Vintage Weddings: Victorian

Grand and Lavish Victorian Weddings

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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