Classic Bridal Looks
Having steered the ship of Queensmith's creative content since 2017, India finds immense satisfaction in arming clients with the information they're seeking, identifying and analysing trends, and exploring buying habits.
Embark on a journey through the ages as we explore the epitome of sophistication and grace – classic bridal looks and timeless wedding ideas. In this article, we'll guide you through every element that contributes to the timeless charm of a wedding to help inspire your wedding mood board or fuel discussions with a wedding planner. Think Sofia Richie Grainge, 'old money' wedding aesthetic simplicity in grandeur at its best. From the choice of wedding rings to the intricacies of bridal bouquets and timeless wedding dresses, let's dive into the details that make a wedding truly classic.
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Our Favourite Classic Wedding Rings
Begin your journey by adorning your commitment with a classic wedding ring. Discover the enduring appeal of timeless designs, from traditional bands to intricate details that stand the test of time. Our selection showcases the craftsmanship that transforms a ring into a symbol of eternal love. For male grooms and those who identify with male style, a thick, plain wedding band in platinum or yellow gold is timeless. For women and those who identify with feminine style, consider a diamond eternity ring, either in a Scallop Set or Pavé Set style. Alternatively, you may prefer a simple, plain wedding ring - make like the royals, and opt for a plain yellow gold wedding ring like the Full Court.
Classic Wedding Rings
Selecting a classic wedding ring involves careful consideration of design elements that stand the test of time. Opt for enduring styles like a simple band in precious metals such as platinum or gold, showcasing sentimental, subtle details like an engraving of your wedding date, your partner’s initials or a thoughtful quote. Most Queensmith wedding rings can be engraved, typically with up to 25 characters - get in touch to arrange.
Classic wedding ring designs often feature traditional round diamonds for added sophistication. When pairing with an engagement ring, ensure a harmonious look by choosing a wedding band that complements the style and setting of the engagement ring.
For solitaire engagement rings, a diamond set wedding ring can enhance the diamond's brilliance, while an intricately designed engagement ring may pair well with a simpler, plain wedding band to achieve a balanced and timeless aesthetic. That said, most people like to match their wedding ring with the band of their engagement ring. The key is to choose a classic wedding ring that not only reflects your personal style but also seamlessly complements the enduring beauty of your engagement ring.
Styles we love:
Most Popular Classic Wedding Rings
Our Favourite Classic Wedding Dresses
Step into a world of elegance with our curated pick of classic wedding dresses from a variety of retailers. We’ve rounded up our favourite timeless styles, from vintage-inspired gowns to minimalist silhouettes and traditional gowns - below is our diverse pick of timeless bridal fashion that transcends trends. Image: @chosenbykyha via Instagram
Classic Wedding Dresses
- P.S. Bridal Rental - Founders Zoe & Ella explain, 'we founded P.S. Rental after our personal experiences with wedding dress shopping and lack of a truly affordable, sustainable and circular option.' Tailored styling at a good price - plus, try their free dress finder, where they'll get to know you and send over their pick of dresses they think you'll love!
- White One Bridal - Part of the Pronovias Group, this is a go-to to find any classic dress style you might be looking for. They have a 'last minute' collection - handy if you're second-guessing your original choice.
- Marchesa - Frilly, lacy, A-line skirts, floral appliqué: this one is for the whimsical, romantic, traditional brides. Shop their selection, and find the style to suit you, with prices on asking.
- Bibiluxe Studio - A small, UK-based business, where each garment is individually cut by hand. With an online-only offering, they're able to keep overheads low and pass on fair prices to customers, and this in turn helps them to maintain high standard craftsmanship. A brand after our own hearts!
- The Collectibles - A limited collection of sensational bridal (and non-bridal) vintage and pre-owned pieces at a range of prices, this is the place to shop for something with that 'one off' feeling. Their model helps contribute to a slower, more circular fashion industry - we love.
- Aire Barcelona - Beyond chic, from simple silhouettes to full-bodied skirts, there is a whole host of variety to choose from here. These guys are particularly good are plain, simple wedding dresses.
- Grace Lane London - With a history working at Alexander McQueen and renowned tailor, Gieves & Hawkes, Grace creates bespoke outfits for weddings alongside TV and film. So think drama, celeb-influence and stunning tailoring. She also has a unique vintage selection.
