In a world of traditional wedding themes, some couples are looking to step outside the box and embrace something entirely unique. Enter the world of Steampunk weddings—a fascinating fusion of Victorian elegance and industrial innovation, steeped in a rich history of fantasy and adventure. If you’re considering a wedding that blends the romance of the past with a daring, imaginative future, a Steampunk wedding might be the perfect choice.
Steampunk Weddings at The British Engineerium in Hove
What is Steampunk?
Steampunk is a design style that draws inspiration from the Victorian era’s vision of a technologically advanced, steam-powered future. Imagine a world where airships sail through the skies, intricate brass machinery clicks and whirs, and stylish, Victorian-dressed adventurers embark on fantastical journeys.
At its core, Steampunk blends the old with the new: Victorian aesthetics combined with futuristic concepts—gears, cogs, exposed metal, and leather. The style takes its cues from the science fiction literature of the 19th century, especially the works of authors like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. But over time, it evolved from a literary genre into a full-fledged cultural movement influencing fashion, art, design, and, of course, weddings.
Why Steampunk is a Popular Design Style for Weddings
In the ever-growing world of wedding trends, couples are constantly searching for ways to express their individuality. Steampunk weddings have gained immense popularity due to their bold, unconventional nature. They provide the perfect opportunity for couples who want to create something extraordinary and personal.
A Steampunk wedding allows couples to experiment with blending historical romance with elements of fantasy and innovation. Whether you’re drawn to Victorian fashion or love the idea of incorporating industrial elements into your big day, Steampunk offers endless creative possibilities.
Moreover, the Steampunk aesthetic is incredibly customizable. From the couple’s attire to the decor, the wedding is a reflection of your shared vision, bringing together history, style, and imagination. Whether you’re seeking a quirky, whimsical look or an elegant, vintage affair, Steampunk has the versatility to transform any space into a captivating, otherworldly environment.
Key Elements to Style a Steampunk Wedding
A Steampunk wedding isn’t just about the decor—it’s an entire aesthetic, from fashion to colour palettes. Here’s how to bring the Steampunk vibe to life:
Colour Palette
The key to achieving an authentic Steampunk look is choosing the right colours. Opt for rich, deep tones like copper, gold, bronze, burgundy, and midnight blue. These tones, combined with metallic accents and antique finishes, will create a warm, vintage atmosphere with just the right amount of industrial edge.
Fashion
Steampunk-inspired wedding fashion blends Victorian styles with a dash of adventurous flair. Brides can rock a vintage-inspired gown featuring lace, corsets, and intricate detailing, or even opt for a more dramatic look with a modern twist, such as a Victorian-style dress paired with combat boots for an added edge. Grooms can don waistcoats, top hats, and pocket watches, completing the look with goggles or a vintage leather belt.
Whether it’s a custom outfit or pre-made pieces, the beauty of Steampunk fashion lies in its flexibility and the opportunity for couples to inject their personalities into their attire.
Steampunk wedding fashion from @scarlettayla
Décor and Choosing a Venue
The decor is where the true magic of a Steampunk wedding comes alive. Think exposed brick walls, weathered wood, and industrial fixtures. Brass chandeliers with exposed bulbs, vintage maps, antique books, and even old gears can add that extra layer of texture and intrigue to the environment.
The right venue will make all the difference in setting the tone. Look for places with a vintage or industrial vibe—lofts, old warehouses, or even converted factories can serve as the perfect backdrop for your Steampunk celebration.
Steampunk-Inspired Wedding Stationery
Your wedding stationery is one of the first ways your guests will experience the Steampunk vibe, so it’s important to make a statement from the start. Steampunk-inspired invitations, orders of service, table plans, menus and place cards could feature vintage typography, intricate borders, and a colour palette of deep metallics and rich, earthy tones.
Gears, cogs, pocket watches, and Victorian-style motifs can be used as decorative elements, while subtle touches of brass and copper foil stamping can add an elegant shine. For a more personal touch, consider creating custom illustrations or maps of your wedding venue or wedding journey, tying in the adventure and fantastical elements of the Steampunk world. Vintage postage stamps or wax seals can also give your invitations an authentic, antique feel.
With wedding stationery, the goal is to set the tone for your big day, offering your guests a sneak peek into the Steampunk world you’ve carefully crafted. Whether you’re going for ornate designs or something more minimalist yet still inspired by the industrial chic look, the stationery should feel like the first chapter of your wedding adventure.
