America’s entry into the Second World War presented the bridal industry with obstacles: Many women were inclined, for the sake of expediency, to marry in something other than a new tailor-made outfit before their grooms were shipped off to war; and when rationing of silk for parachutes was introduced, a trade group called the Bridal and Bridesmaids Apparel Association lobbied Congress for an exemption, arguing that they should have access to fabric ‘for morale purposes.’ (The lobbying efforts were successful…)
from One Perfect Day: The Selling of the American Wedding
