A wedding dress is one of the most memorable garments a woman will ever wear. Above the invitations, the flowers, the cake, the gown stands out as a symbol of the bride's personality.
American actress Meghan Markle, who's engaged to Prince Harry, is rumored to have not one but two custom wedding dresses for her May 19 nuptials. The duchess-to-be is expected to wear something traditional for the wedding and a more glamorous number for the evening reception.
Over the years, American brides have worn every shape, fit, and color gown. These stunning vintage photos show how the Western wedding dress has evolved over the last 200 years.
SEE ALSO: 31 beautiful photos of traditional wedding dresses from around the world
American brides didn't always wear white. Through the 19th century, white cloth was impossible to clean by hand. Only the wealthy could afford such a high-maintenance garment.
Source: BBC
Instead, women wore what they considered their best dress.
Source: BBC
Red was a popular choice, as the color signifies luck, sexuality, and happiness. In some Asian countries, many brides continue to wear the color red on their wedding day.
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