Victorian Style Lace Wedding Dresses

*UPDATED FOR 2018* If you thought that the wedding we shared yesterday was the end of the sigh-worthy lace dresses we’d be enjoying this week, then good news – it was just the start. :) When I ran the SouthBound Bride Reader Survey recently, one of the questions I asked was what readers would like to see more of, and I had a special request for Victorian lace wedding dresses. We’ve already looked at beautiful lace portrait backs, but it got me thinking about the trend that goes hand in hand with that one – high lace necks and lace sleeves, which are a gorgeously elegant modern interpretation of vintage style. In fact, sleeves are still trending in general (total win for autumn and winter brides!), and of course if you love this style but don’t want it for the whole event you can always wear a lace overlay for the ceremony. It’s a modest look, but one that is so deliciously feminine that you can see why brides keep going back to it – this is only the latest of several Victorian revivals in bridal fashion, after all! *Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

But what exactly is Victorian wedding style? Well, lace is key. It was the central element of Queen Victoria’s own wedding dress, which she had designed to incorporate some gorgeous handmade lace (a real boost to the dwindling lace industry at the time) that was reused at several important events throughout her life. It was white, which was unusual at the time. And it was worn with a long veil which matched the flounce of the dress. Today, these key elements are still present, with high necklines and long or short sleeves as a tribute to the famous Victorian modesty (although round or boat necks were also popular). Which is your favourite?