So you want your wedding to be coordinated and to tie into a central theme.
Great! As you work to pull it all together, be sure that you do not end up making the event look too contrived.
Sometimes, in their enthusiasm for a theme, brides can cross the line into looking like they are wearing a costume.
No matter how subtle or specific your wedding theme, it is important to keep in mind that it should only be a jumping off point.
It is not necessary to render a theme to perfection down to every last detail.
In fact, this can make your wedding look less like a wedding, and more like a stage production.
For instance, if you have decided to hold your wedding in a beautiful antebellum mansion, you will want to choose a bridal gown that looks appropriate in the site.
So far, so good.
However, this does not mean hoop skirts and bonnets, nor should you ask your dressmaker to replicate anything worn by Scarlett O'Hara (although she certainly was fabulous!).
The idea is to take an idea and make it your own, which in this case means wearing a wedding dress that is not out of place in an historical venue, but at the same time is not out of place in the 21st Century.
You may be wondering how to create that balance.
Look for a wedding gown that is feminine and graceful, to start with.
A hoop skirt would look like a costume, but a full skirt over a gentle petticoat would look lovely.
Lace would definitely be a good choice.
What you want to avoid in this instance is anything that looks very modern or cutting edge.
When thinking about how to keep your wedding attire from looking like costumes, it is not only the bride that you should be concerned with.
If you are having a formal morning ceremony with the men in cutaway jackets and striped trousers, you may be tempted to add in the top hats and walking sticks, as well.
Resist! Even if the tuxedo rental shop offers it, that does not mean that you have to go with it.
Unless you truly believe that your fiance and his friends can pull it off without looking goofy, don't force them into any of these accessories.
The idea is for them to look like their best versions of themselves, not like they stepped out of a black and white movie.
Watch out for the urge to over-engineer the attire for your bridesmaids, as well.
It is very common, even not the most modern choice, to put them all into the same dress.
That is fine, but that is also as far as the matching should go.
After all, these are individuals, not the Rockettes.
If they are wearing not only identical dressed, but also the same hairstyle, makeup, and bridesmaid jewelry sets, they will look like store mannequins.
Let each of your attendants express her own personality; give them gifts of bridesmaid jewelry sets that are similar but unique.
And please let them choose their own hairstyles! Perfection is an admirable goal for your wedding, even if it isn't completely realistic.
However, don't get so caught up in expressing a theme that you don't allow your individuality to shine through.
When your wedding is harmonious, but also unique, you will find that you have created the memorable day of which you have been dreaming.