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Victorian weddings are all about class, grace and romance. Queen Victoria who set the trends for white wedding gowns and white floral arrangements. So, lets take a look at what you will need to plan the perfect Victorian Wedding.
The Setting
A botanical garden is a popular choice, with acres of green lawns, statues and rose gardens are the perfect setting. A backyard with a large oak or willow tree, tables spread with tea sets and picnic blankets strewn over the lawn creates a charming and casual scene.
When choosing a ballroom setting, consider ones that are drenched in Victorian color palettes: pinks, greens, and gold, or rich jewel-toned blues, burgundy, and copper. Other options which you may want to explore include:
- local Parks
- Recreations Department - call your local historical society or Chamber of Commerce to see what homes can be rented for your elegant event
The Look
Victorian gowns are so extravagant that you will simply feel like the queen underneath all the layers of ruffles, lace, and accessories. White has remained the traditional color for wedding gowns, so you won't have to search far for vintage colors. The Victorian era considered the hourglass figure to best to flatter the female form, and women were forced to wear restrictive corsets to achieve this ideal shape.
Accessories for the victorian era would include:
- white kid-leather gloves (wrist-length or elbow-length)
- embroidered handkerchiefs
- silk stockings
- flat or brocade one-inch heel shoes.
For the groom, you won't go wrong by imitating Hugh Grant's style, grey morning coat with pinstriped trousers, waistcoat, and ascot tie in Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994). And don't forget the top hat, a definite must.
The Announcement
Your wedding invitations will set the stage to the whole day, so be sure they fit your theme. Your invitations should be crafted on smooth white or ivory paper, with calligraphed envelopes. Use Victorian lettering and be sure to investigate vintage-looking stamps or ones with a cupid-and-heart motif for the reply card.
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The Flowers
The standard Victorian flower is the rose. But other flowers such as pansies, hyacinths, tulips, and stephanotis evoke similar romantic emotions.
The Victorians had a strong belief in special meanings of flowers, and they chose their floral arrangements accordingly. For your bridal bouquet, arranged in the style of a nosegay or tussie mussie, which were then most popular, and should feature blooms symbolic of fruitfulness. Some of the other popular flower symbolism include:
- Daisies represent innocence
- Stephanotis ensures happiness in marriage
- Orchids symbolize true love
- Mixing freesia and gardenias alludes to your innocence and purity. The most important of these flowers is the orange blossom.
The Backdrop
- Antique lace and vases filled with romantic blooms.
- Fine china and teacups should grace each place setting.
- Make sure each table is adorned in layers, Victorians loved fabrics and textures.
- Floor-length tablecloths should be covered with Battenburg lace overlays, topped with fringed coasters or silk doilies.
- Candles are essential - lots and lots of candles.
The Music
Selections should include anything from Beethoven, Chopin, and Tchaikovsky. For dancing, popular period dances such as the waltz and reels.
The Favors
For favors, try: potpourri and sachets boxed and tied with ribbon, homemade shortbread cookies, boxed scones, fresh jams with a personalized wedding label, petit fours or chocolates shaped as doves, hearts or cupids.
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