Steampunk inspired table plan from @TheWeddingPrintShop
Steampunk Wedding Rentals: The Essentials
Creating the perfect Steampunk wedding doesn’t mean you have to buy everything from scratch. Renting key items can help you bring the look to life without the hassle. Here’s what to consider for your rental list:
Furniture
Steampunk weddings are all about merging elegance with industrial charm. Rent vintage-inspired furniture with a rugged edge, such as leather armchairs, wooden tables and wooden barrels with metal detailing. These pieces will set the foundation for a Steampunk-inspired atmosphere, inviting guests to feel as though they’ve stepped into another era.
Steampunk wedding setup from @evaroseweddings
Tableware
Your table settings should reflect the unique Steampunk aesthetic. Rent ornate silverware, coloured glassware with Victorian flourishes, and dishes that evoke a sense of timelessness. Brass candleholders, vintage candelabras, and deeply coloured linens can bring an air of sophistication while keeping with the industrial vibe.
Incorporating gear-shaped napkin holders, vintage clocks, or pocket watches into the centrepieces will also help tie everything together.
Lighting
Lighting plays an essential role in creating the right ambiance for a Steampunk wedding. Industrial-style light fixtures with exposed Edison bulbs or vintage-style chandeliers can help set the tone, casting a warm, nostalgic glow over the space. Don’t forget to rent lanterns or soft, vintage lamps for added texture and depth.
Props and Accessories
Think outside the box when it comes to props. Rent or create items that enhance the Steampunk atmosphere—think antique suitcases, pocket watches, old-timey maps, and vintage clocks. These elements will not only look stunning in photos but will also help transport your guests to a fantastical world.
Table Settings
Rent unique, rustic chargers and crockery with intricate detailing to create a rich, vintage vibe. Copper or brass utensils, along with rich-coloured glassware, will add even more Steampunk flair to your tables. Combining these elements creates an eclectic, yet cohesive, aesthetic that speaks to the heart of the Steampunk style.
How to Bring the Steampunk Aesthetic to Life
While the right rentals are key, the personal touches you add to your wedding will bring the Steampunk style to life. Consider DIY elements such as creating custom gear place cards, vintage-inspired favours like pocket watches or keychains, or even a hand-made Steampunk photo booth complete with goggles and accessories for guests to wear.
Choosing a venue with an industrial or vintage feel is another way to solidify your theme. Look for old warehouses, factories, or rustic barns that can be transformed with the right decor into a Steampunk dreamscape.
Conclusion
A Steampunk wedding offers a one-of-a-kind celebration, full of adventure, romance, and creativity. By blending Victorian elegance with industrial chic, couples can create a day that feels timeless yet entirely unique. With the right elements—furniture, tableware, lighting, and decor—you can easily transform any space into a Steampunk-inspired wonderland.
If you’re looking to bring your Steampunk wedding vision to life, don’t forget to explore rental options that will help you create a setting that’s both stylish and functional. From vintage furniture to unique tableware, the right pieces will elevate your celebration and make it an unforgettable experience.
So, gear up and get ready for an adventure into a world where history meets fantasy, and your dream wedding is just a few cogs away.
Showing off the Steampunk Vibes
We were thrilled to be part of a Steampunk-inspired styled shoot at the stunning British Engineerium in Hove, organized by The Wedding Index. Alongside an incredible group of suppliers, we helped bring a Steampunk dream to life. Eva Rose Weddings designed a captivating tablescape with deep reds, rich browns, and gleaming coppers. The Wedding Print Shop created stunning table plans and menus that echoed the beauty of weathered copper, while Bubbas Bakes crafted a show-stopping cake. Meanwhile, Scarlet Tayla, Iulia Furndean, and Adam Lawton collaborated to style our picture-perfect bride and groom.
Take a look at the final results, and a huge thank you to all the talented suppliers involved:
Photographer: @danielfranchinaweddings
Cake: @bubbasbakes
Publishing Magazine: @theweddingindex
Groom: @fitnessbycdc
Makeup: @iulia.furdean
Bride: @francesca_croglia
Decor: @evaroseweddings
Furniture: @cohire
Shoes: @irregularchoice
Stationery: @theweddingprintshop
Location: @thebritishengineerium
Content Creation: @thesocialsocket
Outfit: @scarlettayla
Flowers: @boom_bridal
Hair: @adam__lawton
Rings: @blackzironiumrings.co.uk
