Tradition Comes Second
There once was a time when
all weddings followed the same
general pattern; they were
planned by the dictates of tradi
tion. Today traditions play a role
in all weddings, but the decision
concerning how many or how
few of them are observed if
strictly that of the bride.
Wedding gowns once were pri
marilv the same in style: a fitted
bodice, long sleeves, a full skirl
and a long train. The only fab
rics considered were satin and
lace. After the wedding day had
passed, the gown was packed
away in a box and kept far out
of sight, until perhaps one da>
a daughter asked to see “mother’s
gown ”
Trains Now Detachable
Now the styles in wedding
gowns are nearly as varied as
those in other apparel, and the
range of fabrics is wide. Gowns
are designed to keep up with the
faster pace of life today. Detach
able trains and bolero jackets arc
the major innovations, making
possible use of the gown after the
wedding.
Traditions are still prevalent
and always will be, because a
completely rational young wom
an becomes a hopeless romantic
when it comes time to plan hex
wedding. Most brides follow the
“something old, something new
something borrowed, something
blue” tradition. Many of them
choose to wear heirloom gowns
or veils, or perhaps carry a hand
kerchief carried in previous fam
ily weddings.
Skirt Styles Vary
Bridal gown styles, despite
their wide range, can put in four
basic classifications: “modified
“A” line, sheaths, controlled
skirts and bouffant skirts.
The modified “A” line skirt fea
tures a fitted waistline and subtle
shaping of the skirt, widening
as the length increases, until it
forms an “A” shape. The sheath
style gowns give an air of dig
nity to a wedding with their long,
slim lines. Both empire and nat
ural waistlines are popular.
Simplicity Important
The controlled skirt, too, can
portray dignity, and it tends to
disguise either a too-heavy or
too-thin figure. The more sleek
lines of the controlled skirt are
contrasted to the billowy, fullness
of a bouffant gown. The bouffant
skirt may feature a straight front
panel, tiers of lace, the ever-ini
portant back interest, or simply
be extremely full.
Simplicity is the key word in
achieving elegance in a bridal
gown. The billowy petticoats and
hoop skirts are relatively un
common in wedding attire at pres
ent. Instead, the gowns are de
signed to use the cut and sub
stance of the fabric to form the
^hape, rather than an artificial
means. Ruffles and flounces have
been virtually eliminated with
the trend toward simple, clean
cut lines.
Tradition Retained
The molded look is popular,
no matter whether the gown is a
sheath or bouffant style. Straight
front panels in bouffant gowns
are accented with a fullness at
the sides and in back, giving a
dignified, modern look, yet re
taining the traditional fullness
of a bridal gown. Sheath gowns,
although they are slim and
straight, are never tightly fitted
Detachable trains are predom
inant in sheath and bell skirted
gowns, allowing future use of the
dress, minus the train. Trains may
be attached at the waistline of
the gown, or flow from the shoul
der as panels. They are usually
not worn for daytime weddings,
although the style varies from
area to area, and decisions should
be left to the bride. If she has
always dreamed of a flowing train
on her bridal gown, and finds a
morning or afternoon wedding to
her liking, there is no reason she
should not wear the dress of her
dreams.
Empire Look Popular
Until recent years bodices on
bridal gowns were fitted, although
the neckline styles and sleeve
lengths varied. In the past a
sweetheart neckline and long
sleeves, coming to points over
the hands, were the rule. Now
the choice includes wide-scooped
necklines, "V’s,” square necklines,
high necklines, and even gowns
with wide collars. Occasionally
gowns are sleeveless and are
topped by a bolero jacket, there
by enabling the bride to use the
dress as a ballgown or opera gown
by removing the jacket, and train
With the advent of the empire
waistline last year, bodice styles
underwent a change. The more
full, bloused effect is gaining
popularity, especially on the east
coast, while the traditional fitted
look remains more popular in
the west.
Bows are often used to mark
an empire waistline, as well as
lace jackets, wide ribbons or
hands of the gown material Em
pire waistlines are generally used
with a modified “A” line skirt,
or a sheath style.
Fabrics Change, Too
Fabrics have undergone the
most noticeable change in all
wedding style traditions Satin or
lace are still used extensively, but
(Continued on page 11)
A SPARKLING YOUNG DRESS fashioned of silk linen for the
spring bride is modeled here by Linda Lea. The bodice is banded
in Venise lace, which is repeated on the bell skirt and outlines
the detachable train. The lace pillbox hat clasps an elbow length
veil. The bridal ensemble is completed with white linen pumps,
short white gloves and a white prayer book.
BRIDAL CONSULTANT Bessie Cambell will help you arrange
every detail; make your photography appointments, order
your stationary, even secure tickets or reservations and keep
your wedding day serenely uncluttered. He ability to make a
small wedding elegant, or ismplify the most formal large
wedding is without equal in our area.
BRIDAL GOWNS AND TROUSEAU PLANNING are a comfor
table pleasure at BMR. You'll find exactly the right thing for
bridesmaids, the mother-of-the-bride, and the groomsmen, as
well as bridal veils, trouseeu lingerie, white satin pumps, and
the other accessories. And Eugene's largest selection of bridal
gowns in all price ranges and styles.
BRIDAL GIFT REGISTRY service saves overlapping gifts and
exchanges; is a wonderful convenience for friends who
choose to help you fill your silver and china service Our
selection includes America's leading silver and china pat
terns; a wide choice in holloware and memorable gift novel
ties. There is no charge for your registration, gift wrap or
local delivery.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND INVITATIONS are available in your
choice of papers and imprint through the cooperation of our
stationary department. Mrs. Campbell will assist you if you
like.
I
RECEPTION TABLE SERVICE is a prized complimentary fea
ture. If you wish, BMR will furnish the silver service, punch
b*owl, candelabra and linens for a triumphant climax to your
wedding pageant. Arrange your reservation with Mrs. Camp
bell when you select your gown, or when you complete your
wadding plans.
i
BRIDAL SALON, SECOND FLOOR is centarlly located for one
stop shopping convenience. Select your gown, your attend
ant's gowns, your foundation, veil and trouseau costume all
within a step of the Bridal Salon. Spacious dressing rooms
insure your privacy if you desire; your fittings will be as
leisurely as you like. j
C^uyene 3 only, complete Lriclaf
Service and yij^t registry
• • • a(d Services cotnp(imenlury, oj
course.
bon marc lie russells