Season three of the popular period drama The Gilded Age featured a high-profile wedding between two socialites. Viewers got a firsthand look at the glitz, glamour, and gossip that became synonymous with this era in history.
TV show aside, the extravagance of this time period has long inspired wedding planners and daydreamers alike. Keep reading to learn how to plan a Gilded Age wedding of your own that even Bertha would approve of.
Wedding Style in the Gilded Age
Velvet, satin, lace, oh my! In an era known for opulence, style from the Gilded Age can be described as “the more the merrier.”
Take Gladys Russell, for example: her wedding dress featured long sleeves, a high neckline, a lengthy train and bustle, and no shortage of lace and white roses. The outfit was topped off with a tiara, veil, and dazzling diamond jewelry.
For a Gilded Age-inspired wedding dress in today’s world, focus on a classic silhouette with a few statement details like bishop sleeves or pearl embellishments. Let your accessories do the rest:
- Wear gloves for an elegant alternative to long sleeves
- Swap the flowers for a bouquet of colorful brooches
- Add jewels to your hair for a little shimmer
Gilded Age Wedding Venues
Your venue is more than a location — it helps set the tone for your celebration and reinforce your wedding theme.
During the Gilded Age, wedding ceremonies often took place at a church while receptions were held at private mansions or ballrooms. The bigger the better, as socialites loved any excuse to flaunt their wealth in public.
To find your own Gilded Age wedding venue, search for mansions or estate venues. The grandiosity of these buildings paired with tasteful interior design and picturesque grounds makes them the perfect backdrop to your big day.
Bonus points for a sweeping staircase that can double as your grand entrance and a photo opp for guests!
Music from The Gilded Age
The late 1800s saw a surge in popularity for classical music thanks to the newfound novelty of orchestra halls and opera houses. The upper class loved getting dolled up to listen to live music.
For your wedding ceremony and reception, consider hiring a string band or musician to play live on your special day. Not feeling classical? Take a page out of Bridgerton’s book and play orchestral versions of pop songs for a fun twist on tradition.
Gilded Age-Inspired Reception
Wedding receptions during the Gilded Age were focused on excess and etiquette. While the bride and groom’s families wanted to showcase their wealth with cascading floral arrangements and droolworthy decorations, the newlyweds had strict obligations for how to greet their guests and interact with them throughout the evening.
Thankfully, a few things have changed. Wedding receptions are much more of a celebration today than they were back then. If you want Gilded Age style without the stuffiness, find ways to fuse formal with fun:
- Share a formal first dance followed by a modern favorite
- Hire a live wedding painter to preserve your first dance on canvas
- Use photo booth props like top hats and fake pearls
- Serve classic cocktails like Manhattans and martinis
- Wow your guests with a champagne tower and cigar bar
Planning a Gilded Age Wedding
From statement sleeves and elegant estates to classical croons and over the top indulgence, a Gilded Age-inspired wedding is sure to be the talk of the town.
No matter the era, Eventective is here to help you plan the wedding of your dreams. Visit our wedding hub to find venues and vendors for your special day.
Rachel Kauffman is a Detroit-based content writer, bookworm, and cat mom to two feisty felines.
