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When it comes to planning a wedding, every bride wants her dress to embody her unique style and vision. For book lovers and literature enthusiasts, we are pleased to provide some great wedding dress ideas for a literary theme aesthetic.
A dress that reflects the essence of your favorite author or literary theme can be a deeply meaningful choice. From gothic romance to roaring decadence, lets read into some wedding dresses inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, F. Scott Fitzgerald, William Shakespeare, and Ernest Hemingway.
Edgar Allan Poe: Gothic Romance and Mystery
For fans of Poe’s dark, atmospheric tales, a wedding dress should exude gothic elegance and drama. Think:
- Victorian Silhouettes: Dramatic ballgowns, draped sleeves, and corset-style bodices channel a vintage, Victorian-inspired aesthetic.
- Dramatic Embellishments: Lace overlays, intricate beading, or embroidery featuring motifs like ravens or roses add a Poe-like touch of romance.
- Accessories: Pair the gown with a cathedral-length veil or a statement cape for a hauntingly beautiful look.
One dress that incorporates Poe-like elements is Sophia Tolli Rebekah in black. This beautiful ballgown features a corseted bodice and detachable, draped off-the-shoulder sleeves. Rose patterned lace is prominent on the bodice and trickles down the skirt, and pops atop the champagne underlay. Keeping with the color palette, Rebekah can be ordered with a matching black cathedral veil that also emphasizes the gorgeous rose lace pattern.
Additionally and also in black, Rosa by Morilee is also an outstanding choice. The large floral designs in the lace have subtle sparkle detailing which is a great way to pull in the embellishments mentioned above. Poe lovers looking to emulate his vivid descriptions and literary works into their bridal look and overall event design should consider these.
Favor Suggestions: Black or dark red votive candles, miniature bottles of dark rum, and mini skeleton keys are popular options for favors that capture the moody essence of Poe’s literary theme aesthetic.
F. Scott Fitzgerald: Roaring 20s Glamour
The world of “The Great Gatsby” is synonymous with opulence and Art Deco style, making it perfect for brides who love glamour and sparkle or chic elegance. Consider:
- Slinky Silhouettes: Bias-cut or sheath-style dresses in fabrics like silk, satin, or crepe evoke the 1920s aesthetic.
- Vintage Necklines: Plunging V-necks or square/straight across tops give a nod to flapper-era fashion.
- Accessories: Add a crystal headpiece, a beaded clutch, or long gloves for that Gatsby-worthy finishing touch.
The Evie Young Sydney dress is a great option for the bride who wants a modern day Gatsby gown. Sydney brings a classic look: a sheath gown in a lined crepe fabric with a straight, slightly scooped neckline and a thick tank strap. A modern twist on this classic theme is her unique pearl detail that outlines the seams and creates some dimension on an otherwise clean gown. Sydney also has a cutout train in the back that features more of the pearl for an added element of design. Pair her with some long silk gloves and she is ready to party like it’s 1920!
Wedding Invitations Suggestions: A tri-fold design that opens like the gates of a grand estate, along with velvet, satin, or feather accents in the gold, black and ivory color palette are perfect for this upscale literary theme aesthetic.
William Shakespeare: Romantic Elegance
A wedding dress inspired by the Bard’s timeless tales of love and passion calls for a look that’s ethereal, romantic, and slightly dramatic. Think:
- Flowing Fabrics: Chiffon, organza, or tulle that moves gracefully and evokes a dreamy, fairy-tale quality.
- Renaissance Details: Puff sleeves, square necklines, or corset-style bodices reminiscent of Shakespeare’s time.
- Floral Accents: Embroidered flowers, delicate floral appliqués, or even fresh blooms incorporated into the dress.
- Accessories: A flower crown or Juliet cap veil completes the look, making you feel like a character from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
For brides wanting to channel the deep romance of Shakespeare’s literary work “Romeo and Juliet”, look no further than the Essense of Australia 4029 gown. This is a tulle a-line gown that really packs a punch with so much detail – big botanical lace, an exposed corseted bodice, and detachable off the shoulder puff sleeves. The straight across neckline provides a touch of modesty while the sheer, ruched bodice adds a touch of modern flair. The 4029 is the perfect gown for brides who want a little bit of everything without the dress being overwhelming, and is the perfect embodiment of a Shakespearean inspired gown.
Food and Drink Suggestions: Serve appetizers that reflect the Elizabethan era, such as stuffed dates and figs, aged cheeses, pears, and apples. Mulled wine is also a great way to invoke the feasts of Renaissance age.
Ernest Hemingway: Understated Elegance
Hemingway’s sparse, evocative prose calls for a minimalist and timeless aesthetic. A dress inspired by his literary style inspired by natural beauty might feature:
- Clean Lines: A-line or sheath dresses with simple, unadorned designs.
- Natural Fabrics: Crisp silk, crepe, or linen to reflect a refined yet effortless feel.
- Subtle Details: Small embellishments like buttons down the back or delicate lace edging for a touch of romance.
- Accessories: A sleek updo, pearl jewelry, and a short veil or no veil at all enhance the understated elegance.
The perfect Hemingway gown is from our private label – she is the Gracie Rose 0350 dress. The gown is a sheath style crepe dress with a straight neckline and ruched detail throughout the front. A row of buttons begins at the top of the back zipper and trickles down to the bottom hem for a pop of detail. Detachable off the shoulder sleeves can be added or removed throughout the day to create a 2-in-1 look. This is a dress that will withstand the test of time yet sacrifices nothing in terms of style. If you are looking to emulate some of Hemingway’s style into your own wedding day look, don’t pass up the opportunity to see the 0350 by Gracie Rose.
Wedding Flowers Suggestions: Depending on your color scheme, pops of vibrant colors found in hibiscus and orchids will give nod to Key West, while popular flowers like sunflowers, lavender, and cream and red roses reflect his Parisian love stories.
Bringing Your Literary Theme Aesthetic to Life
To fully embrace the literary theme aesthetic of your chosen author, consider incorporating themed elements into your venue and wedding décor. For a literary themed wedding, the perfect venue would be an old library or museum but there are other venue ideas as well.
- A Poe-inspired wedding could be in a forest and feature a moody vibe with candlelight and antique furniture.
- A Gatsby-themed celebration would be magnificent at the Elkins Estate here in the Philadelphia region and could include a jazz band and champagne towers.
- For a Shakespearean affair, a venue like a lovely garden or vineyard would work nicely and add fairy lights and rustic floral arrangements.
- For a Hemingway-inspired event, opt for a natural, rugged coastal vibe. Travel to Key West for the ultimate tribute!
Other decor ideas can include centerpieces of your favorite books with candles and flowers. Instead of table numbers, a better way to keep with your aesthetic is to name the tables after your favorite authors or book titles, and use bookmarks or library cards for place cards. In addition, a leather bound book with a quill feather pens (and inkwell, although watch for drips and mess!) could be used as your Guest Book.
No matter which literary theme aesthetic style speaks to you, your wedding dress – and the other details added to your wedding ceremony and reception – should reflect not only your love for literature but also your own personal love story. After all, you are the author of your happily ever after!
About the author: Daria Capaldi is the General Manager of Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo. About to be married herself on December 31, 2024, she is familiar with every aspect of wedding planning. She bridges the gap between millennial and Gen Z, which perfectly positions her to understand the evolving tools, technologies, and habits used by both generations not only for wedding planning but for commerce in general. As a graduate of James Madison University and the Walt Disney Company’s intern program, she has a keen business acumen and understands how to deliver excellent customer service. Daria resides in Huntington Valley PA with her fiancé Jeff and their two pups, Eva and Ollie.