#1950s wedding

[digitalfashionmuseum]

Gold lamé evening dress with jacket, 1955, American.

By Don Loper.

Worn by Frances Abrams McCall at her second wedding.

Chicago Historical Society

[theamandacollection67]

June 13, 1951 Bay and Lydia

[rsogirlgetsmarried]

So here it is. I’m marrying my true love in November 2023. I love the vintage 1950’s feel and look. I scoured the Internet for help in finding things that would help my wedding evoke that feel. I struggled with that, so in case my experiences can help someone else, I’m writing them down.

I’m a big Star Wars fan and member of the 501st Legion, which means I like to dress up like one of the villains from the Galaxy Far Far Away and take toys to sick kids in hospitals. My fandom led me to help found the Republic Service Organization, another fan group like the 501st, but focusing on the ladies and what it would be like if the Republic or Empire had a USO. We also go by the Imperial Service Organization.

Here’s me doing that.

I’ll probably ask for feedback on what I’ve got going so far, but I’ve happily learned a lot about planning a wedding (having a Vegas wedding, more specifically). My vendors and such might be of help to someone else. I also want to document this for years from now when things get fuzzy, as they do.

Any questions as we go, just let me know.

[clarulitas]

FRED ASTAIRE performs "You're All the World to Me" — Royal Wedding (1951) dir. Stanley Donen

[bridechic]

The Dior-inspired portrait collar.

Amy Jo Tatum Bridal Couture

[frostedmagnolias]

Cream Silk Pleated Wedding Dress

1950-1959

Salon Moderne, Saks Fifth Avenue

HCC Fashion Archive

[costumeloverz71]

Wenda Parkinson, Lanvin wedding dress, 1952

[babydollrot]

[newyorkthegoldenage]

Edith Piaf before her wedding to Jacques Pills on September 20, 1952, at the Saint Vincent de Paul Church. With her is her matron of honor, Marlene Dietrich.

Photo: Keystone-France via Vogue France

[fashionsfromhistory]

Dress worn by Molly Roebuck to her daughter Elaine’s Bat Mitzvah in 1957

“Grand Marriage” from the Épée collection by Christian Dior

Autumn/Winter 1956

Royal Ontario Museum (Object number: 2013.68.11)

[history-of-fashion]

1959 Wedding dress by unknown designer

white mechanical Chantilly lace mounted on a layer of pale blue tulle and an ivory satin background

(Museum of Costume and Lace, Brussels)

[digitalfashionmuseum]

Yellow Silk Bridesmaid Dress, 1956, American.

Designed by Joseph Hong.

Worn at the Wedding of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco.

Philadelphia Museum of Art.

[theamandacollection67]

1950

[rsogirlgetsmarried]

Shoes!!

So I've found the gown, it's magnificent. What's the next critical issue, particularly since they're going to *show*?

SHOES.

I knew I wanted Mary Jane style, ivory, and I didn't want to spend a fortune. (I can't really wear strappy shoes because my feet are 10 Wide and aren't super aesthetically appealing. I'm also 5'10" and didn't want to tower over my fiance. Plus, Mary Janes! YAY!)

There were some options out there.

These weren't available in my size. These I worried about because the heel was a little higher and I wasn't sure what I would be getting at that price point. Here are some other options I found, none of which were available in my size:

Finally landed on these, because at the time they had 10 Wide available:

Plus, you know, memory foam so I can dance the night away, woo hoo!

I didn't love the lizard embossing on them, though, so I knew I was going to do something. Did I dare DIY? For something this important, I thought not.

I started to look on Etsy for beaded shoes with the idea that if I found someone who had that skill set, maybe I could pay them to do that for me to my shoes. I found Erin:

And she did exactly what I wanted, with a really beautiful outcome.

They will fit, they will feel great, and they are gorgeous. My recommendation is that if you can't find anything sparkly enough for you, contact Erin. Her work is impeccable.

[kennedycore]

Rare photo of Jackie exiting a car on the day of her wedding, 12 September 1953.

[nollyfkennedy]

JFK & JBK nuptial mass colorized