Wedding dress with orange blossom, anonymous, c. 1880 - c. 1885
embroidering, l 138cm More details
Symbolism plays an important part in the decorations for a wedding. From the 19th century onwards a white wedding dress stood for virginity, purity, and innocence. Orange blossom brought happiness and chastity, and was considered indispensable according to contemporary etiquette. Brides, therefore, incorporated orange blossoms, either real or made of wax, in their hair, on their dress, or in their wedding bouquet. In this case orange blossoms made of wax adorn the gown.
