Weekly Wedding Theme: Victorian Romance

Set the Stage for a Grand Victorian Wedding with Fancy Invitations, Bejeweled Bridesmaid Gifts, and More

Whether subtle or over-the-top, traditional or outrageous, a wedding theme puts your personality on display. Each week, we'll show you how to pull off a different wedding theme, down to the wedding favors and bridesmaid gifts.

Hold on to your feathered hats - this week we're going back in time to the era of all wedding eras: The Victorian Age. The bride and groom waltz under glittering chandeliers. The sweet scent of orange blossoms wafts through the reception. Beautiful bridesmaids swish by in white gloves and button boots. A grandfather clock chimes at midnight. Victorian weddings bring together all things lace and lovely, dainty and divine.

Fun Fact: Thank Queen Victoria for the white wedding dress tradition. She wore it first. Before her, brides wore colored dresses, including red!

First, gather the bridesmaids and get inspired with Titanic and the Age of Innocence. If you can stand the stuffiness, Victorian becomes you.Take notes on hair styles and attire.

Location, Location, Location

Avoid nondescript banquet halls at all costs. Victorian themes tend to fade with folding chairs and mauve carpeting. Tour the Victorian mansions in your area or take it outside with a lavish Victorian garden tea party.

"You're Invited"... Victorian Style

Invitations are very important as they give guests the first peek of your wedding theme. Not only did the Victorians appreciate looping scrolls and flowery borders, they also favored ribbons. Pretty ribbons and a Victorian monogram are all you'll need to set the stage for your grand affair. Enclose dried rose petals for a romantic and sweet-smelling touch.

Bridesmaid Gifts for High Society Girls

Victorian society types went all out for their wedding gifts. Head to the antique store for your bridesmaid gifts, or look for a vintage-inspired jewelry set. Think pearls, broaches, and lockets. Bake a traditional Victorian charm cake and serve it at the bridesmaid luncheon.

How to Dress Victorian (Without Looking Like a Ghost)

Once she decides on the Victorian theme, the bride's first instinct is to head to the nearest vintage clothing store for a high-necked dress with lacy sleeves and a butt booster. Take it down a notch and focus on the accessories.

Instead of orange blossom wreaths (a Queen Victorian favorite) have your bridesmaids hold orange blossom bouquets. And pick a diamond tiara instead of a wide-brimmed feathered hat. Simple touches like white gloves, feathers, and buttons whisper Victorian and at the same time, scream chic.

Wedding Fare Fit for a Queen Victoria

The wedding fare in Victorian times comprised truffles, foi gras, eclairs, and caviar. If you want to provide a Victorian meal on the cheap consider crumpets and scones as a tasty alternative. Add roses and ribbons to your wedding cake and make it look Victorian.

Posh Wedding Favors

Leave a lasting impression on your guests with wedding favors and trinkets. Anything shiny and ornate will do. These tea lights make beautiful place-card holders and keepsakes of your Victorian theme. This ornate frame and Victorian-style bottle opener are other great options for wedding favors.

Stay tuned for next week's wedding theme. And while you're waiting, shop for bridesmaid gifts and more at WeddingStand.