45 Beautiful Photos Show What a Wedding Looked Like in the 1950s

A wedding in the 1950s was the ultimate celebration of tradition, etiquette, and post-war glamour. Unlike the bohemian or modern styles of later decades, a 1950s ceremony was defined by a very specific. Brides typically favored “New Look” silhouettes, featuring cinched waistlines and voluminous tea-length or floor-length skirts made of heavy satin or delicate Chantilly lace. The iconic birdcage veil or a lace-edged cathedral veil was the accessory of choice, often paired with a modest high-neck bodice.

Beyond the fashion, the atmosphere was one of sophisticated simplicity. Receptions were often held in church halls or family gardens, where guests toasted with champagne punch and enjoyed multi-tiered fruitcakes adorned with buttercream flowers.

These beautiful photos from Jay Phillips show exactly what a wedding looked like in the 1950s, serving as a nostalgic reminder of mid-century romance.