Oakland’s Mansion and the Women’s Club of Murfreesboro are in a partnership this year to bring back the beloved “Wedding Gowns Across the Decades and Cultures” display of historical and multi-cultural wedding attire. This year the display will be located at Baskette House, also known as the Women’s Club, instead of at Oaklands Mansion.

More than 30 gowns will be on display representing the years from 1870 until 2021. The display will explore not only the changes in fashion over the decades, but how those changes in fashion reflect women’s history, cultural history and community history over the years. The display will feature some old favorite dresses and some that will become new favorites. 

“We have dresses on loan from local women, Oaklands, and Middle Tennessee State University dating from the 1870’s to 2021,” noted Jackie Jenkins of The Woman’s Club.  “Included are Chinese, Japanese, South Korean and Indian wedding dresses.”

 On loan from the Center for Chinese Music and Culture at Middle Tennessee State University is one of their traditional Chinese apparel. It is only one of four dresses from other cultures. In the Chinese culture, the color red is a symbol of happiness and good luck. The groom would also wear red. It is the most symbolic color in the culture, especially in events such as weddings, the New Year and their Lantern Festival.  However, during the mid-20^th century, this was not practiced. Only since the 1980’s has the red wedding dress in Chinese culture become a tradition.

 “The Woman’s Club is excited for this opportunity to partner with Oaklands Mansion,” said Jenkins. “Please join us as we host this exhibit, open to the public, and witness the evolution in bridal fashion from different areas, eras and cultures as we transcend time to the modern-day bride.”

The exhibit is scheduled to open on June 2, and it will run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through June 18, 2023. Friday and Saturday hours are from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $15 per person.

No advance tickets will be available this year. Tickets will be sold at the door of the Women’s Club using cash and checks only please. The Women’s Club is located at 221 E. College Street in downtown Murfreesboro.

This event is sponsored by Rutherford Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Barrett Group, Murfreesboro Dental, Murfreesboro Flower Shop, Murfreesboro Wine and Spirits, MTSU Department of Human Services, Celeste Middleton State Farm, Nashboro Chic, Stewarts Special Events, Stones River Dermatology, Studio C Photography, Tasty Table Fine Events Catering, and WGNS Radio.