Steampunk Wedding: Victorian with Vintage Science & Science-fiction

By SteampunkWedding

New brides across the globe are embracing the feminine lace and long gloves from an era in our past when craftsmanship was king.  Fine linens, leather, copper and other metals meant our accoutrements would last a life-time.  As you plan your wedding you hope your photos, vows and memories will last a life-time as well.  So, step away from plastics and disposables of the 21^st century and back to the future that never was, Steampunk!

What is steampunk? It is a popular culture with roots in time-travel science fiction.  Lots of ink has been spilled trying to define this growing trend; a google search will bring up new retail data from IBM [insert link] which has been echoed online in Forbes and Time publications.  However, a better piece written by author James Blaylock is in Huffington Post. [insert link].

Why is this wonderful? Steampunks choose the best parts of industrialization and/or Victorian fashion.  Multiculturalism and creativity are fully realized for the first time in the re-write of the 1800’s.  This energy can be harnessed in wedding plans!

 

 

For the Bride ~

This growing wedding trend is a wonderful way to weave the natural world into your ceremony.  Be creative!  For example, feathers make your day natural, timeless, and gorgeous!

 

Unique and up-cycled are the best way to begin your new lives together.  Look to your favorite literature or film for inspiration.  This heart-shaped necklace is reminiscent of Metropolis, Iron Giant, or even 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

 

While planning your steampunk wedding, remember, the ‘punk’ is best part! Especially for your wedding day!  Ergo don’t be afraid to let your personal spirit shine!  Shakespeare and your new mother-in-law will approve of these roses!

 

Corsets are worn on the outside of your clothing in steampunk!  Rustic fabrics in dark colors will accentuate and cinch your waist! Corsets are designed and created in many materials including tapestry or leather.  Don’t be afraid!  They are actually rather comfortable and can offer great back support!

 

For the Groom ~

When you dress up your broom-to-be, is he a bit of a Mad Hatter?  Think Jules Verne!  Does the man of your dreams still have his Grandfathers pocket watch? Or vintage cuff links?  Start with these special items.

 

 

If your groom is a veteran, he may not want to marry in his ‘dress blues’, but you can incorporate their accomplishments and travels with maps and military trimmings.  No camouflage, but dress uniforms are perfect for the steampunk look!

 

He may want a hat with goggles – steampunk necessities for many explorers.  Top hats, bowlers, even engineer hats can work.  Again, try to use something from your attic.  Start with his father’s old hat, then get him the rose-colored-glasses he’ll need for his new married life! Extra magnification never hurts – as seen here.

 

Family & friends from times gone by ~

Lastly, embrace your friends and family from days gone by.  An old photograph of possibly your grandparents or great-grandparents’ wedding is the perfect bridal bouquet charm.  This is a great way to include a family member who cannot make the occasion.  This keepsake will live on many years and be cherished by generations to follow.

 

 

Links:

Business News Daily: ‘Steampunk’ Goes Mainstream in 2013

6:30 AM ET   By: Ned Smith, BusinessNewsDaily Senior Writer

Are you ready to get “steampunked”? Retailers attending the National Retail Federation Convention in New York yesterday (Jan. 14) got an ear-load, and eye-load, from researchers about the next big trend steaming toward the retail industry. Based on an analysis of more than half a billion public posts on message boards, blogs, social media sites and news sources, IBM predicted that ”steampunk” will be the next major trend to bubble up and take hold of the retail industry.

http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/3751-steampunk-retail-trend-ibm.html

BizReport.com: IBM predicts birth of a trend – steampunk by Helen Leggatt

Retailers are constantly on the lookout for the ‘next big thing’ and, according to IBM, it’s becoming easier for these trends to be spotted way before markets become saturated thanks to the use of social and sentiment analysis. IBM thinks it knows what the next big trend will be – Steampunk.

http://www.bizreport.com/2013/01/ibm-predicts-birth-of-a-trend—steampunk.html#

[Forbes echoed IBM: http://www.forbes.com/sites/carolpinchefsky/2013/01/15/fashions-biggest-trend-in-2013-2015-as-predicted-by-ibm-steampunk/#more-4316 ]

 

[Time echoed IBM: http://style.time.com/2013/01/17/will-steampunk-really-be-the-next-big-fashion-trend/ ]

 

Huffington Post: On Steampunk Posted: 01/17/2013 8:39 am by James Blaylock

[Review of steampunk literary past from 1985.]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-p-blaylock/on-steampunk_b_2494561.html