Vintage with a 2018 twist
Vintage weddings are undeniably elegant and classic but they’re also very modern. The style of the wedding may be antique, but the idea is very contemporary.
Your first step is to build an inspiration board. ‘Vintage’ refers to any time period between 1920 and the late 1980s. When most brides say they want a vintage wedding, they’re usually referring to a 1920s or 1930s theme. However, you don’t have to stick to any particular time period. Some brides throw in elements from the 1920s, all the way through the 1950s and even later.
There are also various styles that can be considered vintage. Some brides want a glamorous, Hollywood-type wedding; while others prefer a more rustic country wedding with vintage elements.
Ultimately, your vintage wedding should reflect your taste and style as a couple – there are no hard and fast rules!
Vintage setting and colour scheme
Consider having the ceremony in an old-world hotel, or in an extravagant home that’s decorated with candelabras, chandeliers and antique furniture. Or, find a venue that will give you a lot of leeway when it comes to decorating.
If you’re having a small wedding, you can get away with having the reception in a gallery, or a really chic restaurant, or bar. Remember, the closer your venue is to your theme, the less decor you’ll have to provide and set up.
When it comes to your colour scheme, you have a few options. You can go for a muted, neutral setting and choose shades of white, cream, light pink and brown. For a wedding with tons of glitz and glamour, consider a white and gold scheme. Or, you can make a more pronounced statement with a bold black and white wedding.
Choose two main colours and one neutral to keep the look grounded. Too many colours won’t work. Keep your colours in mind when choosing flowers, decor, table settings and stationery.
Vintage style
Your wedding dress can coincide with the theme of the evening – and it should! Consider wearing beaded French lace, or a wedding gown that has elements of a flapper dress. Top off the look with a string of pearls and a fur wrap.
If you find a dress you love but it just doesn’t look vintage enough, have a seamstress amp up the bustle with pearls and lace. To truly get a vintage look on your wedding day, wear long gloves.
When it comes to finding a vintage gown and accessories, you have two choices. First, you can browse vintage shops, both in person and online, to see if you happen to come across the perfect dress. Your second choice is to talk to modern wedding gown designers to find out if they have anything in the style you’re looking for.
Have your hairstylist give you finger waves or a pinned up-do. Wear a vintage hair accessory, like a hair pin, feathered fascinator, or antique hair comb.
Décor and flowers
Browse antique shops for:
- Birdcages
- Jam jars
- Milk jugs
- Teacups and saucers
- Tin signs
- Vases (some brides like the vases to have chipped enamel)
If you’re leaning toward an outdoor, vintage country wedding, have lanterns strung up. Also, make sure to not overcrowd the table with too much stuff.
Having trouble finding great, vintage pieces? Ask your friends and family, or have them ask their parents and grandparents. Most people have at least a few antique furnishings and garments lying around.
If you can’t borrow and don’t want to invest in accessories you can’t live with afterwards, remember that many hire companies now stock a great range of vintage accessories, which is a quick and temporary way to dress your theme.
The best flowers to go along with a vintage theme are antique coloured roses, lilies or violets.
Invitations and guest favours
Opt for traditional invitations that are made on an old-fashioned letterpress – or look like they are. Consider rolling up menus into a scroll and securing them with a ribbon.
If you’d like guests to participate, make sure to mention in the invitation that vintage garb is suggested, but optional. To be extra nice, include a short list of vintage shops in the area.
Ideas for guest favours include:
- Custom milk bottles or miniature glass bottles
- Deck of customised playing cards
- Fudge
- Lace handkerchiefs
- Personalised sweet jars
A few more ideas and tips
- Serve strawberries and cream in delicate china tea cups during dessert.
- Pose for a photo with an antique parasol.
- Ask your band or DJ to play music from eras gone by.
- Have guests sign the guest book with a quill pen.
- Set up a beautiful bench and coffee table outside for photos.
- Rent a vintage car to drive from the ceremony to the reception.National Event Hire offer a wide range of vintage accessories and can help you create your perfect vintage-themed wedding. For more information, feel free to call us on 1800 579 579, email info@neh.ie or click HERE
