Behind the Veil: Brides and Their Dresses explores how brides over the past 100 years have chosen their wedding dresses, and how their decisions are shaped by fashion, family, and finances.

This exhibition highlights not only the dresses worn on the big day, but the stories of the women who wore them – whether a traditional princess-style dress or a funky animal print, whether a simple homemade dress from the early 19th century or a mini worn in 1969.

How have women created alternatives to the iconic white dress, or how have they embraced the fairytale wedding? More than an historical survey, this exhibition explores generations of women and the stories of their bridal attire.

Special programs for Behind the Veil: Brides and their Dresses

Sunday, April 7, 2013, 2:00 p.m.

The Creative Process with Tien Chiu: Tien Chiu spent a year designing and weaving her own wedding gown, on display in Behind the Veil.  Learn how to embrace the creative process through Tien’s inspiring story.

Sunday, April 21, 2013, 2:00 p.m.

Wedding Dress Preservation Workshop:Kate Tarleton, textile conservator and co-owner of ConText, Inc., presents a preservation workshop on storing and caring for wedding dresses, both old and new.

Saturday, May 4, 2013, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Eco-Friendly Wedding Attire :Lori Del Genis, Director and Dressmaker at Conscious Elegance Handmade Eco Wedding Dresses, discusses creating sustainable and eco-friendly wedding attire. Part of ATHM’s “Super Saturday.”

American Textile History Museum