1950s Wedding Dresses: Our Favourite Styles Inspired by the Fabulous Fifties

When most people think of vintage wedding ideas they picture a 1950s wedding dress: this enduring look is a bridal classic, enhancing a bride’s figure and her femininity.

It’s perhaps no surprise that some of the hottest dress designs on the market are 50s inspired. Tea length wedding dresses and bateau necklines are right on trend – and if you’re looking for a vintage theme, the fabulous fifties is a stylish, traditional and quintessentially British decade.

Check out our edit of 10 fantastic 1950s wedding dresses – just don’t forget your fascinator!

Eliza – Timeless Chic

The Timeless Chic aesthetic is inspired by 50s design with a focus on curves and femininity. The calf-length Eliza dress is made in satin with a halter style sweetheart neckline and lovely lace appliqué. In true 50s tradition it has a fitted underskirt and is a great choice for a bride of any age.

Bardot – Ivory and Co

Taken from the Heritage Collection at Ivory and Co, this gorgeous gown has lashings of 1950s elegance with a contemporary twist. The bodice is made with heavy 100% silk taffeta and it has a dainty tulle skirt with a French corded lace waistband. The pretty design from Ivory and Co is available as a full length dress as well as in classic 50s tea length.

Style 8815 – Justin Alexander

This 1950s vintage-inspired, tulle, tea length ball gown from Justin Alexander has a silk dupion band accented with a bow, cinching the waistline for a figure-flattering look. The beautiful nude shade gives it a modern twist and contrasts beautifully with the ivory lace detailing. Wear with blush shoes and accessories for a soft and chic finish.

Lily – So Sassi

A tea length dress lends itself perfectly to an asymmetric (or high-low) hemline. This dress from the So Sassi collection is super cute thanks to the sheer overlay skirt – with 50s-friendly polka dots – and the bow detail at the back. Reflect these details with your shoes and choose a stunning crystal necklace to highlight the strapless sweetheart neckline.

Faith – Tobi Hannah

This Tobi Hannah dress is all about the bows – and the styling shown here even incorporates the detail into the model’s hair. Bows were big in the 50s, but if you don’t want to plump for such a bold hairstyle, consider an oversized bow accessory for your hair, or a 50s inspired fascinator with a big, bow detail.

Dame Dulcie – Kitty and Dulcie

Lace is a lovely fabric for a 50s style dress. The delightful Dame Dulcie dress from Kitty and Dulcie is all over lace with a v-shaped, scalloped neckline and elbow length sleeves over a full-circle petticoat and satin underskirt. With lots of vintage charm – and “major twirl factor” – this dress is also a steal at just £350.

Essen – Rosa Couture

If you’re a Grease or Back to the Future fan, you know that a 50s dance floor requires a huge, twirly skirt – and a contrast-coloured underskirt provides an authentic touch. This simple, v-neck, tea length wedding dress in ivory from Rosa Couture gets a fun and flirty boost with an underskirt that matches your colour scheme: get twirling!

Style 6749 – Mori Lee

Taken from Mori Lee’s destination collection, Voyage, this dress is available in sizes 4 to 30, so it suits many figures and is great for all ages. The classic tea length design, made with embroidered lace on tulle, is perfect for everything from a wedding overseas to an English country garden celebration. A lace button jacket is also sold separately.

Style 3875 – Sincerity Bridal

1950s fashion celebrated a woman’s silhouette and her femininity. This delicate and flattering dress from Sincerity Bridal does exactly that. A tulle tea length, it features a Queen Anne neckline with beaded lace detail and a deep keyhole back with sheer lace panelling. The lace shoulders give the gown a fabulously feminine finish.

Style 9800 – Justin Alexander Signature

This super-elegant 1950s inspired tea length sweetheart gown from Justin Alexander Signature is steeped in Audrey Hepburn glamour. Featuring 3-dimensional lace appliqués, a tulle overlay and metallic silk lining, the details paint a contemporary picture: but the dress, which skims the ankles yet still shows off your shoes is, essentially, timeless.

If you love the idea of a 1950’s style wedding dress then don’t miss our article featuring some of the best vintage bridesmaid dresses to complete your wedding style.