Bump and Grind Brides: The Art of Burlesque in Wedding Plans

The art of burlesque is enjoying a huge revival at the moment due to the success of striptease superstars such as Dita von Teese, Immodesty Blaize and Dirty Martini.

With the glitzy glamour and cheeky charm of this vintage artform, it’s the perfect choice for the bride to be who wants something a little different at her wedding. But what exactly is burlesque? And, more importantly, how can you weave it into your wedding without giving Aunty Gladys a heart attack?

A brief history of burlesque

Ask anyone what comes to mind when they hear the word “burlesque” and they will probably say feather boas, Moulin Rouge and Christina Auilera in a corset singing naughty French phrases. However, there is a deep and rich history to burlesque that many are unaware of. It is originally an ancient British artform, where the literal meaning of the word “burlesque” was “to satire”. Therefore, it often revolved around comedic sketches designed to mock figures in society- much like the pantomimes of today. It wasn’t until the early 21st century that burlesque was sent over to America, where it became more about glamorous showgirls and the now notorious striptease. This era is known as “The Golden Age of Burlesque” and is the reason why burlesque today has become synonymous with stripping, despite the fact that burlesque does not have to include striptease at all.

Sounds interesting. How can I use this in my wedding plans?

Possibly the simplest way to do this is to have a burlesque-themed hen night. There are regular burlesque nights all over the UK.  Shake it Doll s a fantastic blog that keeps a comprehensive list of upcoming events), so grab your girls and dress up to the nines. Think outside the box- it’s not all corsets and suspenders. You could dress up as an octopus or a gorilla! (Believe it or not, there are performers who have these in their repertoire!). Lubricate your vocal chords with plenty of wine and prepare to start cheering! Burlesque nights are fun and interactive- the audience is encouraged to get involved and make plenty of noise. A bit like a pantomime for grown ups!

Or for the more active bride to be, why not book yourselves a burlesque workshop? Ministry of Burlesque teach the UK’s leading burlesque classes in locations up and down the country, with the fabulous Gypsy Charms and Viva Misadventure. They are well worth checking out if you want a fun, informal day that will give you the skills needed to perform your very own burlesque act!

You could even make a whole day or weekend of it with a workshop followed by a trip to see a live burlesque show.

Could I hire a burlesque performer for my wedding?

Burlesque is becoming more and more popular as a form of wedding entertainment. There are so many performers out there that you’re bound to find one who is just right for you. Many performers are also willing to tweak their acts so that it will fit your needs, or you could even commission them to make up a new one just for you, so don’t panic if you can’t find an act that’s just right.

Performers vary greatly in cost. A local newcomer could cost less than £100 whereas the more successful performers charge fees of several hundred. It’s true that you get what you pay for- a more experienced performer will usually be a lot better at what s/he does. Just ask around. You’ll find that most performers are very lovely people so you’ll be sure to find the right one for you.

But is that suitable? What about Little Timmy and Grandma Betty?

Remember: Burlesque performers do not always strip. There are many acts out there that are glamorous, sultry or hilarious without removing a stitch of clothing.

Or how about having a subtle burlesque theme to your wedding? You could name tables after Burlesque legends (Lilli St Cyr and Sally Rand for example) and wear seamed stockings under your dress.

You know, my family will love it! Let’s go the whole hog!

For those more risque brides, one idea would be to perform a burlesque routine yourself! Use the moves learnt in your hen-do workshop with your hens or, if you’re particularly confident, solo to give everyone wedding entertainment that they will never forget!

You could give out nipple tassles (also known as pasties) as favours, and decorate tables with tall fluffy feathers in vases. You could even use a couple of large feather fans to accompany the top table.

It’s clear to see why burlesque has made such a revival- the sparkles, the glitter, the dressing up! There is something romantic yet risque about it, and it could slip effortlessly within a vintage-themed wedding. It’s such a versatile theme, and can be applied with just a sprinkling of tease or a whole dollop of bump and grind.

Best of luck with whatever you plan, and don’t forget to shake that shimmy!