Creating a Victorian Style Wedding

Choosing the setting

Getting the setting right is an essential part of the Victorian look. The Victorian era relates to Queen Victoria of England who ruled from 1837 to 1901, so a suitably regal location is a key piece for any Victorian wedding.

For outdoor weddings, think majestic botanic gardens where statues and rose gardens abound, or outdoor spaces with pristine lawns, manicured hedges and stately weeping willows or other imposing trees. For indoor weddings, think heritage buildings with opulent interiors, commanding churches, grand ballrooms with rich colour palettes and lavish mansions with antique furnishings.

Perfecting the Victorian look

The Victorian look is all about extravagance and grandeur. We’re talking about a time where women wore corsets and heavy gowns fitted with bodices and skirt hoops every day. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to modernish the Victorian look without having to spend your wedding day in agonising discomfort and there’s also plenty of room to really make this look your own.

When choosing a Victorian wedding gown, opt for designs with Bertha necklines, petticoats, long sleeves, corsets, chemises or overskirts. Fabrics should include velvet, lace, tulle, satin or organdie, with sweeping veils and plenty of adornments. Accessorise with cameos, brooches, gloves, statement earrings and top it off with an edgy headpiece or crown. Check out the stunning range of dresses from Goldilocks Boutique and headpieces by Kezani Jewellery for more inspo.

Go for elegant make up with dark eyes and red lipstick, and opt for tidy, formal hairstyles with braids, buns or loose locks. The stunning make up in this styled shoot is created by the Cat Elizabeth Artistry team.

Victorian wedding detailing

No Victorian wedding would be complete without a feast fit for a queen – this is where you really get to have fun with the Victorian theme. Whether you’re having an outdoor tea party or indoor multi-course dinner, style long tables with lace tablecloths, plenty of candles in elegant candle holders, silverware, china crockery, crystal glassware and flowers galore. Red or dark coloured roses are a must, complemented with plenty of greenery and native florals.

If you really want to stay true to the Victorian theme, offer a dinner menu consisting of a variety of roast meats, root vegetables, oysters, breads, cheeses, rich gravy, finger sandwiches, piles of fresh berries and grapes, and extravagant multi-layered cakes. Serve champagne from crystal stemware, beer and cider from silver steins, and tea and coffee from vintage tea sets.