Wedding dresses – with their many social, cultural and gendered connotations – are well suited to researching the relationships and emotions associated with items of clothing. A universal bridal symbol that is interpreted and reinvented by different cultures, the study of bridal wear allows insight not only to material culture, but also to changing notions of society, gender, ritual and ceremony across the globe.
 
From the medieval era up to 2020, Lydia Edwards offers a fascinating glimpse into bridal wear. She explores prevalent trends and colors, the 18th century practice of wearing a ‘best’ dress to a wedding and the ‘precursor’ to Victorian white silk and orange blossom, before moving on to the 19th century when modern conceptions of the white wedding dress and veil became commonplace. Modern wedding dresses have now become big business internationally, and the influence of historical or ‘vintage’ styles has grown exponentially in the 21st century. Her final chapter looks to the future and explores how brides worldwide are reimagining the past as an integral part of their big day, and taking into account gender identity fluidity and same-sex marriage style choices.
 
Lavishly illustrated in full colour, How to Read a Wedding Dress displays annotated images of historical garments that outline important features and highlight how styles have developed over time, offering a fascinating glimpse into the centuries-old ritual and custom undertaken by human beings at pivotal points in their lives.