A History of Charleston Weddings | Tara Guérard Soirée

I was thrilled to take a walk through the “Unveiled” exhibit at the Charleston Museum. The exhibit showcases a series of wedding dresses and accessories beautifully restored starting all the way back to the early 1800’s. It’s just fascinating to see how things have changed (and what hasn’t) throughout the years. If you are in town, or planning to be in town, you must get by to see it.

The history of this dress from the 1865 was actually recorded in a recovered diary of the bride. She was married in Columbia, and after the civil war the organdy used for this dress was the only piece of white fabric available in the city and at a shop that was Yankee owned. The cost being $10.00 (which at the time was exorbitant), so in order for the family to purchase the dress, they sold off the last piece of carpet in their home, chairs from the mother’s bedroom, and some lard and butter from the family’s plantation.

How fabulous is this ostrich feather fan??? Fans were one of the most commonplace accessories (obviously due to our climate here), but if you had to carry and use a fan, this one is fabulous!

The tradition of the “garter” is a long standing one, and these silk tie on versions date to the mid 1700’s. It’s amazing the condition they are still in!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea… This family gifted the married couple a silver tray engraved with all of the details and wording from the wedding invitation. Totally want to see this come back en vogue.

In the mid 1880’s darker fabrics became fashionable due to new dyes and techniques available. This particular dress was actually made by the brides’ mother. I see that there was always a space for the brides wanting to be daring and different.

This dress was worn by a bride in the 1930’s for her wedding at my church, St. Philips. Even though the wedding was in September, I love the beautiful sleeves on this dress.