Modernizing A Victorian Room For A Wedding: Tips And Tricks

The Victorian era is known for its opulence and romance, with its intricate architecture, luxurious details, and maximalist aesthetic. If you're looking to bring a modern twist to a Victorian room for a wedding, here are some tips to achieve that perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary elegance:

- Colour is a powerful tool to update a Victorian room. Consider a bold colour palette or a rich, dark hue such as navy, olive green, or burgundy. You can also introduce pops of colour through accessories and soft furnishings.

- Mix modern and antique pieces to create a Victorian atmosphere that feels fresh. Opt for vintage tabletop elements, such as plates, chargers, flatware, and glassware, while incorporating modern touches like paper flowers or contemporary lighting fixtures.

- Make use of built-in accents and original features. Showcase assets like radiators, fireplaces, crown moulding, and hardwood floors. You can also add modern elements like built-in shelving or cabinetry to create a seamless blend of old and new.

- Create a statement wall with a bold wallpaper or a gallery wall of ornate frames and whimsical artwork.

- Splurge on luxurious lighting fixtures, such as a statement chandelier, to draw the eye upwards and add a touch of glamour.

- Embrace the art of artifacts by displaying whimsical decor pieces like animal bones, dramatic busts, or gold-toned cranes.

- Hide clutter away in stylish storage solutions, such as vintage suitcases or carefully curated shelves, to ensure the space feels inviting and elegant.

Use bold colours, textures and heavy fabrics

The Victorian era was a time of bold colours, various textures, and heavy fabrics. To bring a Victorian room into the modern day, you can use these elements to your advantage.

For a modern wedding, consider a bold colour palette with a mix of textures and heavy fabrics. You could opt for a jewel-toned colour scheme, with shades of burgundy, eggplant, emerald, royal blue, and deep brown. These rich colours can be used as accents in a more contemporary neutral palette, adding a touch of opulence and luxury. Alternatively, you can create a bold and saturated palette with vibrant colours.

When it comes to fabrics, look for heavy and luxurious options such as silk, satin, brocade, and velvet. These fabrics can be used for table linens, drapery, or even the wedding attire. For a modern twist, mix and match different fabrics and textures to create a unique and eclectic look.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different colours, textures, and fabrics to find the perfect combination for your modern Victorian wedding. You can also draw inspiration from nature, literature, and art of the Victorian era to enhance the overall aesthetic.

Choose a venue with vintage vibes

The venue is key to setting the tone for your Victorian-inspired wedding. Opting for a space with vintage vibes will instantly transport your guests to another time and place, enhancing the overall atmosphere and experience of your special day. Here are some ideas to consider when choosing a venue with vintage vibes for your modern Victorian wedding:

Churches or Spaces with Gothic Architecture

Channel the Victorian era's love for intricate architecture and opulent details by selecting a church or space with gothic-style architecture for your ceremony. St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, built between 1858 and 1888, can be a source of inspiration for the desired aesthetic. The intricate details, soaring ceilings, and gothic elements will create a dramatic and romantic backdrop for your nuptials.

Outdoor Garden Settings

Draw inspiration from stories like "The Secret Garden" and opt for an al fresco garden setting for your ceremony or reception. Detailed arches, antique furniture, and lush florals will add a touch of vintage elegance to your outdoor celebration. Imagine exchanging vows beneath a floral arch, with the sun setting behind you and the scent of fresh flowers in the air.

Historic Victorian Houses

If you're lucky enough to have access to a historic Victorian house, consider using it as the backdrop for your wedding reception. The intricate details, ornate furniture, and vintage charm of such a venue will instantly transport your guests to another era. Set up a romantic al fresco dinner with string lights and vintage table settings, creating a magical atmosphere that blends the past with the present.

Mansions, Historic Hotels, or Local Estates

For a true Victorian-era experience, consider venues such as mansions, historic hotels, or local estates. These venues often boast grand ballrooms, ornate architecture, and luxurious details that will make your wedding feel like a royal affair. Think about the overall vibe you want to create—whether it's elegant and refined or mysterious and moody—and choose a venue that aligns with your vision.

Castles

Take your Victorian-themed wedding to the next level by choosing a castle as your venue. With their towering turrets, grand halls, and enchanting ambiance, castles offer the ultimate setting for a fairytale-like celebration. Imagine saying your vows in a majestic castle ballroom or posing for photographs against a backdrop of medieval architecture.

When choosing a venue with vintage vibes for your modern Victorian wedding, it's essential to consider the overall atmosphere you want to create. Opt for spaces that exude vintage elegance, romanticism, and a touch of mystery. By selecting a venue that embodies the Victorian era's unique aesthetic, you'll be able to transport your guests to another time and create lasting memories that blend the past with the present.