- Half Penny London - A trip here is a dream. With a celeb-following, Half Penny have become an iconic London-bride destination for stylish brides. Big bows, puffy sleeves, major fun.
Our Favourite Classic Wedding Flowers
Opt for classics like roses, peonies and lilies, renowned for their enduring beauty and symbolic significance. Baby’s breath, or gypsophila, is a traditional, whimsical choice. These flowers not only boast a timeless allure but also radiate a sense of romance, adding a poetic touch to your wedding aesthetic. When considering colours, embrace soft and muted tones such as ivory, blush and pastel hues to maintain a classic and sophisticated palette. For a real statement, go all white! These shades not only complement various wedding themes but also lend a timeless quality to your floral arrangements, ensuring that your wedding blooms are a testament to enduring love and grace.
Planning a magical winter or autumn wedding? Discover the most popular wedding flowers for autumn and winter.
Image: @sweetpealondon via Instagram
Classic Wedding Flowers
- Sweet Pea - Credited amongst the best wedding florists by Harper's Bazaar and The Telegraph, this is the classic wedding florist to know. A luxury touch, with traditional yet unstuffy aesthetics. Think white flowers, green foliage, and hints of blush tones.
- Grace & Thorn - Most London-based brides-to-be will know this florist. We adore the whimsical, romantic drama of their bouquets. Almost painting-like, these guys ace mixing shapes and colours to create a cohesive, stunning arrangement.
- Mollie & Mauve - We're obsessed with founder Rachel's floral creations, from natural-looking doorway frames and flower arches, to rustic window embellishments. She thinks outside the box while keeping things classic and inspired by nature. Based in West Yorkshire.
- Hattie Flowers - Muted tones and slightly unusual installations underpin this 'slow' florist, who grows and arranges their own in-season flowers within natural conditions, massively reducing their need for European imports. Ethical, hand-selected, passionately arranged. We love!
- Jamjar Flowers - Fresh, quaint, English-Countryside-esque, this South London florist is the picture-perfect destination for romantic brides. Their signature style derived from "the simple charm of local wild flowers, picked and arranged in jam jars and displayed on the kitchen table".
- Flowers By Passion - Based in Bath and giving Bridgerton vibes, we particularly love their approach to dressing doorways and architectural focal points, as if the flowers are bursting through the stonework. Committed to working as sustainably as possible, this is one to know for eco-conscious couples.
- Swallows And Damsons - Whether you're picturing gigantic Victorian-style urns filled to the brim with flowers and foliage, or installations to hang above your Wedding breakfast table, check out this florist for wow-factor with a historic-edge.
- Hare & Howl - Nailing the white bouquet and blush tone brief, this is a reliably classic wedding florist with a slight bohemian edge. Based in York, a great option for Northern brides and grooms.
Our Favourite Classic Wedding Shoes & Accessories
Classic bridal looks are all about timeless elegance and sophisticated charm. Characterised by intricate lace, delicate beadwork, pearls, and crystals, classic wedding shoes and accessories add a refined touch to your bridal ensemble. From beautifully crafted shoes to exquisite headpieces, these elements elevate your wedding day look with their timeless appeal and meticulous craftsmanship.
Image: @jenniferbehr
Classic Shoes & Accessories
- Jennifer Behr – Known for exquisite headpieces and jewellery, Jennifer Behr offers classic designs that feature intricate craftsmanship and luxurious materials. Their pieces often incorporate pearls, crystals and floral motifs, perfect for brides seeking timeless elegance. Prices range from £150 to £800, with availability online and at select boutiques worldwide.
- Emmy London – Synonymous with classic bridal sophistication. Their handcrafted shoes and accessories feature delicate embellishments, luxurious fabrics and elegant silhouettes. Ideal for brides looking to add a touch of vintage glamour to their wedding day look. Prices start at around £350, and they are based in London with an online shop.
- Hermione Harbutt – Creates exquisite bridal accessories with a timeless appeal. Her intricate designs feature pearls, crystals and hand-crafted details, including headpieces, tiaras and jewellery that add a touch of classic elegance to any bridal look. Prices range from £150 to £800, available online and in her London and Bristol boutiques.
