Top Tips for a Fairy Tale Wedding Theme

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And They Lived Happily Ever After ...

It might be safe to say that virtually all brides start with the idea of a fairytale wedding ... and many brides stay the course.

To them, anything short of the full royal regalia, and the coach and carriage and castle, amounts to a dream deferred. And nobody settles for a dream deferred on their wedding day!

Fact is, for some of us, only a fairytale wedding can do justice to a lifetime of dreaming about that handsome prince on a white horse, and the pomp and circumstance that's only natural when he finally shows up!

Finessing Your Fairytale Wedding

Fairytale Wedding CakeThe fairytale wedding has certain key components. For one thing, it involves drama. The small things ... and the big gestures ... count for a lot.

Both the bride and her visual echo, the cake, need to be a thing of wonder. This is not the bride who will pick up a body-hugging satin sheath, pop a gardenia in the hair and be done with it.

The tiara. The curls. The crystal push-pins in the bouquet of tight-packed roses. The horse and carriage. Even a pair of gorgeous designer "slippers" ... virtually nothing is too much when you're talking a fairytale wedding.

Donning the Dream Gown

Fairytale BrideWhat the bride wears is of paramount importance. More than any other factor, it's her dress that makes the dream. And 99 times out of a hundred, that dress is going to be a ball gown.

It might have countless layers of tulle, it might have waterfalls of ruched satin, but it's going to be a substantial, imposing gown (even if it's not going to 'trump' the gown Melania Knauss wore, at 50 pounds and 100 yards of pure silk).

For dramatic fairytale gowns, take a gander at St. Pucchi, Alfred Angelo, Eve Of Milady or Lazaro.

As for brides who love Disney (as you all doubtless know), you can now buy mid-priced gowns designed after – and named for – Disney's signature princesses: Ariel, Snow White, Jasmine and more.

Some Fantastically Romantic St. Pucci Gowns

St. Pucci fairytale gowns

St. Pucci gowns are inspired by elaborate, historical fashions, especially 16th century fashion. They're extremely structured, involving figure-flattering elements like corsets and ballgown skirts. It's hard to think of another designer as flagrantly romantic (or ostentatious, take your pick). While costs vary, about $5,000 for a St. Pucchi gown is fairly typical.

Incredible Creations by Lazaro

Lazaro Wedding Gowns

Lazaro arguably provides a more contemporary, haute couture spin on the princess bride, while remaining quite romantic. A Lazaro gown will often run you between $2,000 and $5,000. Charmeuse, organza and Chantilly lace are a few signature Lazaro fabrics that make these gowns look ephemeral and lighter-than-air.

All the 'Do & Dress Details

Fairytale Bridal HairstyleThe fairytale bride's hair has to outshine all the other contenders at the royal ball (wicked stepsisters especially), so she's going to have a structured 'do for this day of all days.

You'll see ringlets, up-dos or half-up half-downs, possibly temporary extensions (they're not just for stalets!) to pump up the volume, lots of shine ... and often, a tiara.


Depending on how modern a look she's going for, you might also see trés demure elbow-length gloves ... or even cap or long sleeves, reminiscent of princesses of yore. More modern princess brides typically go for the clean look of strapless.

Fairytale Finds

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Fairytale Flowers

Fairytale wedding tablesA rose is much more than a rose, especially at fairytale weddings. And simply put: no other blooms will do.

The princess bride properly walks a carpet of rose petals as she glides down the aisle. Small storms of rose petals grace the banquet and cake tables. She's typically holding a heavy bouquet of love's favorite flowers in royal red (for romance), or just as often, blush pink and white.

This most classic of blooms finds itself set off to best advantage on a table that sparkles with glass, crystal and silver.

Irresistible Gifts for Enchanted Guests

Fairytale Wedding Favors

Drama Queen

Cute Flower GirlsThe fairytale bride needs to focus on gestures, since this theme is half theater. Can she make a grand entrance down a winding staircase? Can she stand from a balcony to toss the bouquet?

Perhaps a gaggle of adorable children can hold up the ends of her cathedral-length veil. Or perhaps there's lighting ... and music ... available to put her in the spotlight when she steps into view. How about a harpist to add some magic to processions, or sparklers to add fireworks to the recessional?

