Since the premiere on Netflix in 2020, the Bridgerton television series has been very popular and in this post I will focus on the wedding of the two of the main characters, Simon Basset and Daphne Bridgerton (hence the title of the episode in which they get married, “The Duke and I”).  But first I would like to briefly discuss the Bridgerton television series which is based on the historical romance books of Julia Quinn.    

The Bridgerton television series

The Bridgerton television series on Netflix premiered on December 25, 2020 and it was created by Chirs Van Dusen and produced by Shonda Rhimes.  It is a Regency period drama based on the books by American author Julia Quinn, a collection of eight books that featured the children of Viscount Edmund and Violet Bridgerton – Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory and Hyacinth.  The Bridgerton television series featured eight episodes in the first season which were based on Quinn’s first book in the Bridgerton series, “The Duke and I”, which was first published in 2015.

The eldest daughter, Daphne (played by Phoebe Dynevor), is making her debut into London society and at one of the balls she meets Simon Bassett, (played by Regé-Jean Page), the handsome friend of her brother.  Much like every debutante, the beautiful Daphne’s goal is to find a suitable husband and together the two devise a plan to attract more suitors for Daphne and deflect the unwanted attention the pushy debutante mothers away from Simon, who due to his unhappy childhood has no desire to marry.  They pretend an innocent courtship but things become complicated when they start to fall in love.  After a seemingly unfortunate scene in the garden at one of the balls, Daphne’s reputation is compromised and the two are forced into marriage. 

The wedding of Simon Bassett and Daphne Bridgerton

It is in the fifth episode of the television series that the wedding of Simon and Daphne. There are there are many details to accomplish with only a few short days to prepare for the wedding. So, Daphne and her mother visit the mantua (a French word used for a dressmaker in the late 17th century and 18th century) to make not only the wedding dress but also the bridal trousseau. 

Special Note: all the photos shown in this post are from the Bridgerton series on Netflix

With no time to wait the household staff of Bridgerton also set about preparing for the wedding.  Decisions pertaining to the wedding flowers and the reception menu are quickly decided and the massive wedding cake will take days to prepare.

Despite the haste of the wedding, the church is beautifully decorated with an abundance of white flowers and greenery with several large arrangements, floral displays covering the end of the pews and draping down from the upper level and white rose petals lining the aisle.  (Special Note: St Mary’s Church in Twickenham, England was used for the interior scene of the wedding ceremony)

Only Daphne’s family, Lady Danbury and Simon’s friends are in attendance for the small wedding ceremony.  Since her father had died several years earlier Daphne is escorted down the aisle by her eldest brother as Simon, the reluctant groom, waits at the front of the church. 

For her wedding day Daphne is wearing a beautiful flowing silk white dress featuring embroidered flowers and swirls. The dress has an empire waistline, puffed sleeves and a train, she is wearing a veil attached with a glittering tiara and long white gloves.  (Special Note: The material for the dress was sourced in Madrid, Spain by the Bridgerton costume designer, Ellen Mirojnick and she knew instantly that the lovely silk would be used for Daphne’s wedding)

Simon is wearing a black waistcoat, black pants, his customary boots, a white vest, white cravat and his mother’s unique green enamel diamond and emerald brooch which Simon wears throughout the series.  (Special Note: Wearing a sentimental piece of jewelry from a departed relative, be it a mother or father or grandparent, would be a wonderful way to honor them on a wedding day)   

The actual wedding ceremony shown on screen is very short in duration with a brief glimpse as the couple exchanges vows and the ring is placed on Daphne’s hand. 

Special Note: In the Georgian era, the betrothal ring signified the couple’s engagement indicating that the couple was committed to each other in the time leading up to the actual wedding, as referenced in the Julia Quinn book “The Duke and I”.  For the television series this was changed and the ring was given during the ceremony to add a modern or contemporary element.      

The gold wedding ring is very simple in design and features four pearls with a small diamond in the center and flanked by several red gemstones, perhaps rubies or garnets.  Shown below is a photo from episode seven which gives a good look at the ring as Daphne plays the piano.    

After the brief ceremony a small reception is held at the Bridgerton family home, seen in the opening scene of the series the house is beautifully draped with pale purple wisteria making it the perfect setting for a wedding.  (Special Note: The location used for the exterior of the Bridgerton house is the Ranger’s House located in Greenwich, previously known as Chesterfield House it dates back to 1720)

The wedding reception is shown taking place in the Bridgerton House Grand Hall, not a formal sit down dinner but food was laid out on tables covered with white linens and drinks were served by staff on silver trays.  The room is decorated with white floral arrangements and there is an impressive chandelier suspended from the high ceiling.  (Special Note: The interior scenes of the wedding were filmed on the Royal Air Force Station near Aylesbury in Buckinhamshire.  Halton House is a late 19th century county home that once belong to a member of the Rothschild family)   

The multi-tiered wedding cake for Daphne and Simon was the centerpiece of the reception and was displayed on a round table covered with white linen.  It was 4.5 feet tall with white icing and embellished with white chocolate figurines, floral accents and both the Bridgerton and Hasting crests to honor the bride and the groom.    

We catch a glimpse of the Bridgerton House Grand Staircase as Daphne exits the reception to change into her going away outfit.  While in her bedroom  her mother comes to have a brief and awkward talk regarding what to expect on the wedding night.      

At the end of the reception the Hasting carriage arrives to take Simon and Daphne to their honeymoon. 

The Bridgerton family has gathered in front of the house to say goodbye to Daphne and Simon.  (Notice that the third daughter, Eloise, is not there … she has mysteriously left London unbeknown to her family, but we will need to wait for another season of the series to find out what has happened to her or we can read the book, “To Sir Phillip, With Love” by Julia Quinn)

* Photos used in this post are credited to NetFlix.