Art of Bridal Beauty by Aradia

Vintage Bridal Beauty: The Victorian Era

Today, we’re going back to the Victorian era. There are few historical periods that are more romantic. Love frilly, lacy, full skirted, one-of-a-kind vintage Victorian wedding dresses? Then you’ll really love this week’s blog post because it is all about Vintage Victorian Brides!

 

 

These stunning inspiration shoots are sure to send your heart all a flutter! The images filled with delightfully creative makeup and hairstyles in an array of subdued colored hues. Inspired brides looking for something dreamy and romantic… This blog is for you.

 

 

Queen Victoria wed Prince Albert in 1840 and set the stage for traditional wedding ceremonies and receptions. Victorian gowns were so extravagant that brides felt like the queen herself underneath the many layers of ruffles, lace, and embellishments. Ever wonder why brides wear white? Since Queen Victoria’s wedding, white has remained the traditional color for wedding gowns.

 

 

The Victorian dressing style and bridal fashion is considered one of the most elegant and feminine dressing trends today. The post-modern world is known to re-use or reinvent inspiration from the past. These reinventions are proof that the lace loving era is still on track with the times. It’s clear that Queen Victoria still has some influence on the world more than 100 years later. The Victorian era has resurfaced and it’s modernized in these gorgeous looks. I just love the soft hues and the dreamy, ethereal quality of some these post Victorian bridal fashion photos…

And now, without further ado, here is an extensive selection of images that show the Victorian-era aesthetic in bridal looks.

 

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In Victorian England, the use of cosmetics was taboo.It was perceived as evil and corrupt and not dissimilar from witchcraft and sorcery with innocent men as victims. But, let’s face it, brides have been adorning, and beautifying themselves with the artful use of cosmetics, clever hair styling and wearing striking wedding gowns since way before Queen Victoria’s day. Culture defines beauty, so how did the Victorians bride define beauty?

Standards of beauty change dramatically from decade to decade, and what is admired in one era seems hideous in another and there is one major difference between the beauties of 150 years ago and those of our own day: cosmetics. There were ‘exotic’ potions promised to make women ‘beautiful for ever’ and in a society obsessed with the women’s marriageability, anything must be done to enhance a girl’s physical attributes.

 

 

However, to wear makeup in a noticeable way was to be associated with the “lower” levels of society and risk being associated with impurity. During the strict Victorian era, middle and upper class women did not want to be seen as immoral lest they risk social isolation. Don’t be fooled though, as many women did wear makeup during this time period. In fact, even brides of that era were known to use a little rouge, since pale skin contrasted with red cheeks was seen to give a healthy and youthful appearance. Beet juice rubbed into the cheek was a common way to achieve this desired color.

 

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The Victorian era is often regarded as a time of modesty and prudence. In 19th-century Britain there was a heavy freight of moral baggage attached to beauty. Any attempt to mimic the lily complexion, rosy lips and cheeks, pearly teeth and abundant fair hair that were regarded as the ideal of female looks was enough to strip a woman of her good name.

 

 

The Victorians found sexually attractive women inherently threatening because they represented a powerful force that men could not resist or control. Women could supposedly wield terrible powers over men through their beauty, so, by their thinking, a physically frail woman would probably be less aggressive, therefore less threatening and the more desirable type.

The average Victorian bride spent a considerable amount of time at her dressing table utilizing an assortment of beauty paraphernalia much like brides today: a brush, comb, hair pins, bottles of fragrance, creams, etc. The sun was something to be guarded against because a fair and luminous complexion was a sign of beauty and also an indication of a woman’s social class, as it represented a gentile lifestyle. The skin was protected by an assortment of parasols and gloves.

 

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We think that any bride – regardless of her age or body shape can look stunningly beautiful wearing a wreath of flowers on her head! You can opt for a natural wreath of flower bridal hairstyle made of fresh flowers or for a crafty artistic arrangement made of artificial blooms and other accessories.

 

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About Aradia

I am a professional makeup artist; passionate about all things “beauty”.  As self-professed beauty fiend I’ve been fascinated with makeup since I was a young child. The endless colors, textures and mediums are fascinating to me.I started this blog as a way to share my work, experiences, product reviews and tips with you. It takes an artful eye to see the beauty and potential in each face. I am not only trained to apply flawless, enduring makeup, I am also skilled in the art of making you feel at ease in every aspect of the process from detailed wedding day timelines to working with you to create a stunning makeup style that will transcend time.I look forward to hearing all of your comments and suggestions, and I hope you enjoy my blog… Welcome!

Tags: Beauty, Beauty Tips, Bridal, Bridal Beauty, Bridal Fashion, Bridal Hair, Bridal Hairstyles, Bridal Looks, Bridal Makeup, Bridal Photography, Bridal Portraits, Fashion History, Fashion Photography, Wedding Hair, Wedding Photo Shoots