FAQs
Question
Where is the reception?
Answer
The reception is being held at Cleveland History Center's Hay-Mckinney Mansion.
Question
What do I wear?
Answer
There is a 1910's era formal dress code. (See more below)
Question
Am I invited to the ceremony?
Answer
A private ceremony is being held at Hale Farm & Village. There is limited space, therefore only immediate family will be in attendance.
Question
What is Empire Revival?
Answer
Empire Revival is the revival of furniture and clothing styles of the Napoleonic Period from the early 19th century. While Empire Revival does not have distinct dates, the fashion from 1908-1914 fit well into this descriptor. The Original Empire Period: The Empire Period, better known as the Regency Period began in the late 18th century with the French Revolution and lasted until the mid 1820s. This period gains inspiration from classic Greek and Roman statues and architecture. Women wore dresses that were less structured and more “natural” with high waistlines, narrow skirts, and lightweight, drapey fabrics. Empire Revival of the 20th century: Fashion is a cycle and Regency styles came back into fashion in the early 1910s. Waistlines began to rise, though not as drastically, and skirts began to narrow (sometimes so much it was nearly impossible to walk). Dresses in this period showed off the skills of the designers with a lot of very interesting drapery and fabric manipulation.
Question
What do I wear?
Answer
*photos on gallery page* While we would love everyone to show up wearing beautiful, historically accurate evening gowns, we know that is not possible. It is more important to us to follow the formal dress guidelines before the Empire Revival guidelines. Wear an ankle/floor length dress that is not too casual and you will still fit the vibe, but if you want to go the extra mile, here is what I recommend. Look for a dress with a higher waistline or empire waist line and a long narrow skirt. Tank top dresses are fine as well as fluttery sleeves and longer fitted sleeves. If your dress is a tank top, consider long gloves or a shawl to dress it up more. If you would like, look for skirts with fun draping and pleats. For shoes I recommend a short heel or flat with a slightly pointed or rounded toe. Please do not confuse this with the 1920s/flapper era, stay away from dropped waists, short hemlines, and heavily beaded dresses (you know the ones). Key words for modern dresses: column gown, dolman sleeve, ruched, cap sleeve, ruffle, flutter sleeve, empire waist, ruffled cap sleeve Need more inspiration? Movies like Titanic and shows like season 1 of Downtown Abbey have fantastic costumes. Empire Revival styles have come back many times in the 20th century including the 1990s, so the movie 27 Dresses has examples of Empire Revival Revival. Because of the current trend in fashion, 90s and 2000s styles are currently back and pretty easy to find in stores (I found many dresses at Marshalls a few months ago that would work). Still unsure? Feel free to ask me anything!!
Question
What if I'm a guy?
Answer
I’m sorry this has mostly focused on women’s wear because men's wear has changed slowly and overall very little since the mid 19th century. Simply wear a suit with a waistcoat or go all the way and wear a tux with a bow tie. If you have a top hat or a straw boater hat wear that too.