Vintage weddings lend themselves to a wonderful array of colors, design options, and beautiful, one-of-a-kind wedding favors. Not to mention a wide choice of fashion options for your wedding gown. The term 'vintage' itself, covers many eras, from the mid-19th century to the mid 20th century. So, with around 100 years of ideas to whet your creative appetite, there's a lot to choose from, and even more to be inspired by.
Whether you're thinking a late 19th-century Victorian theme, a 1920's theme, or a rock'n'roll 1950's wedding, you don't have to look very far for inspiration. You'll find it in the media, on television and films (such as Downton Abbey or Kate Winslet's costumes from the Titanic, or retro 1940's movies from the golden era of Hollywood, etc.) You'll also find plenty of it in fashion magazines, novels, vintage stores and yes - even wedding blogs! Whichever era you choose, there really is only one golden rule: just make sure there's no mixing and matching - choose a particular era and stick with it, all the way through from the wedding invitations and RSVP announcements to the reception. It's no good having a cute, 1960's pop art invitation design, and then race out and buy lovely, Victorian vintage lace handkerchiefs for wedding favors to leave for your guests on the tables at the reception. Your guests may find it cute, but some may find it a bit confusing, not knowing what type of wedding they're attending! Now I'm not saying you shouldn't do whatever you want for your own wedding, and if mixing and matching eras is something you have your heart set on, well then go ahead and do it. However unless you have a very solid plan in mind, and are confident in your choices (and perhaps have a fine arts degree in design or fashion) then forget it. Stick with the plan, with one specific theme, and you can't go wrong.
Now, for some ideas. I'm just throwing a few out there off the top of my head for some inspiration - I'm sure you can take some of these ideas and improve on them even more, and make them suitable for what YOU want to do (and no mixing and matching - ha ha) :)
O.k, so....
1950's ideas: a jukebox at the wedding reception where guests can select their own classic hits from the 50's; beautiful poodle style skirts for the bridesmaids; lots of tulle petticoats for the bride and stiletto shoes - same for the bridesmaids; ponytails for the bridesmaids and flower girls; strings of pearls (they don't have to be real!); reception menus printed up like the top 40 hit parade - with actual hits from the era (i.e. Buddy Holly, Bill Haley, etc.); classic cars to take the bride to the church and reception - and of course to take the newlyweds off onto their honeymoon too; bright, vivid colors...pinks, powder blues, lemons, oranges, bright greens; ducktail hair for the groom and groomsmen.
1920's ideas: flapper dresses with drop waists for the bridesmaids, mother of the bride, etc; parasols for the flower girls to hold; beautiful tea-stained wedding invitations reminiscent of that era; silk flowers for wedding favors on the tables at the reception; silk scarves with fringes on (a la Isadora Duncan) or long, flowing muslin draped across the tables, or draped over the backs of chairs at the reception; dried flower arrangements in old bottles and vases (scour the second-hand and vintage stores, gargage sales, or ebay for these - reproductions are fine, and your guests will never be the wiser!); beaded curtains and brightly colored drapes and arrases to hang across walls; reproduction vintage jewellery for wedding favors or gifts for the bridesmaids and other female members of the bridal party; the groom and male members of the bridal party could wear plaid or pinstripe suits with braces; vintage roadster cars for the trip to and from the reception.
1890's ideas: horses and carriage to take you to, and from the church. Victorian decorations and wedding favors, in popular colors from the era, such as red, dark pink, dark green, mauve, burgundy, and purple. If you need some inspiration for decorating ideas, look no further than William Morris. Morris was (and still is) a very influential English textile designer from the Victorian era whose influence has carried on down through the years in everything from wallpaper to furniture design. Think of large, scrolling, floral patterns in strong colors and fabulous, flocked wall art that was prevalent during the turn of the 19th/20th century.
How about some beautiful pearl drop earrings for the bride and bridesmaids? Victorian reproduction jewellery is quite inexpensive (on the whole) and easy to find. Once again, hit the vintage and second-hand stores and also try websites like etsy for some wonderful, one-of-a-kind handmade jewellery. Some of it is absolutely gorgeous, and much, much cheaper than you'd find in a vintage jewellery store.