- Christy Ng – Specialises in beautiful and classic bridal shoes that combine comfort with style. With a range of designs from elegant stilettos to chic flats, each pair features timeless details like lace, satin and delicate embroidery, ensuring a graceful look for your wedding day. Prices start at £50, with availability online and in stores across Malaysia.
- Victoria Percival – Luxurious bridal accessories that blend classic elegance with contemporary flair. Their collections include beautifully crafted headpieces, tiaras and jewellery adorned with pearls and crystals, making them perfect for a timeless bridal look. Prices range from £100 to £600, available online and in select UK boutiques.
- Liberty in Love – Offers a curated selection of classic bridal accessories, including veils, headpieces and jewellery. Known for their vintage-inspired designs and exquisite craftsmanship, their pieces are perfect for brides looking to add a touch of old-world charm to their wedding attire. Prices range from £50 to £400, available online.
- Paradox London – Offers a stunning range of classic bridal shoes that are both elegant and comfortable. Known for their timeless designs featuring delicate lace, satin finishes and understated embellishments, Paradox London’s shoes are perfect for brides seeking traditional elegance. Prices typically range from £50 to £150. Available online and in bridal boutiques across the UK.
- Velo Bianco – Offers a range of classic bridal accessories, including veils, tiaras and sashes. Their designs feature intricate lace, delicate beadwork and elegant silhouettes, perfect for brides seeking a traditional and timeless look. Prices range from £50 to £300, available online.
- Debbie Carlisle – Designs beautiful bridal headpieces and accessories with a classic touch. Her collections include vintage-inspired combs, hair vines and tiaras adorned with crystals and pearls, ideal for brides wanting an elegant and timeless look. Prices range from £100 to £400, available online and at select UK boutiques.
Our Favourite Classic Wedding Cakes
Classic wedding cakes embody timeless elegance and refined beauty, often characterised by intricate details, delicate sugar flowers and elegant designs. These cakes serve as a stunning centrepiece for your wedding celebration, adding a touch of sophistication and charm. From intricate lace patterns to beautifully crafted floral decorations, classic wedding cakes capture the essence of tradition and romance. Here are a few of our favourite classic wedding cake designers to help you create a delicious and aesthetic cake to match the timeless feel of your wedding celebrations.
Image: @patacakemisterton
Classic Wedding Cakes
- Claire de Lune Cake Design – Known for creating sophisticated and elegant wedding cakes. Based in Wiltshire, Claire’s cakes often feature intricate detailing, delicate flowers and refined finishes, making them perfect for a classic bridal theme. Prices start at £350.
- TSP Cake – Known for their elegant and meticulously crafted wedding cakes that embody classic beauty. Based in London, their cakes feature intricate sugar flowers, delicate piping, and sophisticated designs, making them the perfect centrepiece for a timeless wedding. Prices start at £450.
- Rachel Miller Cake Design – Offers exquisite wedding cakes that blend timeless elegance with modern touches. Based in Hampshire, Rachel’s cakes feature intricate sugar flowers and elegant piping, perfect for a classic wedding. Prices start at around £400.
- Let Them Eat Cakes – Specialising in beautifully crafted wedding cakes, Let Them Eat Cakes provides classic designs that often include delicate lace patterns and floral arrangements. Based in Leicestershire, their creations are both visually stunning and delicious. Prices range from £300 to £800.
- Rosalind Miller Cakes – Provides stunning wedding cakes that exude timeless elegance. Based in London, their creations often feature intricate sugar flowers, elegant piping, and classic silhouettes, perfect for adding a touch of refinement to your wedding day. Prices start at £600.
- Pat-a-Cake – Offers classic wedding cakes with a touch of elegance and charm. Based in Devon, their cakes often feature traditional designs with delicate sugar flowers and elegant piping, perfect for a classic wedding celebration. Prices start at £300.
- GC Couture – Specialises in luxurious wedding cakes that exude timeless elegance. Based in London, their cakes often feature intricate sugar flowers, elegant piping, and classic silhouettes, making them a stunning centrepiece for your wedding. Prices start at £500.
- Meg Rivers Artisan Bakery – Offers beautifully crafted wedding cakes that combine traditional baking techniques with classic designs. Based in Warwickshire, their cakes often feature simple yet elegant decorations, making them a perfect choice for a classic wedding. Prices range from £200 to £600.