This theme calls for a gorgeous vintage car or even a horse and carriage to sweep her away at the end of the night. Or even a ring bearer to walk up the aisle with a glass shoe on a satin pillow. And perhaps most important: that moment when the bride and her prince glide across the dance floor in a royal waltz for two.

Fairytale Centerpiece Ideas

These Tablescapes are Fit for any Princess

Manzanita fantasy tree & sand castle centerpiece

Not planning to flaunt five thousand roses at your reception? Fairytale brides without a kingdom-sized floral budget are often at a loss for what to put on the tables. Here are some gorgeous ideas from around the web:

A lovely fantasy Manzanita tree will enchant all your guests. Or, for a romantic beach setting, a finely detailed sand castle is a true visual treat.

More fairytale centerpieces

BH&G offers up this cunning white pumpkin centerpiece on a silver urn, and Shindigz has affordable tabletop carriages, perfect for tarting up with tealights, flowers or vines.

More fairytale centerpieces

Nothing could be more graceful than a soft white bird cage centerpiece. Or what about a shabby chic and feminine graduated tower of hat boxes and ribbon, or a whisper-white clutch of flowers tucked in lacy vases?

Romantic Resources

Fairytale Planning Ideas
Need suggestions for fairytale food, music or favors? Or just need to know where to source a life-sized pumpkin coach in Topeka, KS? This is your site!
Fairytale Wedding Favors
A huge selection, from frog prince soaps to gossamer glass slippers and everything in between.
Here's the Low-Down on Disney Weddings
Thinking of getting married at the Mouse House itself? Here's some practical advice from brides who've been there, done that.
6 Must-Have Accessories for Cinderella Brides
If you've followed Cindy's rise to the top from an early age, you'll want to study up on these six accessories that locked in her signature look.

What a Princess Really Needs

Tiara Bride
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Ever felt like having your fairytale in a state devoid of castles is somehow not enough? Live vicariously through this bride who opted for the full princess treatment at the Magic Kingdom.
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Share your Fairytale Tips

How are you bringing some of that storybook magic to your own wedding? Share your tips and tricks, leave a note ... or ask a question.

  • beautiful wedding dress Dec 8, 2010 @ 3:51 am | delete
    It looks like a failtale! and I want to share my happiness with friends.
    Thank you so so much for my dress! Its so beautiful, it brought a tear to my eye! the detail is gorgeous and youve put in some exta sequins and beads, thank you.Its a perfect fit, my wedding is in JAN. 2011, and i can afford to lose a little weight!Definalty will be buying my bridesmaid dresses from here!quick delivery but i did have to pay some exta once my friends' prom dress got to the uk, but other than that. GREAT!
  • Susan White Nov 26, 2010 @ 12:20 am | delete
    I ordered this dress and just like the previous reviewer, it came in such a small box that I thought it was just my Bridesmaid dress. In fact it was both! The dress is amazing. It is slightly long which is good to allow for the heels! It also looks like there are straps on the dress but mine didn't come with any. It doesn't make a difference though. The stitching on the bodice is amazing, in fact the whole dress is. My sisters & sisters-in-law have seen it and cant believe it was ordered on line. I would seriously recommend using Light in the Box and have been telling all my friends about it. Thank you!
  • eastbridal Nov 5, 2009 @ 12:11 am | delete
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  • TopStyleTravel Feb 13, 2009 @ 3:29 pm | delete
    Fabulous lens on fairy tale weddings. Many great resources for the happy couple. The castle cake is over the top. The carriage pictures make me want to get married all over again.
  • WG-Tiaras Dec 14, 2008 @ 12:34 pm | delete
    Thanks for submiting your lens in to the Wedding Planning Group, we only accept wedding related lenses of a high standard into the group, so we wanted to say congratulations and welcome. Feel free to submit any other wedding related lens you may own. The Wedding Planning Group is sponsered by Wedding And Gems Tiaras and Jewellery
  • Senora_M Jul 27, 2007 @ 9:01 pm | delete
    I got married a year ago and like most girls I still like to look at wedding stuff. :) Cool lens. I went through the internet to find pictures of hair and flowers I liked and took them to the respective people. Thanks for the lens. 5*s
  • Traffic-Masters May 25, 2007 @ 2:22 pm | delete
    The fairy tale wedding reception is great...what an amazing wedding.

    Very well done lens..fun and happy..

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