The ‘Bridgerton’ effect
Netflix’s Regency romance influencing spring-fall bridal fashion
Bridal gowns worn by fashion-forward women of 2021 are being influenced by styles worn 200 years ago, thanks to Netflix’s “Bridgerton.”
“Bridgerton” is the Regency-era romance based loosely on a series of books written by Julia Quinn. The first season of the English period drama drew upward of 82 million views, making it the most-streamed show on Netflix to date, according to bridal source The Knot.
The series focuses on the Bridgerton family of eight siblings led by matriarch Violet Bridgerton. As with most aristocratic mothers of “the ton,” she is devoted to seeing her children make stellar matches in marriage. The first season of “Bridgerton” dealt with daughter Daphne’s scheme with the Duke of Hastings to avoid marriage by pretending to have affection for each other — only to realize their ruse had become reality. The show made breakout stars of Phoebe Dynevor and RegeJean Page, who played the couple.
Created by Shonda Rhimes, “Bridgerton” combined steamy love scenes with romantic costuming set against wildly elaborate backdrops — a TV trifecta for big ratings. The Regency period, from 1811 to 1820, is known for being a period of social and cultural advancement in the arts, literature, science and music. Gowns in light colors (such as Daphne’s favorite, blue), embroidery, ruffles, long strands of jewels and sheer fabrics were worn by fashionable women. Gowns
were patterned on flowing Grecian attire — hence the rise of the empire waistline paired with low, square (or U-shaped) necklines and short puffed, or cap, sleeves.
The popularity of “Bridgerton” design has transferred from the small screen to the wedding ceremony, say local wedding salon owners. Regency style is reflected in bridal attire, headpieces and even reception decor. Brides-tobe are bringing their Pinterest boards into bridal salons, say local owners, wanting to emulate that Regency romance.
Brides-to-be searching for a look fit for a duchess will find that the Regency period’s fashion silhouette featured three key design elements: U-neckline, cap sleeves and empire waistline. These are being interpreted in modern bridal gowns by incorporating one or more of the trio.
“It’s a fashion-forward look right now. It’s driving the bridal industry,” says Rebecca Hake, manager of Ever After Bridal in Cleveland, Tennessee, of the “Bridgerton” influence.
Following is an overview of what a “Bridgerton” bride might be wearing this season. And even if your groom doesn’t murmur that now-famous line “I burn for you,” he will definitely think you’re hot.
BRIDAL GOWNS
› “The squared-off neckline is super-big right now,” says Hake. “It’s not going anywhere. We haven’t seen the empire waist popular for eight years, but it has come back. It’s classy, it’s slenderizing and is great for girls who are tall and curvy. Actually, it looks good on all sizes, but specifically those wanting that slimming effect,” says Hake.
She says the style is especially popular in satin (which “Bridgerton” costumers used for Daphne’s wedding gown for structure), but no matter what fabrication a bride prefers she will find all interpretations of the design mimic “that simple, chic look. Some have lace or bling, but from what we’ve seen it looks better without it. A simple, sleek look,” Hake says.
› “Definitely the square, U neckline is back. It’s big,” agrees Allie Holland, owner of Monica’s Bridal in Chattanooga. “It’s replacing the deep V neckline that replaced the sweetheart neckline.”
Holland says she has not seen requests for the empire waist at her salon because “many girls consider their waistline their most flattering feature and want to show it off. But we are seeing ‘Bridgerton’ influence in detailing, and the puffed sleeve, or cap sleeve, is definitely part of it.”
› Veatrice Conley, owner of Unveiled in Chattanooga, says brides are asking for romantic dresses, lots of lace and long fitted sleeves (another “Bridgerton” look and a feature of gowns forecast for fall). Unveiled’s website shows a collection of Daughters of Simone gowns featuring the cap sleeve and Amsale gowns illustrating the long, fitted sleeve.
HEADPIECES
While every Regency “diamond of the first water” wore tiaras to balls to signify social status, they have not been part of bridal attire since the mothers or even grandmothers of today’s brides wore them in the 1950s and ’60s. But prepare for their comeback.
› We saw headpieces go away, but girls are asking for them now,” says Hake. “We just came back from a bridal market in Utah and bought crowns and tiaras because brides come in with their Pinterest boards and say, ‘I want that.’”
› “We love tiaras in the bridal world, but have more requests for headpieces,” says Holland. “Girls want something in their hair, but not necessarily tiaras. Three-quarters of the veils we do are cathedral length or longer.”
› Conley says jeweled pieces, such as large brooches, are popular with brides who don’t want a headpiece.
“A jeweled brooch is perfect to wear on the side of the head or with a bun. I say it’s the next-level tiara because it gives you a regal feeling.”
RECEPTIONS
The after-party has moved out of the barn and into ballrooms, or even tents, decorated with chandeliers, strands of lights draped from ceiling to walls, tulle sheers draped across the ceiling or walls, and flowers, flowers and more flowers — especially roses as seen in the TV series. Multiple online articles discussing the “Bridgerton” influence suggest these decor ideas:
› Clusters of candles or candelabrum to create lighting.
› Big floral statements such as wisteria suspended from the ceiling; floral vines wound up the walls; an archway of flowers at the entryway or the altar.
› Fireworks such as seen in the outdoor ball scene of episodes 1 and 2, if the idea fits within the budget and is allowed by the venue.
› Food stations so guests may do a stroll around the party floor such as in episode 2.
› A champagne tower as the focal point of a room.
› Themed color presentations, such as the Green Ball of episode 3 or the Red Ball in episode 2.
› Any venue with a high ceiling, which will give a party a grand feeling.
MEN’S ATTIRE
Although “Bridgerton” romance is seeping into bridal fashion and reception decor, there’s been no change in popular men’s attire, says David Long, manager of Men’s Wearhouse.
“What’s big is lighter colors, brown shoes, and everyone wants the slimmer fit in trousers,” he says.