The Romantic Wedding

Wedding season being upon us shortly, our thoughts naturally turn to silk tulle and orange blossom. But wait, need the bride be attired in white if it suits her not? Why not a garland of myrtle or rosemary, or bay, as the Romans and Elizabethans did? Certainly a Romantic bride is not limited to the choice of Queen Victoria in the colour of her gown, nor to roses or garden flowers in her bouquet or corsage. Herbs may be added to a standard flower bouquet or garland or subsume it entirely, using the Language of Flowers to carry a special message on the day:

Burnet: a merry heart
Calendula: health, joy
Carnation: admiration, pure love
Dill: good spirits
Heartsease (Johnny-jump-up): happy thoughts
Ivy: fidelity, wedded love
Lamb’s-ears: support
Lavender: devotion, undying love, luck
Lemon Verbena: unity
Marjoram: blushes, joy
Mint: warmth of feeling
Myrtle: fidelity, everlasting love, married bliss
Oregano: joy, happiness
Parsley: festivity
Queen-Anne’s-lace: protection
Rose (pink): beauty, grace
Rose (red): passion, love, luck
Rose (white): unity, love, respect, innocence
Rose geranium: preference
Rosemary: remembrance, fidelity, luck
Sage: domestic virtue, long life
Silver-king artemisia: sentimental recollections
Thyme: courage, strength
Verbena: faithfulness, marriage
Wormwood: affection
Yarrow: everlasting love

Queen Victoria aside, wedding dresses were not often white until quite recently, as the dress would be slightly remade to be the best evening or dinner dress. Of colours, any suitable to her complexion may be used, and although black is considered of ill-luck and becoming to few, some Winters may carry it off, in whole or in part of the costume, with aplomb.

In the 1840s, whites extended to ivory, beige,  blonde, eggshell, oyster, and ecru, with satin being the most popular fabric choice. These would be suitable to Springs, Summers, and Autumns.

In the 1850s, figured silks were popular in pale colours of blue, yellow, peach and pink, suitable to Springs and Summers.

 

 In the 1860s, textures silks and satins were often seen, with colours ranging from  ecru to dusty blue (blue being a very popular choice in all ranges). The item below would be very good for Summers.

The 1870s saw a great deal of colour in wedding dresses, ranging from tan, to sage green to rust. Silk was still favoured as the material of choice. These colours would suit Autumns.

The 1880s saw the re-emergence of brocade and other rich fabrics. Whites tended to be in the range of ivory to beige, and pinks and blues were used as accents. Darker colours were also fashionable, as the deep plum below, suitable for Winters.

The 1890s saw a great deal of detailed trim on non-shiny silk. Beading, embroidery, tulle ruching, often in colours, relieved the white or ivory choice. Mid tones of grey, lilac, and periwinkle blue were  seen. These would suit all seasons.

The turn of the century, the 1900s, saw the dainty use of fine lace and tulle for gowns, with ivory being the most popular white, and heavier laces such as Irish crochet for a richer look. These were often lined in pale colours of pink, yellow, blue and green, suitable to Springs, Summers, and Autumns.

The 1910s continued the trend of layered net and lace, with coloured silks underlays, beading and embroidery, in pastel to medium colours. Blue, lilac, and all shades of pink were popular, suitable to all seasons.

For those interested in our wedding dress range, please visit our virtual catalogue on Pinterest at Brother Rabbit Weddings.