| If you know what the title of this article means, you've | | | | Himalayan expedition after your reception. If you've |
| probably already been busily punching grommet holes | | | | ever wanted to experiment with the fun rustliness of |
| into your bodice all afternoon and are just taking a | | | | petticoats or a bustle, now is the time. |
| break to let your leather aviator hat air out. If not, | | | | You have a lot of leeway with your bodice, anything |
| you've got some reading to do. | | | | from a sweetheart neckline to the androgyny of a |
| Steampunk is a genre of literature and film that uses | | | | collar and tie. Don't worry about looking too masculine - |
| alternate timelines. As a rule, stories take place in a | | | | a cinched waist or even a corset in a different color |
| Victorian world with some extremely cool accessories, | | | | will show off your feminine curves. |
| like steam-powered robots and Jules Verne | | | | Most steampunks take pride in modifying their clothes. |
| submarines and anything awesome that's made out of | | | | Adding military notes makes for a smashing look, and |
| wood and brass. (If that sounds intriguing, check out | | | | can be as simple as sewing a newspaper-sized |
| the Japanese animé movie Steamboy or Alan | | | | square of fabric onto your top and decking out the |
| Moore's League of Extraordinary Gentlemen graphic | | | | edges with buttons. If you're feeling a little more daring, |
| novels.) | | | | you (or a tailor - there's no need to get crazy) can |
| So what does all this have to do with your wedding? | | | | modify your dress for an asymmetrical look and even |
| Quite possibly everything. Steampunk fashion is | | | | add a few modern or futuristic touches. |
| refreshingly different, very personal, oddly beautiful, and | | | | Once you have your dress tricked out to make you |
| always elegant. Sound like something you'd like your | | | | feel like the most beautiful creature to ever strap on a |
| wedding to be? | | | | steam-powered jet pack, it's time to accessorize. Let |
| Best of all, since you both will look like you're about to | | | | your dress and your face be the main points of focus, |
| have tea with the Queen and then maybe hunt down | | | | but don't be afraid to have a little fun! A smart |
| Jack the Ripper, your groom should be an enthusiastic | | | | Victorian hat and veil nicely top off a demure |
| participant. | | | | steampunk bridal gown, while the more daring may |
| Steampunk fashion starts with Victoriana, which | | | | prefer a generous updo topped with a properly aged |
| means you can save some serious cash by buying a | | | | pair of aviator goggles. |
| vintage dress. If you want to go with white, that's great | | | | You may want to add traditional pieces like a string of |
| (after all, Queen Victoria started the tradition), but don't | | | | pearls, a parasol, or a pocket watch. Or let your playful |
| feel tied to it. Common steampunk colors are rich | | | | side out and go with something a little more |
| browns and bronzes and deep blues, purples, | | | | Neovictorian - any futuristic item that's been modified |
| burgundies, and forest greens. Don't sweat it too much, | | | | to look like it's made out of wood and brass will be |
| though: You'll be striking in any color. | | | | intriguing and fun. |
| A full skirt is de rigeur, but it shouldn't fully sweep the | | | | And speaking of fun, be sure to have plenty of it at |
| ground. For one thing, you'll want your terrific mid-calf | | | | your wedding. |
| lace-up boots to show, and for another, you want to | | | | Congratulations! |
| look like you just might be fighting vampires or joining a | | | | |