Victorian Weddings for 2012
We’re talking trend here! The Victorian wedding theme has been around since, well, since the Victorian era, named for England’s revered Queen Victoria, who ruled from 1837 until 1901. Lately, there’s been a surge in Victorian-style weddings, setting the stage for an already-acknowledged trend for 2012
And why not? The Victorian era is remembered mostly for its romance and exquisite fashion in clothing and décor. Queen Victoria provided us with more than just an elegant style for modern-day weddings. When she wore a white wedding gown to marry Prince Albert, she broke new ground that we still walk upon today.
Romantic in Every Way!
Let’s get right to the good stuff! I absolutely must let pictures speak my 1,000 words. Here are gowns, jewelry, shoes, tuxedos, bouquets, tabletops, cakes and more we might see at your Victorian-style wedding…
Favors and a Silver Anniversary Surprise
Did guests get favors in Victorian times? Absolutely! Early in the era, there were usually three wedding cakes—a small white one for the bride, a small dark cake for the groom, and an elaborate cake (traditionally a dark, rich fruitcake with white frosting and ornate decorations like scrolls, orange blossoms and other flowers). The cake was cut, boxed and given to guests as they left. The bride’s cake was packed away for the 25th wedding anniversary. Even now, the top of a wedding cake is preserved for the bride and groom to enjoy—but on their first anniversary! Good thing, right? I can’t even imagine how 25-year-old wedding cake would taste!
At least the guests got fresh cake. You can still give a slice of your wedding cake as a favor to guests using a wedding cake favor box kit. But Kate Aspen has designed a few favors ideal for a Victorian wedding. Behold the “Key to My Heart” Victorian-Style Bottle Opener, the beautifully boxed “Love Dove” Chrome Bottle Opener and lovely “Love Songs” Birdcage Tealight and Place Card/Photo Holder.
There’s one favor for which we have the women’s movement to thank. They eliminated a Victorian custom that no longer has status as a tradition—after the ceremony, the bride was never congratulated. Why? It was implied that the honor was conferred upon her in marrying the groom. Now, brides and grooms are fortunate to have found each other—so, congratulations all around!
Happy Planning!
