For centuries, it has been a tradition for Norwegian Brides to wear a Crown on their wedding day:
The Bridal Crown Tradition never died, although the wearing of traditional folk costumes called ‘Bunad’ plummeted drastically during the 1800s. Bunad was still worn in rural areas. Hulda Garborg was instrumental in reviving the Bunad tradition in the late 1880s, she was considered a rebell for challenging the elite of the era and thus the union with Sweden. By the culture radicals, wearing the Bunad became a symbol of the true Norwegian identity. Hulda Garborg took elements from old pieces of clothing and designed the first Bunad as we know them today. She was especially inspired by richly embroidered folk garments from Sunnmøre, the region of Western Norway were I currently live.
Every region of Norway has their own Bunad today, based on elements from local clothing, furniture or building. Most Norwegian women, and many men own a Bunad, and will typically wear them to festive occasions, such as Syttende Mai (Norwegian Constitution Day of May 17th) weddings and gala dinners, even at the Royal Castle!
Although most brides in Norway today choose classical white gowns, some are still proudly donning full traditional Bridal Costumes, Crown and all:
Here are some head shots:
I have included the full figure Norwegian Traditional Brides on a collage sheet:
Find your high quality copy, free for your personal use and enjoyment in the download folder below 🙂
I have plans for several more posts about Norwegian Bridal Crowns, Bunad traditions and other Norwegian traditions. I’ll be sharing these special posts on Sundays, so stay tuned for more Norwegian Sundays to come 😀 Coming up next Sunday is Bridal Crowns Family Experience.
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Sources for the images of this post:
Hulda Garborg – Digitalt Museum
Traditional Brides: Norsk Flid Husfliden
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Wings of Whimsy 
How beautiful! I especially like the Sunnmore costume with all that brightly colored embroidery. Wonderful to know that some are keeping traditions alive.
Bunad is a big thing here in Norway, and has grown largely in popularity over the last 30 years. Sadly the use of Bridal attires with the crowns has declined, so a Crowned Bride is rare to see today. Personally, I love the Bridal Crowns and think they are the most beautiful part of the Bunad tradition 🙂 xoxoxo
I am really enjoying your blog! Such amazing photos and goodies! And the photos of the brides are fascinating!
Do you know the purpose of the white clothes that the brides carry on their left arms? Some carry a book – likely a prayer book – but what is the purpose/symbolism of the cloth? I’m referring to those in the older photos, not contemporary brides. Thanks!
This was fascinating and the bridal costumes are gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing
If you liked this post, you are in for a treat come next Sunday 😉 xoxoxo
These are beautiful
Thank you Dear 🙂 xoxoxo
Gorgeous! Love all the wedding dress they are beautiful. When my sister got married she didn’t chose the traditional white wedding gown that was so popular in the ’70’s here in the US. She loved the Victorian Era and actually is renowned for her knowledge and collection. Instead she went for a beautiful pink blush, heavy with imported lace and woven with a darker pink antique velvet ribbon. It was just amazing.
The dresses in these images are actually the “regular” bunad with extra decorations and the crowns. Stay tuned for this coming Sunday, for a closer look at a complete Traditional Bridal Attire, were also the dress is unique from the normal Bunad 😉
This took my breath away!!! Thank you!!!!
Thank you for the excited comment 🙂 You might feel quite satisfied by the time I’m ready to leave the topic of Norwegian Bridal Crowns…lol xoxoxo
hello, i am writing about this and wondering how i know if everything is true, namely to write source criticism about all pages I use:)
The sources I have used are listed in my posts. Other than that, you have to use me as a source, being a native Norwegian with a special intererest for the topic. I’m not a famous author, but I have not written anything that is untrue, but based my text on local knowledge and personal experience. xoxoxo
During the local color movement in Europe in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, peasant garb could vary tremendously over small distances. In The Netherlands, where my father lives and works, there are some 50 different costumes from different regions and many of them from particular villages. I am not at all surprised that it’s similar in Norway.