The media is agog with Lara Dutta marrying the ace tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi in a Victorian styled backdrop. We obviously cannot wait to tell you what it is to going to be like. Therefore, here is out feature for those brides who wish to marry keeping in with the tastes and grandeur of one of the most romantic periods of the history.
The hallmarks
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Elaborate floral arrangements comprising flowers such as roses, orchids, hyacinths, pansies, lilies, orange blossoms and daisies are an inseparable part of Victorian weddings. Did you know that Queen Victoria was the one who set the trend of floral arrangement in white and ivory colors? Laces and linens of flowing material for the décor, with lots of candles and fine china for serving meals. Horse driven carriages are another necessity. Simple chariots would do, but try embossing a side of them with customized monograms create with calligraphy. It gives an impression of aristocracy as the Kings, Dukes, Earls, Viscounts and even Barons had their seals on their carriages.
Venue/Location
Heritage buildings dating to Victorian era or the properly kempt garden blooming with flowers of all kinds, especially roses and orange blossoms serve as the perfect venue for a Victorian themed wedding. Local inns and churches with Victorian artifacts and detailing also suit fine. In case of a garden wedding, put up statues, sculptures and fountains at various strategic places, so as to give a totally art-inspired look and feel to the event.
Candles in huge chandelier or ornately designed candelabras, ivory linen with elaborate floral arrangement as centerpieces are the main highlights of the decoration. Tulles and organza are used as drapes and tablecloth is long and bordered with laces. Consult paintings from Victorian era to get an overview of the colors that can be used and an idea about the overall decoration.
Bride’s and Groom’s Attire
Form fitting bodice and narrow waistlines with full skirts were considered the height of fashion for bridal attire. Gloves were necessarily full and white-ivory were the preferred colors. The wedding gowns were mainly fashioned using organza, tulle, cashmere and other popular fabrics, adorned with laces.
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Grooms wore tuxedos with waist bands and snug fitting trousers. Cravat ties are an absolute must and so are the boutonnieres with floral arrangement matching that of the bridal bouquet. Victorian grooms did not wear black, however, modern day grooms can bend this custom a little. Tail end or frock style coats were also in vogue then.
Orange blossoms were a must in the tussie-mussie bridal bouquet, along with the several other flowers and ferns, each of which had their own special significance. Some couples liked to get married in an arbor of roses, resplendent with heartwarming redolence.
Invitation and the Reception Fare
Wedding invitations resemble the paper Valentines, which are usually handmade and contain floral designs with a motif of cupid, dove and hearts. The wording is ornate and done in calligraphy with the first letter of the first word on every line written with a flourish. The invitations are handed personally.
For the morning reception, tea with scones, pastries, sandwiches and fresh jams are the best option. Evening reception calls for a proper multiple-course dinner. Wedding cakes is traditionally a fruit cake with rich frosting and wedding charms hidden in the layers. These charms have special significance. The occasion calls for poetic toasts over rich wines and bubbling champagnes, followed by various hours of waltzing.
