Here's how wedding dresses have changed over 200 years - and why

Melia RobinsonMay 3, 2018, 18:59 IST

Charles McQuillan / Getty

A wedding dress is one of the most memorable garments a woman will ever wear. Above the invitations, the flowers, the cake, the gown stands out as a symbol of the bride's personality.

American actress Meghan Markle, who's engaged to Prince Harry, is rumored to have not one but two custom wedding dresses for her May 19 nuptials. The duchess-to-be is expected to wear something traditional for the wedding and a more glamorous number for the evening reception.

Over the years, American brides have worn every shape, fit, and color gown. These stunning vintage photos show how the Western wedding dress has evolved over the last 200 years.

See Here's how wedding dresses have changed over 200 years - and why >>

American brides didn't always wear white. Through the 19th century, white cloth was impossible to clean by hand. Only the wealthy could afford such a high-maintenance garment.

Source: BBC

Instead, women wore what they considered their best dress.

Source: BBC

Red was a popular choice, as the color signifies luck, sexuality, and happiness. In some Asian countries, many brides continue to wear the color red on their wedding day.

Queen Victoria broke the status quo at her 1840 wedding, when she rocked lacy, ivory-colored silk satin. She also ditched a crown for an orange blossom wreath.

Source: TIME

Women's magazines embraced the look's innocence and simplicity, calling white "the most fitting hue" for a bride. It caught on.

Source: TIME

For centuries, women, including Queen Elizabeth, wore their wedding dresses again and again — making alterations to fit with the times or a changing figure.

Source: BBC

Until the 1920s, brides wore dresses that were more modest than everyday wear. But the Roaring Twenties brought on a fashion revolution, and hemlines rose above the knee.

Source: DressFinder.com

Times were tough during World War II, and many brides couldn't afford a new dress. Many brides borrowed a gown or wore their service uniform in lieu of a wedding dress.

Source: BBC

After the war, working women popularized the mid-calf length, worn beautifully by fashion icon Audrey Hepburn in her 1954 wedding.

Source: BBC

The 1960s led women to abandon modesty yet again. High boots and mini-dresses were all the rage, as shown by Audrey Hepburn during her second marriage a decade later.

Source: BBC

'70s brides hung loose in empire-waisted, devore velvet dresses. But, really, it was all about the sleeves. Princess Anne set a trend in extravagant Tudor style.

Source: BBC and DressFinder.com

The '80s brought out the princess in many brides. Full skirts gathered at the natural waistline, and a tiara adorned the head.

Source: DressFinder.com

The over-the-top flash that dominated the previous decades gave way to minimalism in the '90s. Fitted sheath dresses were common, while sleeves disappeared.

Source: Bridal Guide

White remains the go-to hue for brides around the world. Only 4 to 5% of dresses sold at David's Bridal were colored in 2014.

Source: TIME

So, where are wedding dresses headed? "There will always be a niche market for the traditional white meringue," fashion designer Gareth Pugh told BBC Culture in a 2014 interview.

Source: BBC

"But I like the idea of the dress being a little more personal — something that is made with love and care, something that takes time and patience," he added. "A lot like the marriage itself."

Source: BBC

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Here's how wedding dresses have changed over 200 years - and why

American brides didn't always wear white. Through the 19th century, white cloth was impossible to clean by hand. Only the wealthy could afford such a high-maintenance garment.

Instead, women wore what they considered their best dress.

Red was a popular choice, as the color signifies luck, sexuality, and happiness. In some Asian countries, many brides continue to wear the color red on their wedding day.

Queen Victoria broke the status quo at her 1840 wedding, when she rocked lacy, ivory-colored silk satin. She also ditched a crown for an orange blossom wreath.

Women's magazines embraced the look's innocence and simplicity, calling white "the most fitting hue" for a bride. It caught on.

For centuries, women, including Queen Elizabeth, wore their wedding dresses again and again — making alterations to fit with the times or a changing figure.

Until the 1920s, brides wore dresses that were more modest than everyday wear. But the Roaring Twenties brought on a fashion revolution, and hemlines rose above the knee.

Times were tough during World War II, and many brides couldn't afford a new dress. Many brides borrowed a gown or wore their service uniform in lieu of a wedding dress.

After the war, working women popularized the mid-calf length, worn beautifully by fashion icon Audrey Hepburn in her 1954 wedding.

The 1960s led women to abandon modesty yet again. High boots and mini-dresses were all the rage, as shown by Audrey Hepburn during her second marriage a decade later.

'70s brides hung loose in empire-waisted, devore velvet dresses. But, really, it was all about the sleeves. Princess Anne set a trend in extravagant Tudor style.

The '80s brought out the princess in many brides. Full skirts gathered at the natural waistline, and a tiara adorned the head.

The over-the-top flash that dominated the previous decades gave way to minimalism in the '90s. Fitted sheath dresses were common, while sleeves disappeared.

White remains the go-to hue for brides around the world. Only 4 to 5% of dresses sold at David's Bridal were colored in 2014.

So, where are wedding dresses headed? "There will always be a niche market for the traditional white meringue," fashion designer Gareth Pugh told BBC Culture in a 2014 interview.

"But I like the idea of the dress being a little more personal — something that is made with love and care, something that takes time and patience," he added. "A lot like the marriage itself."