How to Have a ‘Bridgerton’ Wedding, Including What to Wear and How to Decorate

Empire waist silhouettes, aka the It look of the Regency era, are fitted just under the bust with the skirt falling loosely in a sort of A-line shape (they’re not fitted like a mermaid cut, nor do they billow out like a ballgown). Daphne and her peers wear this style almost exclusively throughout the show, meaning there is a ton of inspiration for you to comb through while planning your dream dress. The Duchess’s actual wedding ensemble also features a square neck, puff sleeves and Swiss dot lace with elaborate embroidery throughout the skirt, all of which are details we wouldn’t mind copying ASAP.

Shop similar styles: David’s Bridal Collection ($500); LoveShackFancy ($1,195); Willowby by Watters ($1,495); Sachin & Babi ($1,695); Markaraian ($9,600)

This trend may not have actually been launched by Bridgerton (according to Lyst the top searched for bridal headpieces is actually this dramatic draped number by Area), but Daphne’s headpiece certainly fits right in with the 2021 bride. She does wear hers atop a long, simple veil for the actual ceremony, but there is no “unveiling” to speak of and many modern brides are forgoing the tulle altogether and opting for crystal headbands, tiaras or even statement hair clips instead.

Shop similar styles: Acacia tiara ($150; $90); David’s Bridal tiara ($150); Deepa Gurnani headband ($125); Twigs & Honey tiara ($290); Jennifer Behr headband ($450)

HOW TO DECORATE

eBay reported a 300 percent increase in sales for wisteria after the show debuted in December, thanks to its prominent placement on the front of the Bridgerton home. The delicate blue and lilac shades fit perfectly with the light blue theme of the Bridgerton family’s wardrobes and would look equally stunning draped around a chuppah for a spring of summer wedding.

Daphne and the Duke’s wedding was pretty simple in terms of decor, but there was one thing they appeared to splurge on for the ceremony: lots and lots of white flowers, with plenty of greenery to boot. The aisles of the church were adorned with small bunches of white blooms (maybe carnations or roses), while garlands of greenery and white wisteria lined the upper with vases of mostly green down the sides. Lucky for Bridgerton brides, greenery is often much less expensive than colorful flowers, making this a more budget friendly way to decorate with florals.

OK, so this detail comes not from the Duke and Duchess’s wedding but from the ball where they first develop feelings for one another (swoon). For anyone planning an outdoor reception, lighting to keep the party going well past nightfall can be a tricky issue. But just as the guests of this spectacular fete were enamored with the magic of electric lanterns, yours will surely be just as charmed by strings of fairy lights or solar powered lanterns. Hang them throughout your tent or you can set up trellises to dance under if you’re not concerned about weather.

Shop similar styles: Balsa Circle ($9); Windfall ($10); LampLust ($23); Terrain ($38); L.L.Bean ($40); Lumabase ($44)

WHAT TO EAT

Truth be told, many of the most popular Regency-era dinner options are just as common today—sandwiches made with cold meats and cheeses, savory pies, vegetables roasted with butter sauce—but one absolute standout was dessert. Multi-tiered cakes festooned with marzipan and sugar-coated fruits were like show pieces to be displayed at the end of a dinner party, and Daphne’s wedding cake definitely followed suit. It even had little icing crests from both hers and her new husband’s families. So skip the trendy cupcakes or donut walls in favor of a traditional cake, preferably decorated with intricate swirls and a few personal touches unique to you and your partner.

Food for the actual reception might be limited to what your venue has to offer, but you can still keep the Bridgerton vibes going with the menu for your bridal shower with a classic afternoon tea. Serve all the best dainty finger foods of the era—mini sandwiches, deviled eggs, petite fours and other small cakes—alongside pots of freshly brewed black tea as a nod to the social events frequented by Daphne and her peers.