Wedding Dresses & Customs

How and when we married and what we wear has been evolving continuously over the centuries. Brides wearing white wedding dresses only became widespread towards the end of the 19th century and during WW2 many brides reverted to wearing a new best dress because of rationing.  Have you ever wondered why brides throw their bouquet, why it is thought to be lucky to have a chimney sweep or why people often throw confetti at weddings?  Sharn Matthews illustrated presentation will help you to discover more about wedding dresses and the origins of some of these old customs;  she has forty years experience of working with museum costume collections and is, herself, an accomplished needlewoman.

Before and after the talk there will be the chance to look at some beautiful vintage wedding dresses, including gowns from the 1920s, 1950s and 1980s, plus Sharn’s own hand embroidered gown and matching groom’s waistcoat too.   Come and enjoy the opportunity to rekindle memories of times past whilst listening to Sharn, a  charismatic and entertaining speaker. There will also be a quality raffle prize draw at each presentation with lovely prizes.

All proceeds from this event will be shared equally between the Ukrainian Appeal and St Andrew’s Church, Cotterstock. Tickets are just £6 (which include soft drinks and biscuits in the interval) and can easily be collected from “Stu-Pots” shop at 36 Market Place, Oundle.