How to Plan a Victorian Era-Inspired Wedding

While every historical era has its own iconic aesthetic, few have the same air of opulence and romance as the Victorian era. The intricate architecture, luxurious details, and maximalist aesthetic—falling into a time period squarely between Bridgerton and Downton Abbey—call up visions of pretty garden parties, country weekends at sprawling estates, and lavish gowns.

“It is a bygone era, and none of our closest relatives were even around during that time to tell us about it, so there is a bit of mystery surrounding it,” says event planner Wendy Kay of Birds of a Feather Events. “Everything we know is from books and old photographs. Most things from that era as a result are romanticized—and I also think that people find comfort in items that were well-loved by people in the past, like antiques.”

Here, learn discover why this period lends itself so well to today's nuptials—and learn how to plan a Victorian wedding in the modern era that calls back to its signature colors, textiles, flowers, and more.

The Victorian Wedding Aesthetic

The most literal timeline for the Victorian era ranges from Queen Victoria’s coronation in England in 1837 until her death in 1901; however, according to Britannica, the cultural, historical, and political changes that characterize this part of British history occurred between 1820 and 1914.

The style of the age, according to event planners Summer Newman and Stephanie Ko of Summer Newman Events, can be summed up in three words: “More is more!” they say. “The Victorian era overall was a way of expressing one’s unique style. The use of bold colors, various textures, heavy fabrics, and ornate details in wood work and drapery exudes a sense of opulence, luxury and romance. Weddings in general were not the big productions they are today, however, the drama and opulence was displayed in the clothing, furniture and surrounding architecture.”

If you’re an old soul, drawn to the antique sophistication of the Victorian era, then incorporating the time period’s most unique elements into a modern wedding design gives you the best of both worlds.

How to Plan a Victorian-Themed Wedding

Select a Victorian Wedding Venue

Set the tone for your Victorian-inspired affair with a venue that has a vintage vibe. “You can throw down as many doilies and vintage books as you'd like, but if you are in a modern ballroom, your theme is just clutter,” says Kay. “It is extremely hard to transport your guests to a different time and place if their surroundings are not in alignment with that particular time and place.”

Hold your ceremony in a church built during the time period—or in any space with gothic-style architecture, say Newman and Ko (they recommend using St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, built between 1858 and 1888, as inspiration for the look). Or, take your cues from Mary Lennox and The Secret Garden, a story that takes place around 1900, and opt for an al fresco garden setting. “For outdoor weddings, the use of elements like detailed arches or antique furniture can create a luxurious and romantic atmosphere,” say Newman and Ko. 

For the reception, source unique seating, table elements, and lighting to play up the theme. “[Create] your unique, Victorian-esque reception space by incorporating beautiful chandeliers, moody lighting, velvety drapery and ornate furniture—or maybe you have access to a historic Victorian house, and have your outdoor reception with it as your backdrop,” say Newman and Ko. 

Modernize Victorian Wedding Fashions

Incorporate Victorian-era elements into your wedding day fashion—while showcasing your personal style—with thoughtfully chosen silhouettes, fabrics, and accessories. If you’re opting for a subtle, more understated vintage look, Kay recommends a “soft and romantic” dress (she likes options from BHLDN).

If you prefer to make a more striking fashion statement, then use the era’s corsets, bustles, and oversized skirts as inspiration. “We think the word drama sums it up best: Drama in volume, draping of fabric, and lots of lace to name a few,” say Newman and Ko. “We do believe that the fabrics, detailing and embellishments must be lavish and dramatic.” Along with Vivienne Westwood, Schiaparelli, and Alexander McQueen, the pair recommend designer Danielle Frankel’s work. “Danielle Frankel is our absolute favorite that we would classify as the evolution of Victorian style and today’s refined chic,” they say.

Create a Victorian Wedding Color Palette

The rich jewel tones of the Victorian time period—including burgundy, eggplant, emerald, royal blue, and deep brown—can accent a more contemporary neutral palette. “We are huge fans of minimalism,” say Newman and Ko. “Using the neutral tones as a base color palette with Victorian-era colors as accents would be a beautiful way to incorporate a refined aesthetic and keeping with the Victorian theme.” To keep your palette modern—and not overly staged—use the era’s classic shades as accent colors in florals, linens, and bridal party accessories. “Utilizing lighting to incorporate these colors during the reception is a great way to embody the Victorian essence,” say Newman and Ko. “For cocktail hour, maybe you showcase these colors in the bar glassware or with custom bar napkins.”

But don’t feel limited specifically to the shades a bride would have chosen 150 years ago: Kay always recommends choosing specific colors based on how they complement the aesthetic of your venue. “My advice is the same no matter your style: Pull from your surroundings,” she says. “Going against the colors already provided by your venue is just going to call attention to the clashing colors rather than drown them out.  Having a garden wedding?  Incorporate the colors of the flowers into your palette. Getting married in a historical ballroom with blue carpet?  Add in some blue flowers to your centerpieces.”

Design Victorian-Inspired Floral Arrangements

The Victorians were passionate about flowers, even using them to create a subtle coded language based on their meanings. “The Victorians actually did a lot of loose arrangements which are also popular today,” says Kay. “Roses, tulips, dahlias, and phlox were all popular—but I also think you should lean into what you actually like. The styling and arranging of the flowers is going to play more into the theme here than the exact types.”

Once you’ve chosen your favorite blooms, opt for a variety of shades to create an antique look. “Think kaleidoscope!” say Newman and Ko. “Combining multiple bold colors in a single arrangement would be very much in keeping with the look and feel of the Victorian age.”

Create a Modern Victorian Wedding Tablescape

Mix modern and antique pieces together to create a Victorian atmosphere that doesn’t feel stuffy or old-fashioned. “Definitely go vintage with your tabletop elements—plates, chargers, flatware, and glassware should all look like it could have come off of your great-grandmother's dinner table,” says Kay. “Hit up your local antique malls and purchase things that you love. The Victorian area was not minimalist by any means, so the more décor the better. Pick pieces that speak to you and that can be incorporated into your tablescapes in a non-cheesy way." Not every design detail, however, has to be sourced from the past: "Going vintage with these items can also free you up to not go as Victorian with some of your other décor items," adds Kay. "Modernize things a bit with paper or flowers.”

For Newman and Ko, tablescapes offer the best opportunity to lean into the lavish maximalism of the time period. “Candelabras, ornate flatware, linens with patterns, color, and more color—the Victorian-era style tablescape is where we can express the Victorian idea of ‘more is more,’” they say.