The romance and grandeur of Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley’s nuptials has lingered in the hearts of many brides and grooms-to-be and more couples than ever are striving to hold their own Downton-inspired ceremony. It’s easier than you think to recreate the styles prevalent in the period drama wedding – read on to hear our top tips.
The venue
There is no better way to create your own Downton Abbey-inspired nuptials than by booking Highclere Castle as your wedding venue. This is where most scenes of the drama were filmed and as well as boasting a rich history, your guests will be thrilled at the opportunity to explore such a magical setting.
Castle wedding venues allow any bride to live out her childhood dream of becoming a princess and the Hampshire location in particular is overflowing with romance and mystery. Click here to find out more.
The Saloon is a popular choice for weddings, with its magnificent high vaulted ceiling, while there is also the option to have breakfast the following day in the Victorian Library, which can seat up to 140 guests. In the summertime, the stunning grounds and gorgeous parkland prove a great location for holding a marquee wedding or sunny drinks reception.
The dress
Lady Mary remains a symbol of elegance throughout all seasons of the period drama and this is mirrored in her choice of dress for her big day. The beautiful white garment is made from both lace and silk and has long, flowing sleeves, so brides should think about finding a dress made from similar fabrics.
It also comes with romantic detail and a headpiece that complements the look perfectly, at the same time as adding a classy touch.
The dress is a defining factor of any bride’s big day and if you can find an item close to Lady Mary’s, you’ll feel like you’re being transported back to the 1920s.
The food
In true Downton style, you should expect to throw a formal gourmet feast reminiscent of the early twentieth century upstairs lifestyle. Traditionally, a wedding in that era would have included luxurious foods like hors d’oeuvres, two kinds of soup, two fish courses, an entree, a large meat joint and a roast – typically game birds – with vegetables.
For dessert, think about serving hot treats, as well as classic favourites like ice cream and wafers and fresh and dried fruits and nuts, before finishing off with coffee and liqueurs.
The Crawley family were known for their wealth and generosity, so the more food you put on for your guests, the merrier.
The flowers
Instead of displaying flowers in a wealth of colours, 1920s weddings featured only one shade for bouquets and that was white. While this means modern day brides and grooms may feel slightly limited in their options, there are plenty of species of flowers to choose from that will still emphasise the beauty and romance of the occasion.
Some of the types you could feature include calla lillies, white roses, gardenias or stephanotis, as these are all spectacular choices that are in keeping with the Downton theme.
