Wedding Guest Attire: Insights from Emmy-Nominated Series' Costume Teams
Wedding invitations may not always specify the dress code, but one rule remains constant: avoid overshadowing the bride. However, attending a wedding doesn't mean sacrificing style. From the elegant Regency England of "Bridgerton" to the opulent 1880s New York in "The Gilded Age," well-dressed guests are a common sight in Emmy-nominated series. The Envelope spoke with the costume teams of these shows to get insights on guest attire.
"The Gilded Age" draws inspiration from New York City's elite in the 19th century, with lavish nuptials reminiscent of socialite Consuelo Vanderbilt's wedding. The costuming team meticulously captures the essence and glamour of the era, ensuring that every character fits within the societal standards of the time.
Background actors on "The Gilded Age" are meticulously dressed, with eye-catching headwear crafted by in-house milliners. Fabrics with sheen and brocade thread add a touch of luminescence to the darkened church setting, creating a visually stunning ensemble for the wedding scenes.
The wardrobe crew of "The Gilded Age" starts their day at 2 a.m. on shooting days, spending about five hours preparing the background actors for their scenes. The attention to detail and dedication to authenticity are evident in the elaborate costumes seen on screen.
In FX's "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette," the guest list may be smaller, but the wedding on Cumberland Island, Ga., is a significant event. The costume team meticulously recreated the 1996 wedding weekend based on camcorder footage from the documentary, ensuring that each performer had multiple authentic costume changes.
The rural setting of the wedding in "Love Story" presented challenges like hot weather, but the costume team aimed for authenticity over perfection. The costumes were designed to reflect the real-life scenario, with a touch of dishevelment and realism to capture the essence of the event.
In "Bridgerton," Benedict and Sophie's outdoor wedding ceremony is a departure from the usual opulence, with a focus on simplicity and freshness. The countryside-inspired floral motif adds a touch of elegance to the low-key ceremony, creating a visually appealing and authentic setting for the characters.
Floral prints and Jane Austen-inspired designs are incorporated into the costumes of "Bridgerton," adding a touch of historical charm to the characters' attire. The meeting of different social classes at the wedding highlights the importance of each character, regardless of their background.
On HBO Max's "Hacks," Deborah and Ava attend a wedding at Caesars Palace, showcasing their unique styles and personalities through their outfit choices. The vibrant floral pantsuit worn by Deborah and the elegant charcoal-gray frock chosen by Ava reflect their individuality and fashion sense.
Despite the unexpected turn of events at the wedding in "Hacks," the characters find a new beginning in a business partnership. The neutral linen-suit-wearing Marcus balances out Deborah's colorful attire, symbolizing a new union and a beautiful moment of collaboration.
Whether the weddings in these series end in marital bliss or unexpected twists, the guests' attire is worth noting for its attention to detail and authenticity. Each wedding scene captures the essence of the era and the characters' personalities through their fashion choices.