Wedding Gown Models Step Up for Canton Historical Society

Wedding dresses have been in the news frequently this year, from tabloid coverage of reality star Kim Kardashian's nuptials this weekend to several of Europe's royal weddings, including that of Britain's Prince William to Catherine Middleton.

In Canton, "A Century of Wedding Gowns" at 2 p.m. Sunday at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill, 50400 Cherry Hill Rd., will benefit the Canton Historical Society.

Historical Society President Liz Carlson sounded most excited about a 1978 Gallagher dress to be modeled by Dana Anderson. Carlson described the dress, donated by former Canton resident Margaret Gallagher, as having angling sleeves, a high waist and a Juliet cap with "a long, long veil."

The fashion show will include dresses dating back 115 years, with special attention to those worn for weddings during World War I and World War II.

"I wish we had more time in the show to show more dresses, but oh, golly," Carlson said. "It's just a time to honor these women and the choices they made for dresses — and learn a little history."

Visitors can view historic wedding memorabilia or bid on silent auction items donated by Canton businesses. A Michigan Philharmonic string quartet will perform, and light refreshments will be served after the fashion show, which will be followed by photo opportunities with the brides.

Proceeds from "A Century of Wedding Gowns" will support the Canton Historical Museum's textile preservation project. Tickets cost $15 and are available online; by phone at 734-394-5300; at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill box office; or at the Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway.