As you might have guessed by now, we're going for a (quasi at least) Victorian theme for our wedding. We'd love for you to take part by dressing accordingly.
For men, this is quite simple. The outfit consists mainly of a frock coat (or morning coat, if you wanted to go extra fancy...James is wearing a velvet frock coat), waistcoat, cravat, shirt and trousers. Optional accessories include walking sticks, pocketwatches on chains and top hats.
For women, the styles we're going for are those popular between 1870 and 1900 in England - not the U.S.A. We're not being overly choosy on the style of just one decade. Instead we've chosen to allow a bit more variety.
The men will find this an easy task, as the dress is not too dissimilar to today's dress for weddings and such. The women, however will find it a bit more of a challenge and also a bit more fun I'll wager! ;-)
I'll list a few links for you below, for costume hire, patterns, and more. For those of you who like your Victoriana steeped in a bit of darkness, I'll also add some Victorian Gothic links.
However, always have a good look on EBay before going to the shops, because there's lots of great bargains to be had! I've found some BEAUTIFUL mini top hats there, parasols and some great corsets as well!
Where the links are tooo long, I've shortned them to the main domain name, but the link actually connects to the correct page. If you need any help, please don't hesitate to contact us and we'll lend a hand!
Dresses for purchase:
http://www.bustledress.com/ Remember, we're going with "Victorian" so have a look at their Victorian styles.
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Sally-C-Designs She does great work, but they can be on the pricey side, at about £299.00.
Costumes for hire:
http://www.victoriancostume.co.uk/
http://www.costumehire.co.uk/ Scroll alll the way down, click on Victorian on the bottom left.
http://www.fairygodmother.co.uk/ Scroll down and click on Victorian/Edwardian.
http://www.arachnecostumes.co.uk/costumes.html You must write and enquire about Victorian costumes.
Hats & Accessories to Purchase:
http://www.gentlemansemporium.com/ Parasols (American site, but the prices are amazing!)
http://www.victoriancostume.co.uk/Parasols-Canes Parasols & Walking Sticks
http://www.minitophat.com/Mini Top Hats
http://www.hatsbycressida.com Mini Top Hats and other Fascinators (A bit pricey)
http://www.victorianhatbox.com/ Victorian style hats
http://eastangelharbor.com/ Victorian Hats - just scroll and click on the various Victorian Hat links. They also have Edwardian hats, if you're intertested.
Victorian Gothic:
http://www.dracinabox.com/ Scroll down, enter the word Victorian in the search box on lower, left side. Lovely Stuff!
Corsetry:
http://www.fairygothmother.co.uk/
http://www.vollers-corsets.com/
http://www.axfords.com/
Patterns & Books:
http://www.venacavadesign.co.uk/
http://www.corsetsandcrinolines.com/ (Note the US, Ger and UK labels to the right of each link.)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/ Victorian pattern and dressmaking book
http://www.habithat.co.uk/
Beautiful Waistcoats and Velvet Frock Coats:
http://www.fantasywaistcoats.co.uk/
For fun!
More to come as I find them!
