What exactly is a steampunk wedding? You’ve probably heard a lot about steampunk weddings in bridal magazines and at wedding shows, but you may be wondering what it means exactly to have a steampunk wedding – and how to pull one off.

If you’ve never heard of “steampunk” before, basically it’s a type of science-fiction where steam-powered technology reigned supreme. (Think 19th century England or the Wild West – or Sweeney Todd.) Steampunk weddings borrow inspiration from the decor elements typical of the steampunk genre. The result is a little Victorian, a little macabre, and overall pretty darn cool.

Below we have some steampunk wedding ideas in pictures, so you can get an idea of what it might look like. As with all kinds of wedding planning, it’s totally up to you to choose the elements you love and skip the ones you don’t. Your wedding can be just a little steampunk or an all-out steampunk extravaganza. The choice is yours!

Steampunk Wedding Ideas: Common Decor Elements

Wondering where to start with your steampunk wedding decor? Here are some ideas:

• The Bride: Wedding dresses often have a Victorian, romantic flair. Opt for a traditional white gown accented with cool steampunk jewelry and lace-up boots, or go all out and have a multicolored satin gown that feels like you’re attending Rhett Butler’s ball.
• The Groom: Tuxedos and suits are perfect for steampunk weddings. Men can accessorize with a pocketwatch, top hat, multiple rings, and more. Monocles optional!
• The Wedding Party: Mismatches bridesmaid dresses, especially in a Victorian or Old Western style, are perfect. Add fun accessories like quirky fascinators and big brooches.
• Decor: You can incorporate steampunk wedding ideas into all aspects of your decor: guest books, centerpieces, even your wedding cake (see below for pics).
• Other ideas: Some common accessories that scream “steampunk” include parasols, old timepieces, masks (think Venetian or even Phantom of the Opera), copper and bronze accents, moody lighting, corsets, aviator goggles… the list goes on.

Steampunk Wedding Ideas: Pictures

Love the dress, which is a little shabby-chic mixed with Medieval princess. The bolero jacket and brooch bouquet, all in dramatic colors, are perfect steampunk. And don’t forget their aviator goggles!

Lace is another awesome steampunk accent – not to mention sequins and feathers! Such a beautiful guestbook. (And by the way, the emerald color of that ribbon is perfect for steampunk – and it’s the Pantone 2013 color of the year!)

These rings, with their copper and bronze features, are ideal for a steampunk bride and groom.

Okay, you gotta love these super hot boots, paired with bold striped stockings and masks for both bride and groom. This is a fab example of steampunk working even when the bride isn’t dressed à la 19th century.

This steampunk bride is rocking her black and bronze gown, which not only accents her gorgeous ringlets but is perfect steampunk. Her adorable little fascinator completes the look.

These two look like they might have stepped off the set of Pirates of the Caribbean – and the shabby-chic venue they’ve chosen, with its wrought iron and quirky castle feel, is the ideal steampunk venue. We also love the garland of succulents!

Jewelry is an essential component of the look for both steampunk brides and steampunk grooms. Choosing bronze or brushed gold colored pieces, especially when they feature a cool old timepiece like this necklace does, is a great option.

Such a charming charm bracelet! The colors and quirky charms (a little key, hammered metal, and more) are oh-so-steampunk.

Victorian-style silhouettes are also perfect for steampunk jewelry. Include silhouettes on your bracelet (pictured), or have it on a choker-style necklace or wrapped around your bouquet.

This groom is rocking the steampunk style with a ring on every finger and a very dapper top hat!

Here is an example of steampunk bride style that is very Victorian. The parasol completes the look.

Your ring bearer pillow can also be steampunk! Opt for something with dark (yes, almost drab colors), then add lace, buttons, and bows for a shabby-chic steampunk style.

This unbelievable steampunk wedding cake is actually edible! The gears and metallic frosting make it look like we’re looking at the inside of a steam-powered gizmo. Perfect.

This groom has all the right steampunk elements: moody colors, a pocketwatch, lots of quirky accent jewelry, and a cool hat featuring lace trim and yet another time piece.

This steampunk wedding cake is a little less dramatic and perfect for less all-out steampunk weddings. The gears and copper ribbons echo this wedding’s steampunk style and the industrial looking cake topper is completely adorable while still being on theme.

And we couldn’t skip this awesome top hat! The velvet ribbon accented with the bronze gear ornament is perfect for a steampunk wedding, The shabbiness of the hat overall and the vintage aviator goggles complete the look.

Are you planning a steampunk wedding for your big day? What steampunk wedding ideas have you dreamed up? Comment below!

Photo Credits: Phoenix Star, roens, artvixn, Tracey Gill Miller, cathredfern, Whipped Bakeshop, Star’s Fault, Photo by Claw / 5×5 Photo Studios, Thaddäus Zoltkowski, Catherinette Rings Steampunk, Stacey jane Art