Have you ever found yourself swooning over the classical charm and elegance of Kate Winslet in Titanic or Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s? These iconic women radiate a timeless style that many brides are now embracing through vintage-themed weddings. Creating a vintage wedding is about capturing the grace and elegance of a bygone era. Here are a few tips to help you plan a beautiful vintage wedding that will feel truly timeless and uniquely yours.
In this article you will find:
- Choosing the Appropriate Era
- Picking the Perfect Venue
- Invitations: Making Classic First Impressions
- Fashioning the Vintage Look
- Decorations and Details
- Vintage Themed Entertainment
- Final Thoughts
Choosing the Appropriate Era
When you hear “vintage”, various eras might come to mind. Who can forget the roaring 20’s with its flapper dresses, or the elegance of the 40’s and 50’s with iconic wartime brides? Or perhaps the whimsical, bohemian vibe of the 70’s is more your style? Each era presents unique dress styles, color palettes, and decor that can influence every aspect of your wedding from outfits to venue. So the first step in planning a vintage-themed wedding is choosing an era that not only appeals to you, but complements your personal style as well.
Picking the Perfect Venue
With your era selected, it’s time to hunt for the perfect venue. Vintage wedding venues don’t have to be stuck in the past. Instead, lookout for places that embody the same timeless values of beauty, charm, and romance that the vintage eras represent. It could be an old rustic barn for a 50’s country vintage style, an elegant ballroom for a 20’s glamorous Gatsby-style affair, or a serene beach for a breezy 70’s boho chic vibe. Remember, your venue sets the backdrop for your celebration and should accentuate your vintage theme perfectly.
Invitations: Making Classic First Impressions
Your vintage wedding journey begins with the selection of your wedding invitations. They represent the very first taste that your guests will have of your vintage theme. Delicate lace trim, classic typography and a color pallet of the chosen era are all key elements to incorporate into your invitation package. Don’t forget to incorporate phrases or quotes from the era on your invitation to add another touch of authenticity!
Fashioning the Vintage Look
A vintage-inspired dress will undoubtedly be a breathtaking centerpiece for a vintage theme. Think of flapper dresses with intricate beadwork for a 20s theme, A-line dresses and pearls for a 50s theme, or maxi dresses and flower crowns for a 70s theme. Don’t forget the groom either! He can complement the bride’s look with a brown tweed suit or a classic black tuxedo. Your wedding attire can truly set the mood and make you and your attendees feel like they’ve travelled back in time.
Decorations and Details
When it comes to decorations, it’s all about the small, refined details. Think of lace table runners, antique table settings and typewriter guest books. Vintage trunks or crates can be used for displaying photos or as a unique wishing well. Also, consider incorporating vintage furniture into your venue as it’s key to achieve the look. Hanging chandeliers or retro string lights can also set the ambiance. Remember, your decor doesn’t have to be extravagant to make an impact. Small, simple touches can do the trick.
Vintage Themed Entertainment
From music to the car you ride off in, the entertainment you choose should align with your vintage theme. Consider hiring a jazz band to play big band classics at your 20’s themed wedding, or a folksy acoustic band to set the mood at your 70’s inspired celebration. The right kind of music can truly transport your guests to the chosen era, creating a truly immersive experience.
Final Thoughts
Planning a vintage-themed wedding should be as much an enjoyable journey as the wedding itself. From the clothing to the venue and the decors, every element must be meticulously chosen to represent the selected era. The aim is to create a memorable experience where your guests travel back in time with you on your special day. The most important tip of all? Keep it authentic, unique and most importantly, keep it ‘you’.