1876

This antique white Po de Sue satin gown of 1876 would be appropriate for a wedding. The upper skirt is edged in lace and buttoned over a trained underskirt which was worn over a bustle and a tiered petticoat.

Even if the gown was originally white, a woman could be practical. The material was chosen so it could be dyed progressively darker colors. Magazine articles also had hints on how to remodel the gowns to keep in fashion. Many antique gowns are discovered to be made of material from an earlier period. The veil, used by brides from the early 1800s, is also off white, with medallions of lace carefully sewn to it. The hair is arranged in four rows of curls across the top of the head interspersed with flowers and a tortoise shell comb. One superstition was to wait until the bride was ready before taking the last stitch on the gown. Her bouquet, called a “tussie mussie” (which means a cluster or knot), contains roses for love, mint for virtue, and lavender for luck. The warmth of the hands caused the herbs to give off a pleasant odor. Shoes are leather and have been trimmed with satin and lace puffs. 

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