How To Achieve A Regency-Style Wedding
InspirationWeddings - 27.10.21
There’s little chance you didn’t watch Netflix’s “Bridgerton”, but if you didn’t, you’ve definitely heard of it! The show captured hearts and minds in 2020 thanks to the beautiful sets and costumes – and equally beautiful actors. It is currently the streaming platform’s biggest show of all time, and has spouted trends here, there and everywhere. Online searches for ‘blusher’ reportedly rose 148% following the show’s release.
Set in the Regency period, the show has also sparked interest in Regency-era style, makeup, and, of course, weddings. The success of other Netflix shows, such as ‘The Crown,’ have also raised the popularity of royalty-themed fashion and décor.
Below, we’ve listed some of the ways in which you can have your own Regency-style weddings, for those who love the traditional look – and you don’t have to have a Netflix subscription to read on!
How to Achieve a Regency-Style Wedding
Dress To Impress
Regency-era dresses were often, but not always, white. Though Daphne Bridgerton’s beautiful vintage gown was the traditional colour, the use of splashy colour throughout the show is indicative of the way the era embraced pastels and neutral tones – think baby blue, lilac and pale pink. White tends to be the conventional colour of choice for brides, but why not switch things up to be in keeping with your theme?
As for style, the beautiful empire waistlines of Jane Austin’s era are universally flattering. Ebay reportedly saw a 205% rise in ‘puff-sleeve wedding dresses’ after the release of Bridgerton.
The era was known for beautiful fabrics such as lace, chiffon and taffeta: choose a design with capped sleeves and fitted bodice for an authentic look. Vintage lace boots peeping out underneath the skirt will in enhance the regency feel to your look.
As for your groom, take inspiration from Mr. Darcy and go for dark grey pinstriped trousers, a crisp white shirt, fitted waistcoat and a silk tie – finished off with a tailcoat!
The style is a more ‘casual’ one in comparison to some types of dress, like ballgown or slim, straight dresses. Perfect for if you want that youthful look that the Regency era was known for.
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Pastel Décor
Search terms for ‘blue wedding’’ have risen since Bridgerton was launched, as the colour features prominently in the show – the lovely pastel blue of the Bridgerton family home is a running theme! And the old adage of ‘something borrowed, something blue’ means there’s an extra meaning to the colour, too.
Choosing a single colour, or two, as your theme will tie together the whole look of your wedding – and there’s so much to have fun with once you do.
Why not decorate your venue with seasonal flowers, ribbons and lace? For the tables, crisp white linen tablecloths, decorated with antique-style silver tealight holders and hurricane lanterns, finished off with greenery and large flowers as a centrepiece work wonderfully.
From the venue decorations to table settings and bridesmaids’ dresses, you can really go wild with your ideas!
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Extra Details
Last, but not least, it tends to be the little details of a wedding that people remember most. These are the finishing touches that will remind your guests of the Regency era, whilst keeping the theme romantic and tailored to your own personal style!
Here are some of our ideas on little extras that will really immerse your guests in the theme:
- Hire a harpist or a string quartet to play songs old and new while your guests eat their meal – or you could even have your first dance to a song they play!
- Traditional lawn games such as croquet, skittles and bowls will keep your guests entertained.
- A horse and carriage as your wedding transport will show you to your venue in style. Or why not use a classic car? Though not strictly Regency-era, some of the earliest cars in the UK began emerging in the late nineteenth century.
- Regency-era hairstyles were relatively simple, so why not keep your bridal hair as tidy as Daphne Bridgerton’s? Paired with an embellished headband, you’re bound to look the belle of the ball.
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At Combermere Abbey, we love seeing your wedding ideas, both big and small. There’s so much to consider when planning your wedding, whether low-key or more lavish – but at the end of the day whatever suits you is the right choice! What will the next trend in wedding themes be?
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