Have you always dreamed of having a vintage wedding? Whether you’re influenced by the 20s, 60s or 70s, or even the Renaissance or Rococo era, the vintage time period you choose will set the tone for your entire fête. It will guide everything from your dress to your decor, to your photography and overall aesthetic and the great thing is, there are so many unique ways to do a vintage wedding. Want to know more? Here’s how to plan a vintage wedding with our best tips and ideas.
How to Plan a Vintage Wedding: 5 Things to Consider
1. Choose Your Era
Are you going to focus on a certain era for your vintage wedding? Maybe you’re after a 1920s vibe or love a 1960s aesthetic. The goal is to channel the look and feeling of a past decade or time period, infusing a dose of nostalgia into your big day. Since vintage weddings can have many different interpretations, it’s important to nail down your time period first before planning your design. Your chosen era should inform all your wedding decisions, from your dress to your decor to your cake.
2. Do You Have to Choose a Specific Time Period?
Nope! Vintage weddings can also take on a more general “vintage” aesthetic that highlights old world charm. Focus on timeless elements like soft, moody colour palettes, vintage fabrics like lace and velvet, and vintage-inspired signage and stationary.
3. Vintage Wedding Attire
Your chosen vintage era should inform what you wear on your wedding day. Depending on your personal style, you can get really creative with your wedding attire. Maybe you’re drawn to a corseted gown influenced by the Victorian era, or perhaps you’d prefer something inspired by art nouveau. Consider decadent details like feathers, lace and pearls or opt for a metallic fabric for a glamorous retro vibe.
4. Vintage Hairstyle
You can have a lot of fun with your hair for a vintage wedding. Again, allow the time period you choose to inspire your look. From Old Hollywood waves made popular in the 1940s to low chignons of the 20s and relaxed boho waves reminiscent of the 70s, choose a hairstyle that fits with the overall vibe of your wedding.
5. Guest Dress Code
While your wedding attire should complement your vintage aesthetic, consider having a dress code for your guests so that the entire party looks harmonious. Ask your guests to embrace the era the wedding is inspired by, whether that’s the roaring 20s, the groovy 70s or old Hollywood. A dress code can be a fun way for guests to feel like they’re an important part of your big day.
5 Vintage Wedding Planning Tips
- Choose a venue with history and character that will transport your guests back in time. Look for architectural details, antique chandeliers, and an overall elegant setting. Antique manors, grand hotels and charming restaurants are all wonderful options.
- Consider hiring a band for your wedding music. They can play songs from your chosen era and a band generally just gives off vintage vibes. It adds a nostalgic touch to your wedding, elevating it to the next level.
- Your tablescape can really help convey your vintage aesthetic. Consider velvet or lace tablecloths, antique candle centrepieces and vintage dishes.
- Incorporate vintage decor and furniture pieces. Elements like a photo booth, cigar cart, and antique furniture will bring your vintage theme to life.
- Don’t forget your accessories. A large silk hair bow, long lacey veil or embroidered headband could all work for a vintage wedding. Pearl earrings, a Victorian style necklace or heirloom family jewels are also perfect for a vintage aesthetic.
5 Vintage Wedding Ideas
1. Black and White Photography
Black and white photos are sophisticated, timeless and fit perfectly with a vintage aesthetic. While not all of your photos need to be black and white (some details are just better in colour), let your photographer know that you would like a good chunk of B&W shots. This will help convey your vision and will also influence their photography plan. They know what lighting, elements and shots will translate well to black and white so you can get your dream wedding photos.
2. Rent a Vintage Car
A vintage car is a fun way to nod to another time period, plus it makes for a great photoshoot prop. There are plenty of vintage cars to choose from depending on your era and vibe. Have your photographer snap photos of you sitting in and propped up against the car. A convertible works super well for pictures. You can also use the car to take you from the ceremony to reception or use it as a getaway car at the end of the night.
3. Vintage-Inspired Food and Drink
The food and drink at your wedding should invoke a sense of nostalgia. Offer a selection of classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds, Manhattans and a variety of champagne cocktails. Serve hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour and a nostalgic dessert bar after dinner. Dinner should suit your chosen era, whether it’s a refined menu for the 1920s or fun, “diner party” food a la the 1970s.
4. Invites
Your invitations are your guests’ first look into your wedding. They establish the mood for your vintage aesthetic, so design them with care. Opt for thoughtful details from your chosen era to really set the tone. This could mean art deco invitations for the 1920s, Rococo style invitations or brightly coloured invites for a groovy 1970s fête. Put thought into the fonts, colours and design elements you use to convey your chosen era.
5. Disposable/Instant Cameras
There’s something so perfectly retro about disposable and instant cameras. Have these cameras around your wedding for your guests to take pictures with. These photos will offer a more casual look into your wedding day then a professional photographer and will capture behind-the-scenes shots that are impossible for one person to catch. Have them placed around your venue or delegate certain cameras to certain photo-savvy guests.
Use these tips and ideas to plan an unforgettable vintage wedding.
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