By the Johnson County Museum
When you think of a traditional wedding, what comes to mind? Probably a white dress, black tuxedo, church ceremony, joyful reception with family, friends, and gifts. It feels timeless today, but this picture-perfect celebration did not exist until after World War II! The White Wedding, far from an old tradition, quickly became the new gold standard for American couples.
At the Johnson County Museum, our collections hold many objects, documents, and photos related to postwar weddings. Our newest exhibit, “The White Wedding – A New Postwar Tradition,” brings these stories to life. Visitors can view ten beautifully preserved wedding dresses and vignettes that highlight what it meant to get married between 1945 and the early 1960s. Read on for a closer look at the exhibit—and the era that shaped the modern American wedding.
A generation says “I do”
After World War II, young Americans returned home from military service and wartime work ready to build new lives—and that often began with marriage. A postwar wedding boom swept the nation. In 1950, more than 1 in 5 women (211 per 1,000) between the ages of 18 and 64 tied the knot. Brides and grooms were younger than previous generations, and eager to start their life together after the hardships of the Great Depression and WWII.
Details, courtesy of the wedding industry
Before WWII, brides often married in their parents’ home in their best dress, regardless of the color. Simple ceremonies with just family and a few friends were typical and reflected the frugality of the Great Depression era.
But postwar prosperity changed everything. After the war, a booming wedding industry – once dedicated to serving only wealthy clients – expanded rapidly. Department stores, florists, photographers, and jewelers fueled the dream of the perfect day.
The perfect day meant more than just a ceremony. Formal invitations, carefully planned bridal showers, and large receptions turned weddings into major public events. Each step – the ceremony, the gifts, the announcements in the newspaper – was a part of presenting the couple’s new life to the world.
Oh, you shouldn’t have!
The White Wedding didn’t just change how people got married—it changed what was expected of guests. Popular films like “Father of the Bride” (1950) and advice from etiquette experts set new standards for wedding celebrations and gift-giving.
In earlier generations, brides often received a “hope chest” filled with handmade linens and household items. But by the 1950s, commercialization had taken over. Department store registries became the new standard, and gifts ranged from kitchen appliances to leisure goods to cash. Wedding showers and receptions became opportunities to help furnish the couple’s modern, middle-class life.
The ideal, married life
What was the ultimate goal of the new White Wedding tradition? A happy home that matched mid-century ideals. In postwar America, there was a clear (and rigid) idea of what marriage should look like: the husband as the breadwinner, handyman, and lawn-keeper. The wife: homemaker, mother, and devoted partner.
Magazines and guidebooks offered detailed advice on how to be a model wife—cooking meals, cleaning the house, raising children, and caring for her husband. These roles weren’t just cultural expectations; they were seen as patriotic duties that supported American prosperity and countered Cold War fears. While not every couple fit the mold, those who didn’t were often viewed as deviating from the ideal.
The White Wedding exhibit
Nestled inside the All-Electric House and on its front lawn, the exhibit opened May 31 at the Johnson County Museum – just in time for wedding season. The display includes ten wedding dresses from the museum’s collections. The gowns date between 1945 and 1963, the era when the White Wedding tradition emerged, and most include their original veils.
The exhibit also features wedding invitations, registries, and newspaper announcements. Inside the All-Electric House, the dining room has been transformed into a bridal shower scene, complete with real gifts received by Johnson County brides—utensils, candlesticks, dishes, and glassware. In other rooms, you’ll find postwar cookbooks, marriage manuals, and etiquette guides that shaped newlywed life.
Whether you’re newly engaged or remembering your own wedding day, this nostalgic exhibit offers something for everyone. The dresses, accessories, and mid-century vignettes bring to life a tradition that, while not as old as it seems, became deeply embedded in American culture.
The special exhibit, “The White Wedding – A New Postwar Tradition,” is now open and is included in regular museum admission. Our next community Free Day is Saturday, June 7 from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Explore the museum, special exhibits, and KidScape for free all day! This Free Day is brought to you with support from Panasonic Energy. We are incredibly grateful for their support of the Johnson County Museum. To plan your visit and to learn more, go to JCPRD.com/museum!