- Leigh-Anne's Flower & Cake Design – Specialising in bespoke wedding cakes that combine classic elegance with modern creativity, Leigh-Anne’s cakes often feature intricate detailing and beautiful floral decorations. Based in Manchester and Cheshire, prices range from £300 to £900.
- Bluebell Kitchen – Creates bespoke wedding cakes that are both beautiful and delicious. Based in Kent, their cakes often feature classic designs with intricate sugar work and elegant finishes, perfect for a timeless wedding. Prices start at £400.
- Louise Hayes Cakes – Offers stunning wedding cakes that blend classic elegance with contemporary design. Based in West Sussex, Louise’s creations often feature intricate details and beautiful finishes, ideal for a sophisticated bridal theme. Prices range from £350 to £1,000.
Our Favourite Classic Wedding Venues
Classic wedding venues offer a timeless and elegant backdrop for your special day, featuring stunning architecture, beautiful gardens and a sense of history that adds depth and romance to your celebration. These venues are perfect for couples who appreciate the charm and sophistication of traditional settings, where every detail, from the grand ballrooms to the manicured lawns, contributes to an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether nestled in the serene countryside or located within bustling cities, these classic venues provide a picturesque and refined setting that captures the essence of romance and elegance.
Image: @lartingtonhall
Classic Wedding Venues
- Château de la Bourdaisière, France – Located in the Loire Valley, Château de la Bourdaisière exudes historic charm and elegance. With its beautiful gardens, grand interiors and stunning architecture, this French château provides a picturesque and romantic setting for a classic wedding.
- The Orangery Maidstone, Kent – Situated in the heart of Kent, The Orangery Maidstone features a stunning 9-acre garden, tranquil lake and beautifully restored orangery. This venue’s blend of natural beauty and elegant design makes it ideal for a timeless wedding celebration.
- Villa Balbiano, Italy – Part of The Heritage Collection, Villa Balbiano is an opulent villa located on the western shore of Lake Como. This stunning venue boasts beautiful gardens, historic interiors and breathtaking lake views. Its grand architecture and elegant decor make it a perfect setting for a classic and luxurious wedding.
- Lucknam Park, Wiltshire – Set in the Wiltshire countryside, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa is a stunning Georgian mansion surrounded by 500 acres of parkland. Its grand interiors, manicured gardens and luxurious amenities create a refined and classic setting for your wedding day.
- Lartington Hall, Durham – Located in County Durham, Lartington Hall is a magnificent country house that offers elegance and sophistication. With its exquisite interiors, grand ballroom and beautiful gardens, Lartington Hall is perfect for a classic wedding filled with timeless charm.
- The Charterhouse, London – In the heart of London, The Charterhouse is a historic venue with a rich heritage dating back to the 14th century. Its medieval architecture, beautiful chapel and elegant reception rooms provide a unique and classic setting for an unforgettable wedding.
- Northbrook Park, Surrey – Nestled in the Surrey countryside, Northbrook Park is a Georgian manor house set within 120 acres of parkland. With its elegant walled gardens, serene lake and stunning Orangery, this venue offers a classic and sophisticated setting for your wedding day.
- Farm Street Church, London – Located in Mayfair, Farm Street Church is a beautiful Jesuit church known for its stunning Gothic architecture and intricate interiors. This venue offers a grand and spiritual setting, perfect for a classic and traditional wedding ceremony.
- Chiddingstone Castle, Kent – A historic venue surrounded by beautiful gardens and a tranquil lake. The castle’s grand rooms, historic charm and picturesque grounds make it an ideal location for a classic wedding celebration.
- Cornwell Manor, Oxfordshire – Offers a quintessentially English setting with its stunning manor house and beautifully landscaped gardens. This venue’s timeless elegance and charm provide the perfect backdrop for a classic wedding.
- Brympton House, Somerset – A historic manor house with a rich heritage and stunning architecture. The venue features beautiful gardens, a picturesque lake and elegant reception rooms, making it an ideal choice for a timeless and classic wedding.
- Wadhurst Castle, East Sussex – A romantic venue set within 140 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland. The castle’s historic charm, elegant interiors and stunning views provide a picturesque and timeless setting for a classic wedding celebration.
