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Updated Oct 14, 202430 Elegant and Romantic Victorian Wedding Ideas Fit for Royalty
We even have some gothic Victorian inspo for you.
Photo: Nadir Keklik
With so many wedding themes to choose from, you may be wondering what's right for you. There's one timeless classic that never goes out of style, and that's a Victorian wedding. This is one of many vintage wedding ideas that evokes a sense of royalty and romance, or you can dive deeper into the gothic aesthetic for when authors like Poe reigned supreme. However, this theme is not to be confused with Bridgerton wedding ideas and dark academia wedding ideas, though both do offer some similar motifs and colors. The Victorian Age was inspired by royalty, fiction and other unique elements. So, let's dive into what this themed wedding means and how to bring it to life for your day.
What Is a Victorian-Themed Wedding?
A Victorian-themed wedding is one inspired by the Victorian era, named for Queen Victoria. This age had a blend of color palettes, from the royal hues of an English palace to the moody, gothic shades inspired by supernatural elements and classic fiction writers. Victorian weddings can be elaborate, elegant and a little bit mysterious to fit the theme, and you can pull from your favorite movies and books from this time to guide you during the planning process.
Ideal Victorian Wedding Venue Considerations
In order to set the tone for your wedding, finding the right venue is a must. And if you want to specifically search for "Victorian wedding venues near me" then The Knot Vendor Marketplace is a helpful tool. Find plenty of on-theme locations, like castle wedding venues, mansions, historic hotels and lush gardens for your Victorian-style wedding. You can also try local estates as a more budget-friendly option, and many international locations fit the bill if you're having a destination wedding or a smaller event.
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Victorian Wedding Budget Priorities
Just because the Victorian era had a tilt towards opulence doesn't mean this has to be a pricey theme. There are many ways to make this budget-friendly, like thrifting secondhand goods or utilizing antiques you already own. The Knot Budget Tool is especially handy for calculating the overall cost for your venue, catering, florist and other must-have vendors for your day. All in all, this theme is what you make it, which includes making it fit into your budget.
Victorian Wedding Invitations
To truly set the scene for your Victorian wedding, an invitation is a wonderful start to nailing your aesthetic. Search on The Knot Paper for vintage themes, but we've also rounded up a few here to save you time.
1. Victorian Toile Foil Invitations
Toile saw a peak in popularity around the Victorian era, making this invitation option perfect for your vintage affair. The font and floral motifs are sure to match your wedding decor, and both sides of this invitation offer something gorgeous for guests to hang on their fridges.
2. Victorian Garden Party Invites
Garden parties were all the rage in the 19th century, and this Victorian wedding invitation brings some color and whimsy to your loved ones' mailboxes. Plus, you can match your floral arrangements to this paper product for a more cohesive theme.
3. Royal Crest Invitations
Nothing says Queen Victoria like a royal crest, which is why this invitation suite is a must. You can even add some pops of color to match your new royal household's palette.
4. Victorian Gothic Wedding Invites
Victorians loved the gothic aesthetic, thanks to popular fiction like The Picture of Dorian Gray and Jane Eyre. Bring some of those moody vibes to your wedding with this mystic design.
5. Antique Victorian Wedding Invitations
Doesn't this invitation design look like it came straight from the 1800s? Throw it back with something classically vintage with this Victorian design.
6. Castle Fit for a Queen (Victoria) Invites
What's a queen without her castle? This invitation suite gives your guests a sneak peek at your upcoming venue and the Victorian vibes.
7. Romantic Gothic Invitations
Add a bit of gothic romance to your wedding theme with this moody design, perfect for fans of gothic horror. These are especially perfect for a Halloween Victorian wedding.
Victorian Wedding Cake
Make your Victorian wedding complete by adding a perfectly-themed dessert for your day. These vintage wedding cakes are a great way to elevate this aesthetic during your wedding reception.
8. Blushing Bride Wedding Cake
This romantic cake has a soft blush color and decorative piping that'll remind you of your favorite Victorian-style antique. The fresh roses add a garden party feel to any venue.
9. Victorian Lace Cake
There's a reason why Victorian lace has stood the test of time and this cake is reminiscent of that elegant fabric. You can even add a timeless topper, as this baker did with edible fondant flowers.
10. Single-Tier Emerald Cake
This Victorian wedding cake brings a bit of that moody gothic mystique while still giving some romantic elements. And if you want a one-tier wedding cake, then this is a classy option.
