, passed down from generation to generation. The Lilac workshop offers you 3 bridal bags that are perfect for your most elaborate looks: Freesia bag , decorated with fine pearl lace and its magnificent light blue interior brings charm and that "something blue". It is available with a classic or pearl opening. And for your more bohemian outfit, the Laurier bag ! This pretty bridal bag with bohemian, retro-chic or vintage charm is made with lace with floral patterns with romantic and delicate leaves.

Sac de mariée où on voit l'intérieur et le nom de la marque du sac Atelier Lilac

The earrings

Renaissance earrings were exquisite and varied. Women wore hoop earrings richly decorated with precious stones, drop-shaped pendants, or nature-inspired designs such as flowers. These pieces of jewelry highlighted the grace and elegance of brides of the time.

boucles d'oreilles pendantes avec une fleur en bronze plaqué or ornée de perles naturelles

Boucles d'oreilles pendantes dorée à fleur et zircon

19th century inspiration

The 19th century marked the iconic white wedding dress as we know it today. In 1840, Queen Victoria of England married Prince Albert in a white satin wedding dress decorated with lace, thus starting the trend of white dresses for Western weddings. The color symbolized both purity and wealth.

3 mariées portant des robes de mariage style moyen-âge avec de la dentelle

Bridal Jewelry

Bridal sets of the 19th century were elegant and sophisticated. Brides often opted for matching sets of necklace, earrings, and bracelet, creating a perfect visual harmony. These sets were often made with pearls, diamonds, and were beautifully adorned with floral motifs. 3 of our jewelry sets seem ideal for inspiration of this theme:

- Favorite set , made with white natural pearls and gold floral ornaments.

- Livia's set , all dressed in pearls and mother-of-pearl flowers.

- Poetic Set , inspired by the Victorian style, this set contains a back necklace, earrings and a sumptuous bracelet to accessorize your bridal look

3 photos de bijoux pour mariée avec des perles naturelles et des ornements

see the atelier lilac sets

Tiaras and Diadems

Tiaras and tiaras were popular wedding accessories during the Victorian era . Brides wore these lavish ornaments on their heads, adding a royal touch to their attire. Tiaras were often made of silver or gold, and encrusted with precious stones, creating a sparkling and majestic effect. Our Empress , Camellia and Britt crowns, in Floral and Elegant styles, are unique hair accessories to suit a modern wedding outfit for the time.

3 photos de mariées qui porte dans leurs cheveux des couronnes de fleurs en or

Getting married with a crown

The Bridal Bouquet

Bridal bouquets were composed of fresh, fragrant flowers, creating a beautiful bouquet that reflected the bride's personality and preferences. Bouquets were often embellished with ribbons, lace, or pearls, adding a touch of romance and sophistication.

20th century inspiration

Throughout the 20th century, wedding dresses continued to evolve with fashion trends. The 1920s were marked by short, beaded flapper dresses. In the 1950s , dresses with puffy skirts and defined waists were all the rage, while the 1970s brought bohemian, relaxed dresses. Fashion designers such as Christian Dior and Vera Wang also left their mark on the world of wedding dresses, creating iconic pieces of their time.

3 mariées portant des robes de mariage des années 20 avec des franges et du tulle

The Bridal Veils

Veils have been an iconic wedding accessory throughout the 20th century. From the short, playful veil of the 1920s to the lavish cathedral veil of the 1980s, veils have been adapted to suit the tastes and styles of each era.

mariées portant un voile court avec de la dentelle dans sa coiffure de mariage

Jeune mariés montrant leurs alliances en se tenant les mains

Wedding rings

Wedding rings have retained their symbolic importance. While gold and silver bands were classic choices, the 1900s brought new trends. The use of alternative precious metals, colored diamonds or birthstones to personalize wedding rings made their debut.

Necklaces and pendants

In the early 20th century, pearl necklaces and pendants were very popular, reflecting the style of the time. In the 1920s , brides often opted for short pearl necklaces or pearl sautoirs to complement their flapper-style outfits. In the following decades, necklaces and pendants evolved with fashion trends, from the delicate designs of the 1950s to the bold and modern pieces of the 1980s . Our Gardenia and Perola necklaces are the perfect allies for a Roaring Twenties bridal look!

accessoires de mariage en perles naturelles style année 20 avec un collier un bracelet et des boucles d'oreilles

Discover our necklaces

Today

Since the early 2000s , wedding dresses have been an expression of style and personality. Brides have a multitude of options from traditional styles to modern and bold creations, or even a bohemian wedding dress. The perfect wedding dress is carefully chosen to reflect each bride's inner beauty and make her special day even more memorable. 21st century wedding jewelry and accessories reflect the changing values and trends of our modern times. Brides have the freedom to choose pieces that fit their personal style.

3 femmes en robe de mariées style moderne avec un dos nu, de la dentelle minimaliste et un bustier une manche

Ethical and sustainable accessories

In the 21st century, brides are increasingly sensitive to the environmental impact of their choices . They opt for ethical and sustainable accessories, such as jewelry made from recycled materials, vintage pieces or creations handmade by local artisans. Our Malva garter , made and sewn by hand, is the original wedding accessory that will complete your wedding look to perfection. Respect for the environment and ethics play an essential role in the choice of wedding jewelry and accessories. Our Malva garter, made and sewn by hand, is the wedding accessory

accessoires de mariage moderne avec quelque chose de bleu, un chapeau, une jarretière et des chaussures à talons

Every bridal outfit evolves with the times, but the inspiring looks remain indelible over time!

You will certainly discover the essential inspiration to find your own style, with creations that reflect your personality, both refined and daring.

To help you, we have created search filters in all our categories so that you can choose the theme of your choice <3

Come and get inspired

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The story of the bride: A trip through time

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