Early in 1882 she was probably wearing a dress with only a small bustle
(the "natural form" era), though late in 1882 it would have been a
larger bustle. She had on either a polonaise (long tunic) over a skirt,
or a bodice/overskirt/skirt ensemble. Either the polonaise or the
overskirt likely provided the back drapery. Her dress probably had a
high day neckline and 3/4 or full length sleeves, but might well have
had detachable parts (a front gilet, and lower sleeves) to turn it into
a lower-necked, shorter-sleeved evening dress, especially if it was an
expensive dress. Wedding dresses were often worn as evening dresses
after the wedding, if the bride expected to attend many social events.
Other than that, there's not enough detail to go on. The dress was
likely off-white, but might have been colored, if it were to be used
later as a day dress by a bride who did not expect to attend many
evening events.
As for the mother-in-law, a shiny fabric (satin) and glittering jewels
(diamonds) were not mourning.
You might be interested in my book Fashions of the Gilded Age, which
contains patterns, images, and descriptions of wedding dresses in Volume 2.
Fran
Lavolta Press
www.lavoltapress.com
On 6/19/2013 7:38 PM, Cathy Raitt wrote:
On a recent trip "home" I found a letter written by my great grandmother to her sister
describing her daughter's wedding, which I have been trying to transcribe. The wedding took place
at home and the bride's attire was described as a "simple costume." Her veil was
described, but not the dress itself. This is what I've been able to figure out so far. (Some of
the words might not be exactly right - I'm still deciphering the handwriting!)
"The pure white --- veiling(?) trimmedwith many rows of lace and with drapery of white
watered ribbon at the back was very pretty. The veil a large square of tulle fell a little over
her face and was caught on one side of the head by a cluster of natural white roses.
Anotherbunch at the left side of the neck among the laces and a third larger upon the skirts
holding the veils back a little. Black stockings & slippers and long white gloves made up the
t---- ensemble. The only ornaments were a beautiful Silver comb & earrings sent her by
Cousin..."
What would this dress have looked like? We haven't been able to find any
pictures that could be this gown.
She comments that the groom's mother looked "uncommonly well in black satin & lace.
Some beautiful diamonds at her throat." Was it normal to wear black to a wedding? How
long would someone wear mourning for a son? (The groom's brother had died in 1875.)
Thanks!
Cathy
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