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11. Antique Decor-Style Wedding Cake
Damask has been around for centuries, seeing an uptick in Victorian times, so how about adding this unique design to your tiered cake? It looks like classic Damask fabric and has the addition of flowers and simple piping to take it to the next level.
12. Romantic Piping Victorian Cake
White icing became more popular during the 19th century, and it's clear why. This cake adds some grand style and ornate piping for an antique feel that remains timeless.
13. Pearls and a Carriage Wedding Cake
Sometimes, all you need is a cake topper to take it up a notch for the theme. This cake is covered in edible metallic pearls and has a royal carriage as a topper for a Victorian twist.
14. Victorian Gothic Vibes Cake
Here's a cake perfect for the gothic Victorian wedding theme, with its moody hues and opulent florals. Consider a one-of-a-kind cake topper to bring the gothic vibes even more to the forefront, like one that says, "'Til death do us part."
Victorian-Style Wedding Decor
Up the ante of your Victorian-themed day with some stylish decor. From floral arrangements to place settings, we've rounded up decorations that will immerse you and your guests into this classic theme.
15. Gothic Victorian Florals and Decor
Spiritualism and science were prominent in gothic Victorian England, and this moody display celebrates all things interesting. It blends dark flora and fauna with mystic vibes, perfect for your themed event.
16. Victorian Dessert Tray
Bring a taste of the Victorian era to your wedding with classic desserts from that time. Display them on antique furniture to elevate the 19th-century theme.
17. Vintage Key Boutonnieres
Blend steampunk and Victorian England into your wedding favors and boutonnieres. These gold keys are perfectly accented with twine and florals for an unforgettable accessory.
18. Floral Staircase Decor
With authors like Poe, Wilde and Brontë, literature was having a serious moment in Victorian times. A bookstore wedding is made even more vintage when you wrap the staircase in flowers.
19. Victorian Lantern Aisle Marker
Even though modern-day technology gives us electricity, you still can't beat a classic lantern. This Victorian-style wedding decor puts a fun twist on this classic lighting by using it to decorate your ceremony aisle.
20. A Royal Throne Decor
Make your guests feel like royalty by providing them with an elegant, plush chair, like this antique option. Its emerald hue and Victorian vibes will have them vying for a place on this throne.
21. Queen Victoria's Wedding Color Bouquet
Queen Victoria is the reason why so many wedding dresses are white these days, and she'd probably be a fan of this delicate bouquet. There are even roses named after this royal to use in your Victorian wedding bouquet.
22. Vintage Mirror Welcome Sign
This mirror adds a touch of gothic Victorian and fairy-tale vibes to your wedding day. And recreating it for your welcome sign is easy with some moody paint and an antique mirror.
23. Romantic Victorian Place Setting
Opt for a Victorian-style tea party during your reception, complete with fine china and fresh blooms. This exquisite place setting is made even better with classic bites, like cucumber sandwiches and scones.
24. Antique Brooch Boutonniere
If you don't want a floral boutonniere, then how about a brooch? This vintage style will match your Victorian wedding theme and stand out as a unique accessory.
25. Elegant and Royal Dining Table
Dine like royalty during your wedding reception when you blend noble colors. These shades of red and blue complement the gold tableware for a display fit for the Victorian Age.
26. Blue Vintage Vases
Elevate your floral arrangements by adding antique vases to your display. Ask your florist about their containers, or shop around for vintage vases at local estate sales and thrift stores for some 19th-century vibes.
27. Moody Gothic Victorian Hues
Shades of deep red give off the perfect gothic aesthetic while still adding elegance to your day. This reception table is classy while evoking your favorite Victorian poetry and fiction.
28. Antique Ceremony Seating
Make any space feel like a cozy Victorian sitting room, like this garden-turned-ceremony space. Add a few vintage rugs, furniture and a floral arch for the picture-perfect venue to say your "I do's."
29. Gothic Victorian Centerpieces
Here's another moody option that brings some light to your gothic-inspired Victorian wedding. These richly colored candles brighten up your space while still offering that dark and mysterious look.
30. Vintage Victorian-Inspired Bouquet
They especially loved roses in the Victorian Age, which makes this bouquet a must for your wedding decor. The mauve and white hues are great for a romantic feel or a gothic aesthetic, making it a win-win for any theme.
