Here Comes the Bridal Gown Exhibit

You are cordially invited to a celebration of weddings this summer when the Milford Historical Society opens the weekend of June 3-4 with a display of “Wedding Gowns Through the Centuries.” Some dresses date back to the late-1800s with more modern ones worn in the 20th century. The first thing you’ll notice at the exhibit is that gowns were designed in many different colors. It was quite acceptable for early brides to wear blue, brown, pink, red, or even black. White was usually reserved for mourning. Many of the colorful gowns were not worn just for a few hours on one special day but became each bride’s best dress that was worn on a number of formal occasions.

Then one wedding changed everything. When Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840, the Queen was resplendent in a pure white silk-satin gown with lace. She chose white to set off the intricate lace on her dress and thereby support the lacemakers of England.

The Milford Historical Society’s exhibit: “Wedding Gowns Through the Centuries” will run from June 3rd through October 1st.”

Queen Victoria was not the first royal bride to wear white, but once she did, every woman wanted a white gown and that set the fashion that continues for most brides to this day.

One of the dresses on display at the Milford Historical Soceity was worn in April 1963 by Joan Barbara Casey for her marriage to Charles Duncan of High Street. The gown has an ivory re-embroidered lace bodice, scalloped neckline, and long sleeves with five fabriccovered small buttons. The back closure has 28 matching buttons. The scalloped edge lace overskirt is worn over two white taffeta tiers.

Another dress is believed to have been worn by Nathalia Clark, who married Harold Greely in 1904. The bodice of this dress has a high choker collar and appliques of lace. It has full sleeves with tight cuffs and tatted lace trim. It has a pleated cummerbund over a long A-line skirt. The back closure has pearl buttons. The Milford Historical Society is located at 34 High Street. Weekend hours for viewing are 1:00-4:00 pm, and neighborhood on-street parking is suggested. The exhibit at the BryanDowns House is fully accessible to the handicapped by way of a ramp leading to a side entrance. Admission is free, but freewill donations are gratefully accepted. Oct. 1 is the last day for the exhibit. For more information, visit milfordhistoricalsociety.org or telephone (203) 874-2664.