Everyone loves grandma. Her kindness, great cooking, and wise words are always welcome, but have you ever wondered what wedding dress shopping was like for her? 

These 1940s brides were truly inventive and meaningful with their wedding day wear. Following the war, women all over the world began adopting this trend, and making their own dresses from parachute silk used by their fiances during the war. 

So why parachutes? 

Well this wedding tradition began during the war, as many times it was difficult if not impossible to find the amount of white silk fabric needed for a fashionable wedding gown. The military parachutes, however, we’re made of yards of soft silk, and once they were wet or torn, they were deemed unusable. 

Instead of allowing this fabric to go to waste, these strong women used it as a symbol of respect and support for their loved ones. It became a symbol of honor and resourcefulness. 

The honor of using the parachute material was a big one. There are even stories of men using their parachutes as a replacement for an engagement ring during proposals. These parachutes were special, and often times were responsible for saving the soldiers' life. 

With World War II rations impacting fabric supply, this gift allowed the bride to have the luxurious dress she dreamed of, but towards the end of the war the military was unable to receive anymore silk from Japan, and began to switch to nylon fabric.

Despite the change, brides continued to use the parachutes that their fiances used to create custom gowns. This love and commitment is unmatched by any other, and was so widespread around the world. 

Brides from the US, England, and Australia all popularized this choice, and there are so many heartwarming stories about these very couples celebrating anniversaries today. Maybe it was the meaningful wedding gowns that started these couples off on the right foot. 

Do you have fabric that is special to you? See how NK Bride can help you make a custom gown that incorporates all your most meaningful materials.

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Cover Photo credits: Glitz Glam and Rebellion (Christopher Sessums, Flickr)