Bridal Looks Inspired By Your Favorite TV Shows

In an effort to stay positive, motivated, and make the best of the situation this past year, many of us set goals, which often involved learning a new skill or tackling a challenging project. Intentions were good starting out and we were excited to master a foreign language, finally finish those home improvements, and dust off the sewing machine. But as weeks turned into months turned into a year and counting, that initial drive ‘to make and do’ waned. Rest assured, you are not alone if during this time, comfort and solace was found in watching episode after episode of the numerous TV shows streaming online. The characters, story lines (often romantic and full of drama!), fabulous costumes, and idyllic scenery offered escapism from the harsh realities unfolding around us daily.

The Crown, Bridgerton, Sex and the City, Mad Men, and Downton Abbey were at the top of our queue most evenings. What these programs have in common is that they are all headed by a cast of strong female leads with one or two women eventually taking a walk down the aisle. This left us dreaming about the fashion and design of the time period and how it could be used as a mood board for today’s bride-to-be. Read on to see bridal looks inspired by our favorite TV shows.

The Crown
Chronicling the life of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940s through the present, The Crown let us behind the gates of Buckingham Palace and into the intimate and private world of British royalty. From the costumes worn by her Royal Majesty the Queen and Princess Margaret to Princess Diana, the period drama recreated some of the most iconic fashion moments in the last 6o years. This royal bridal look begins with breathtaking ball gown by Oscar de la Renta featuring all over lace with exquisite floral embroidery and long delicate sleeves. The dress is complemented by a stately, antique-inspired rhinestone wedding crown and simple pearl and diamond earrings. ‘Fit for a Queen’ wedding blossoms take form in a cascading bouquet of white florals and greenery.

 

 

 

 

Mad Men
Taking place during the 1960s, Mad Men follows the male-dominated industry of advertisement stationed along Madison Avenue in Manhattan. Storylines exposed the imbalance of gender equality in the workplace and at home. In doing so, the female characters were often revealed to be smarter, stronger, and more interesting than their male counterparts. This is also reflected in the show’s unforgettable costumes with outfits featuring a classic feminine silhouette, vibrant prints and colors, and statement accessories. The Mad Men bridal look begins with a pretty satin tea-length wedding dress featuring an all-over dot pattern and sheer neckline by designer Lela Rose. The dress is matched with a blooming crystal and faux pearl necklace and vintage style satin gloves. Flowers are lovely and simple, captured in a bouquet of white tulips and daffodils.

 

 

 

 

Sex and the City
Sex and the City‘s influence on fashion is matchless, and had women checking in each week just to see the characters’ outfits. Rule-breaking, bold, and modern, Carrie Bradshaw’s style in particular demanded attention. She made television wedding fashion history when she donned that now iconic Vivienne Westwood dress. Channeling Carrie’s risk-taking flair, this look begins with a show-stopping Monique Lhuillier gown featuring a delicate silk bodice paired with a fabulous full-feathered skirt. The ensemble is balanced by a minimalist birdcage veil with pearl embellishments. Known for her lust for shoes, Carrie received Manolo Blahnik blue satin bejeweled pumps from Mr. Big in lieu of an engagement ring (she would end up wearing the shoes when they eloped at City Hall). The obvious choice of footwear here. Big day florals are clean and classic, taking shape in an ivory, white, and pale blush rose bouquet.

 

 

 

Bridgerton
Filled with romance, scandal, humor, and a dynamic cast of characters, Bridgerton was everything we needed after a tumultuous 2020. Taking place in London during the Regency era, the first season of this period show follows the Bridgerton sisters, Daphne in particular, as they navigate their way through high society in the hopes of finding a suitable husband. Empire waists dresses with puffed sleeves stitched in sumptuous fabrics, opulent jewelry, and sparkling headpieces were the height of fashion during this time. This look begins with designer Danielle Frankel’s modern take on the empire waist dress made from tucked silk organza with a corded lace underlay and draped sleeves. Jewelry must make a statement – the ensemble is complemented by a glittery crystal wedding tiara and and a lavish white gold and diamond double chain necklace. A romantic bouquet featuring blush and white peonies with sprigs of lavender adds a welcomed touch of color.

 

 

 

Downton Abbey
Spanning the years 1912 through 1926, the historical drama Downton Abbey is a tour de force of fashion from the time with exquisitely detailed costumes looking back at the post-Edwardian period through the roaring 20s. Forever prim and polished, the women of the aristocratic Crawley family always put their most stylish foot forward when stepping out into high society. This look centers on a Marchesa gown featuring a modest silhouette, combining a bejeweled top with an airy tulle skirt. The tiara was the must-have accessory of the day, so it’s only fitting that the Downton Abbey bride accessorize with dazzling headpiece. Her ‘something blue’ is taken care of with stunning drop earrings featuring pear shape sapphires and diamonds. A simple white calla lily and greenery bouquet completes the presentation.

 

 

 

From Sex and the City‘s modern New York style to the ornate period dress of high-society London, these TV shows are full of fashion inspiration for the bride-to-be. Now, you don’t have to dress head-to-toe like a Queen or debutante. We are just saying that if there is a day to wear a crown, it is on the day you get married.