Tie the Knot Elegantly
Tie the Knot Elegantly
Make a Victorian-inspired wedding or party uniquely yours. By Lisa Miller
The Victorian Era was an age of innocence and protocol when a bride’s gown was demure and left much more to the imagination than modern attire. The silk, lace, ruffles and bows all portrayed a felling of romance and femininity that is still perfect for a couple’s special day.
Victorian-style weddings and theme parties are gaining popularity, and specialized vendors are finding a niche to fill. From historic Venues, like B7B’s and National Register sites, to vintage gowns and floral finery, there are many choices to help you create a day surrounded with Victoriana that you, your family and your friends will never forget.
The very Victorian Cape May, New Jersey, is home to Uniquely Yours, a modest dress shop that specialize in Victorian and Edwardian reproduction dresses and wedding gowns, where you are instantly transported to a time of elegance and romance. It’s a feeling that proprietor June Kostek thinks every woman should experience on a regular basis.
“The Victorian period was all about femininity and innocence, and they dressed in a way that allowed ladies to be ladies- something that is coming back into fashion, especially for weddings,” she says.
The store opened in 1991 and has dressed women from all over the world for weddings, Victorian tea dances, Victorian-themed parties and, most notably, for the “Somewhere in Time” Weekends held every year at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan, where fans gather to honor the beloved movie dressed in period clothing.
“Victorian-style weddings are especially popular with middle-aged brides, in particular for second weddings or renewals of vows,” Kostek says. “But the best part is the style works well for any woman, regardless of her age or shape.”
Dress The Part
Checklist for getting the period look:
