Edwardian Garden Wedding Inspiration Etsy Minna National Trust

Edwardian weddings are enjoying a renaissance. The pre-war period marked the end of the 'old British' way of life and programmes such as Downton Abbey have revived our fascination with the era associated with refinement, elegance and romance. I too am a huge fan of Downton, though I must confess I have not watched the Christmas Special yet (Dan Stevens, how could you?) because I'm not sure my heart can take it.

But - oh! - the fashion! Laces, silks, embroidery and beading are the key ingredients for an Edwardian wedding. Most of the examples I've seen of this theme have been summer weddings - hence I've incorporated a stunning handmade parasol and up-cycled bunting in this mood board. But this would work equally well for other seasons. The silk shawl, in particular, would look beautiful in Spring and Autumn.

I have used Etsy products once again to create this mood board.

 

1. Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady recycled paper garland 5.8m 16.5 ft floral wedding decoration book art  - TheIncredibleHow
2. Handmade White Lace Victorian Parasol with Pink Rosettes and Pink Silk Roses Black and White Striped Lining Black Handle - AnotherThymeVintage
3. Edwardian 1910 Teal Silk Velvet Bag w/Gilt Brass Frame Inlay of Mother of Pearl - RoadsLessTravelled2
4. Edwardian Oriental applique embroidered silk shawl - BriocleurVintage
5. Divine Leather Pearlised ladies shoe with historical styling Regency, Edwardian, Jazz age, Art Deco, Flapper – VintageFashionBazaa
6. Antique EDWARDIAN Sterling Silver Pearl and AMETHYST Rhineston Earrings - AbitOfNostalgia
7. Vintage Edwardian Wedding Dress -c. 1913 Titanic Era Decadent Silk Wedding Gown with Heavy Bullion Lace - FabGabs

I also love...

Large filigree hair comb with diamante - Sheenaholland

Special occasion dress - perfect for a flower girl - Edwardian lace-trimmed girl's dress with silk ribbons – Mathildasattic

If you love Edwardian dresses but you don't want to go for vintage, then Minna has a beautiful range of Edwardian and boho wedding dresses. I just love the rustic earthiness of these styles.

Stella dress, approximately £360

 


Floaty scarves get my vote. Poppy, £425



Mariella Dress. The ethereal simplicity of this dress reminds me of the famous 'fairy hoax' photographs. This is definitely a dress for those who do believe in fairies. Lovely.

Kelly Dress, approximately £550



My favourite. This lawn-party inspired silk and lace dress is divine and conjures images of walking through fields in late summer. Styled with these leather boots, this dress is Edwardian wedding perfection. Charlotta dress, approximately £800.

For more visual inspiration, I recommend you read 'The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady' by Edith Holden (the bunting on the mood board is made from the pages of this book). And visit typically 'Edwardian' locations such as Virgina Woolf's house in Sussex (owned by the National Trust). I visited there yesterday (my fiance dragged me on a 14 1/2 mile walk!)and the garden is mesmerising - no wonder the 'Bloomsbury Set' were drawn to the location. Some of the best literary works of the twentieth century were penned - or at least discussed - there by a crackling fire or over a picnic in the garden.







Photographs taken at Monk House by yours truly during our trip to Sussex.



Nature is one of the greatest sources of inspiration - it provides a myriad of shapes, colours and textures. And in order to successfully recreate an atmosphere, you first need to experience it yourself - so turn off your computer and get going.

~x~