Create a gallery wall

Creating a gallery wall is a great way to modernise a Victorian room while retaining its period features. Here are some tips to help you create a gallery wall that complements your Victorian-inspired wedding:

Planning Your Gallery Wall

Before you start hanging your gallery wall, it's important to plan its layout. Measure the amount of space you want your gallery wall to fill, and tape off a box of that size on the floor. This will allow you to arrange and rearrange your pieces until you find the perfect composition. Try to keep the space between each piece around 3 inches to avoid a crowded look. Taking a photo of your floor layout will help you remember the arrangement when you start hanging your pieces.

Choosing a Colour Palette

Sticking to a cohesive colour palette will give your gallery wall a curated feel. Try to keep the tones and intensities of your pieces similar. For example, you could use neutrals, blues, and gold accents. However, if you prefer a more eclectic and fun look, feel free to mix and match colours and styles.

Finding the Right Pieces

When selecting pieces for your gallery wall, variety is key. Mix horizontal and vertical pieces, and play with different sizes and shapes. Start with something large and eye-catching to anchor the whole collection, and place it in one of the outer corners or slightly off-centre. Then, place your second-largest piece diagonally from the biggest piece. You can also create grids within your gallery wall by grouping two, three, or four pieces together.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of frames, and feel free to include items that aren't traditionally framed, such as sculptures, textiles, or polaroids. Floating mounting is a great way to elevate polaroids, tickets, stamps, or other small items. You can also include three-dimensional objects, such as shelves or decorative items, to add depth to your gallery wall.

Adding a Personal Touch

Incorporate personal items, such as drawings, old photos, or mementos from your wedding, to make your gallery wall unique. Digital prints are a great, affordable option, but including physical items will add a special touch to your gallery wall.

Final Tips

Remember to have fun with your gallery wall! It can be a satisfying project that reflects your personal style and memories. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even include round pieces or mix in different types of art to create a truly one-of-a-kind display.

Mix modern and antique pieces

To create a Victorian atmosphere that doesn't feel stuffy or old-fashioned, it's important to mix modern and antique pieces. This can be achieved by combining vintage tabletop elements, such as plates, chargers, flatware, and glassware, with modern touches, such as paper or flowers.

For a Victorian-style wedding, opt for vintage vases, antique furniture, and ornate flatware to create a lavish and maximalist tablescape. Mix in modern elements, such as paper goods or fresh flowers, to create a balance between old and new.

If you're looking to add a modern twist to a Victorian living room, consider introducing statement flooring, highlighting the room's features in bold colours, adding a modern occasional chair, and hanging a modern ceiling light. Mix and match old and new pieces. Play with mid-century modern touches, such as a fringed lampshade and a mustard egg chair, to update the room's traditional elements.

When it comes to a Victorian bedroom, embrace vintage furniture and swap modern pieces for antique ones. Opt for wide plank wood floors and vintage sconces with Victorian embellishments. Mix in modern elements, such as brass or gold accents, to give the room a royal feel.

By combining modern and antique pieces, you can create a unique and elegant aesthetic that blends the best of both worlds.

Add statement lighting

Lighting is one of the most important elements of your wedding decor. It can make all the difference in how your venue, food, and guests look, as well as create a memorable atmosphere.

If you're going for a modern Victorian theme, there are many ways to add statement lighting to your wedding venue. Here are some ideas:

• Mix antique chandeliers with greenery: An unexpected mix of antique chandeliers and flowing greenery creates a stunning photo opportunity.
• Create a ceiling of lights: String lights can be used to create a ceiling that defines the dinner space and gives the illusion of a starry sky, even during the day.
• Use dainty string lights: String lights can be easily draped through existing greenery, creating a whimsical and elegant atmosphere.
• Hang chandeliers outdoors: If chandeliers are your thing, try hanging them outdoors for a unique and unexpected touch.
• Use candles of varying heights: Tall pillar candles and mini votives will showcase the venue and create a romantic, intimate atmosphere.
• Hang lights on trees: Trees are a great way to display your lights, especially with an atypical tree design and caged hanging lights.
• Use Moroccan-inspired lanterns: Silver lanterns will add a metallic accent and keep the space well-lit.
• Add a modern occasional chair: A single statement chair can be a great way to add a modern twist to your Victorian-themed wedding.
• Use pin spots: A focused beam of light, like a pin spot, can be used to highlight specific objects, such as centrepieces or your wedding cake.
• Use colour washes: A blanket of coloured light can create a mood or change the look of built-in decor. For a modern Victorian theme, opt for colours that flatter skin tones, such as pinks and purples.
• Use gobos: Circular stencils placed over lights can project designs or patterns onto walls, ceilings, or floors. Monograms, dates, and wedding motifs are popular choices.
• Use LED lights: LED lights use less electricity, don't get as hot, and can be wireless. They are perfect for colour changes and vibrant hues.

These lighting ideas will help create a memorable and modern Victorian-themed wedding while showcasing the unique features of your venue.

Frequently asked questions