Vintage 1950s Weddings Bridal Accessories

Vintage 1950s Weddings

The Bride's Accessories

Everything for that special day.

Gloves were equally as elegant as the dress. In the early 50s, a short sleeve gown would be paired with over the elbow or at elbow doeskin white gloves that wrinkled at the wrists.  Long sleeve gowns didn’t need gloves but a pair of wrist length or fingerless gloves in satin, lace or tulle was a nice touch.

In the late 50s  short, wrist length white gloves in materials matching the dress. They paired well with short sleeve, tea length dresses the best. Only about 1/4 of all brides chose to wear gloves.  

Flowers. Lilly of the valley and fern or a single stem white Lilly tied in a white satin bow was popular. Elizabeth Taylor chose yellow daffodils and tulips to match her bridesmaid’s yellow chiffon dresses. Jackie Kennedy carried a spray of white and pink orchids and gardenia.  Anything pink was highly fashionable in wedding flowers for most of the decade.

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Jewelry was minimal. A short, single strand pearl necklace was often worn with low neck dresses. A matching pearl bracelet was a nice addition, especially if it was “something borrowed.” Pearl clip on or stud earrings may have been worn if they were not covered up by hair.  

Shoes Cuban or kitten heels with a rounded toe in white was the classic wedding shoe. Anything fancier, open-toed, strappy or otherwise more “interesting” shoes would detract from the bride and her wedding dresses. Shoes had to be simple. However, the shorter the dress, the taller the heels. High heels, i.e. ultra-thin stiletto heel shaped the exposed calves into something attractive.