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- subject matching 'Fashion Plates: Activities and occasions - Wedding dresses'
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Before the 19th century a bridal dress was often white or silver though other colours could be worn, but the style was not prescribed. From 1800-40, a white or cream full evening dress with low neck and short sleeves and long white gloves was worn, from 1830 usually made in white lace over silk or satin. From circa 1840 this was replaced by a semi-formal white afternoon dress with high neck and long sleeves, and from the 1880s-90s by a high-necked going-away dress. A long veil was fashionable from the early 19th century, or a bonnet, and lace trimming was often used. Most of the foremost ladies' magazines issued a plate showing a bridal dress every 3 or 6 months.

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