Fans of the hit Masterpiece Theatre drama Downton Abbey are looking forward to Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley’s wedding in season 3, but if you’re getting hitched before their big day you can easily find inspiration in the show’s Edwardian style.
Brides who are fans of the period fashions may want to shop British designer Jenny Packham’s collection. The vintage-inspired line has a number of gowns made from lightweight fabrics, sheath silhouettes and beautiful beading. Below: Cornelia and Persephone, Saskia and Eden. Visit jennypackham.com for a retailer near you.
Headpiece designer Jennifer Behr designs a variety of headbands, combs and other hair ornaments any of the ladies of Downton Abbey could wear to dinner. Check out the bridal and classics collection for your wedding-day ‘do.
For men’s formalwear, only a tuxedo will do! Depending on the time of day your wedding is scheduled for, you can choose from a classic black tuxedo, white dinner jacket or tailcoat. Men’s Wearhouse has a large selection of formalwear in slim, regular and big & tall sizes.
Since no one in Downton has a computer and printer, brides must hand-write addresses on the outer envelopes of their wedding invitations or hire a calligrapher to write them. Ask your stationer for calligrapher recommendations and coordinate with him or her regarding the style and layout. The calligraphed envelope below is by Laura Hooper Calligraphy.
Couples registering for fine china should look at Lenox’s Vintage Jewel (left) and Autumn (right) patterns. Autumn, originally introduced in 1918, features a floral motif in autumnal colors, while Vintage Jewel is an heirloom-quality pattern in an opulent design. Register for 8-12 settings of one or 4-6 of each and mix and match!
