The Victorian wedding was a grand affair. It was a chance to show the world how lavish and respectable your family was in society. In many ways they were very similar to today’s traditional weddings: The exchanging of rings, dramatic dresses and throwing a sophisticated party for friends and family. They were extravagant yet romantic events; True fairytale weddings.

If you are interested in incorporating some Victorian touches in your vintage wedding then here are some ideas.
The Dress
Victorian wedding dresses reflected the fashion of the era for small waists, large bosoms and flowing skirts. They were normally modest, with high necks and long sleeves to symbolise the innocence of the bride. For die-hard Victorian fans, Sally C Designs sell beautiful wedding dresses made to authentic Victorian patterns.

However, most brides of today find these to be a bit too authentic. The trick is to find a dress that is Victorian inspired. One of the most successful designers influenced by this era is Ian Stuart. His creations certainly have the drama and opulence that Victorian brides craved, yet still have a modern twist for the ultimate in vintage wedding dresses.

Stuart’s “Nocturne” dress is reminiscent of Victorian ballgowns. It is beautifully elegant with romantic touches in the corsage.

The Reception

Victorian receptions were more civilised affairs than today- no Uncle Tony dancing to Amarillo booming from a lurid DJ booth as children run riot at his feet. Instead, the ceremony (always in a church) was followed by a light lunch from which we get our Wedding Breakfast tradition. The receiving line was very popular during this time.

To imitate the sophisticated wedding breakfast of the 19th Century, an al fresco tea party would be perfect.

Serve up cloudy lemonade and Pimm’s (first produced in 1823, making it a quintessential Victorian drink) with Victoria sponge. It’s also possible to hire Victorian-themed ice cream or candyfloss carts from companies such as Candyfloss Crazy.

Or, to go all out, how about a Victorian fairground? Candyfloss Crazy also hire out carousels and ferris wheels.

For a winter wedding, a Dickensian Christmas theme is perfectly quaint. Serve mulled wine and mince pie canapés, and don’t forget the Christmas tree- introduced to England by Prince Albert in 1846.

As for entertainment, why not hire a local brass band? Or for something that will really turn heads- a chimney sweep. It was considered lucky to cross a chimney sweep, most of all on your wedding day. Lucky Chimney Sweeps hire them out to offer a good luck kiss to the bride. They look great in wedding photos too!

Celebrity Weddings

Celebrity weddings of the time are a fantastic source of inspiration, and who could possible have had a more famous Victorian wedding than Queen Victoria herself? Marrying her cousin Albert in 1840, she wore a white satin dress in quite a daring style for the era: Off-the-shoulder and with short sleeves.

An orange blossom headdress- a symbol of fertility (She went on to carry nine children!) and lace veil adorned her hair, while for jewellery she wore diamond earrings and a diamond necklace which were extremely fashionable.

Victorian Traditions

Traditions can act as inspiration for wedding plans. Many of these have now died out over the years, but there are always possibilities to revive them!

• The tradition of the “something blue” rhyme was a Victorian tradition, but ended with “and a silver sixpence in the shoe” which was worn in the left shoe to bring wealth.
• The bride decided on the date, and was not seen in public after invitations were sent out.
• Presents were received several days before the wedding, and set up as decoration on the day.
• Pearls were bad luck as they were seen to symbolise tears.

The Victorian era was a time of elegant and sophisticated weddings. They make the ideal inspiration for brides-to-be who want a romantic vintage wedding.

Original post by Weddingfashionfiles.com

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Every bride should feel beautiful one her wedding day- and that includes brides of all shapes and sizes. This article features a few different plus size wedding dresses that can fit any budget. Each dress is uniquely beautiful and is carefully designed to show off the stunning bride within.

This beautiful gown features a beautiful satin fabric with a beautiful lace bolero to cover your shoulders and upper arms if you are a bit self-conscious about your arms. The full skirt lengthens your look and the sash detail pulls in the waist to highlight an hourglass figure. A sweetheart neckline, with delicate crystal bead embellishments emphasizes a full bust. If you’ve got ’em flaunt ’em girls!

Another beautiful option a simple A line gown. This matte satin fabric has a chapel train, and a wide box neckline that frames your body perfectly. It also has a high back which is great for those women whose back is perhaps one of their “trouble spots”.

The fuss-free design means that there is no risk of attention being directed to areas of your body that you would rather people didn’t stare at!

This last beautiful gown (an Alfred Angelo perennial favourite with brides of all shapes and sizes) features satin net embroidery, beautiful sequins, and a princess line cut.

The halter neck and straight cut neckline are ideal for both supporting and minimizing larger bust while the careful tailoring can create a sleek and sexy figure without hiding your natural curves.

As you can see, you’ll look ravishing in any one of these dresses. They are all relatively affordable, gorgeously detailed, and perfectly divine.

Original post by Weddingfashionfiles.com

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Widely regarded as the most influential young designer in Paris at the moment is Lebanese born Elie Saab and visitors to the Paris Fashion Week were treated to a giant helping of his beautiful wedding dresses from his Winter 2010 collection.

Any fashion aficionado will know the relatively new up and comer’s name and brides should get to know it. Since his introduction in Paris couture in 2003, he has become synonymous with red carpet celebrities who cannot get enough of his designs. And the craving for his work only seems to be getting stronger.

Elie stole the limelight at Paris Fashion Week by presenting not just one bridal gown, but forty-six wedding dresses. He obviously favoured the winter bride this season over all else.

Wedding dress design is where Elie truly excels over the other couture designers. The majority of his collection would please even the most discriminating bride to be. Less is always more in an Elie Saab’s wedding dresses, which are sexy and feminine.

Each dress presented on the runway thoroughly embraced the glittering and sparkling pure white of Jack Frost. Capturing the traditional look for a wedding dress, Elie Saab goes the extra step by adding an impression of individuality; his collection proves that there is a dress for every bride, regardless of shape or size.

The floaty embellishments on the dresses conjure up visions of the first snowfall of Winter. It is as though these dresses are the wardrobe of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen.

A modern twist of trendy minis prevailed over full length, with the shorter length skirts varying between pouf, straight and angular. The bodices touched on every style making it easier for a variety of body types to select a dress that is ideal for them.

His stunning and flowing ankle length gowns dripped with simplicity and yet created a romantic image with a subtle hint of sex appeal.

Judging by the Elie Saab wedding dresses introduced at Paris Fashion Week this year, it is apparent that yesterday’s gowns are old hat. His ground-breaking bridal dresses offer a creative direction for forthcoming styles of bridal apparel. Yet his designs will remain forever stylish this season, the next season and forever more and are destined to become classics.

Reaching to become the five star wedding designer of the future, he is heading there brilliantly. Elie Saab is a name to remember.

Original post by Weddingfashionfiles.com

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