A few months ago, I bought a few vintage bridal magazines. They are so interesting - the dresses, the colors, the articles. I have The Brides Magazine from 1961 and 1962. The magazines have very few articles, but lots of pictures - in black and white. It seems that there are just as many pictures of china and silverware patterns as gowns!Today, a bride usually begins planning her wedding around a year before the big day. Most of the timelines that you find in bridal magazines begin twelve months out. Not in 1961 - weddings were planned in three months! Here's what Bride's Magazine recommended in Spring, 1962:
- Decide the type of wedding: formal or informal.
- Choose the church.
- Make arrangements with catering and music.
- Order wedding dress, attendant's and mother's dresses.
- Decide on colors and furnishings for your new home.
(I guess this was very important!)
Two months before:
- Determine budget for trousseau, clothes and linens.
(A "trousseau" is an outfit for the bride.)
- Start guest list.
- Choose silver and china patterns, and glassware design.
(Not even a big consideration now!)
One month before:
- Mail invitations.
(Now, we mail them two months ahead!)
- Have showers.
- Check on costumes for bridal party. (Costumes? Really?)
- Have photographer on hand for final bridal gown fitting.
- Order cake in little white boxes. (Why? I don't really know!)
- Decide on menu for wedding breakfast.
(What is a wedding breakfast?)
- Have luncheon for bridal party.
- Make sure gifts are perfectly displayed.
(Yes, you had to display the gifts!)
- Get some rest and a couple of beauty treatments.
- Pack for honeymoon, uncrushables first. (I'm not sure what "uncrushables" are!)
This timeline wouldn't work now. There's no mention of limos, favors, reply cards, save the date cards, or flowers. A modern wedding involves so many more details! A wedding planner can help you if you need help planning your big day - contact me if you're feeling overwhelmed!
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