O.k. well that's about all I can think of for the moment - and I feel like I've only scratched the surface. Remember, these are just suggestions to get your own inspiration up and running - I'm sure you will come up with even more ideas, and probably better ones at that! And finally, whatever era you set it in, good luck with your vintage wedding. :)
As usual, here are some more suggestions I've found over at Zazzle and Amazon to inspire your creativity even more:~
Ivory Lace & Burlap Wedding Invitation - Ivory by ModernMatrimony
Browse Burlap and lace wedding Invitations online at Zazzle.com
Vintage Wedding, Groom Carrying Bride, Newlyweds Postage by Tchotchke
Make unique photos on postage stamps.
western farmhouse customizable country RSVP Personalized Invitations by Going2TheChapel
Look for more cheap invitations at zazzle.com
Vintage Paisley Black Damask Weddings Invitations by samack
Browse more Winter wedding Invitations at Zazzle
Ivory - Eat Drink and Be Married - Wedding Custom Invites by party_depot
View other Wedding Invitations at Zazzle.com
Country Rustic Mason Jar Hydrangea Bridal Shower Custom Invites by InvitationBlvd
Look at more Mason Invitations at zazzle
Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Invitation | Wedding Vows by Plush_Paper
Use Zazzle's online invitation maker.
Elegant Damask Side Borders Red Trim Wedding Personalized Announcement by samack
View more invitations on line at zazzle.com
Ivory Photo Save the Dates | Vintage Poster Style Postcard by Plush_Paper
Create a full color post card on Zazzle
Vintage Wedding Postage by itsyourwedding
You can sell cards , invitations, stamps and more on Zazzle.com!
Bridal Shower | Something Old New Borrowed Blue Custom Announcements by Plush_Paper
Design an invite at zazzle
Vintage Wedding, Victorian Bride Bridal Portrait Postage Stamps by Tchotchke
Check out Brides Stamps online at zazzle
Sophisticated Elegant western vintage wedding Announcement by ThemeWeddingBoutique
Create your own invitations.
Vintage Bride with Flower Girl on Her Wedding Day Postcards by YesterdayCafe
Make postcards from photos online at zazzle.com
Fab Fifties Wedding Directional Sign Template Poster by vintageweddinginvite
Look at another framed print on zazzle
Fab Fifties Retro Wedding Tote Bags by vintageweddinginvite
Find other 1950's wedding Bags at zazzle.com
Art Deco Vintage Wedding Save The Date Magnet by vintageweddinginvite
Check out Unique wedding Magnets online at zazzle
Art Deco Vintage Wedding Invitation Cream by vintageweddinginvite
Design an announcement at Zazzle.com
Art Deco Wedding Signage Template Print by vintageweddinginvite
Make a poster from a picture online at Zazzle.
Vintage Vegas Wedding Guest Book Template Notebook by vintageweddinginvite
Check out Unique wedding Notebooks online at zazzle
Vintage Vegas Wedding RSVP Cards 4.5 x 6.25" Personalized Invites by vintageweddinginvite
Shop for announcements on zazzle
Fab Fifties Wedding Invite Enclosure by vintageweddinginvite
Make unique printed invitations on zazzle.
Vintage Vegas Wedding Invite Enclosure 4.5" x 6.25 by vintageweddinginvite
Use Zazzle's online invitation maker.
Romantic Art Nouveau Wedding RSVP template Custom Invite by vintageweddinginvite
Create unique customized invitations on zazzle.
1920's Vintage Table Number Cards Post Card by VintageAndRetro
Find other 1920 Postcards at zazzle.com
The Elegant Wedding (aka Graphic Allusions) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Whether you're thinking a late 19th-century Victorian theme, a 1920's theme, or a rock'n'roll 1950's wedding, you don't have to look very far for inspiration. You'll find it in the media, on television and films (such as Downton Abbey or Kate Winslet's costumes from the Titanic, or retro 1940's movies from the golden era of Hollywood, etc.) You'll also find plenty of it in fashion magazines, novels, vintage stores and yes - even wedding blogs! Whichever era you choose, there really is only one golden rule: just make sure there's no mixing and matching - choose a particular era and stick with it, all the way through from the wedding invitations and RSVP announcements to the reception. It's no good having a cute, 1960's pop art invitation design, and then race out and buy lovely, Victorian vintage lace handkerchiefs for wedding favors to leave for your guests on the tables at the reception. Your guests may find it cute, but some may find it a bit confusing, not knowing what type of wedding they're attending! Now I'm not saying you shouldn't do whatever you want for your own wedding, and if mixing and matching eras is something you have your heart set on, well then go ahead and do it. However unless you have a very solid plan in mind, and are confident in your choices (and perhaps have a fine arts degree in design or fashion) then forget it. Stick with the plan, with one specific theme, and you can't go wrong.
Now, for some ideas. I'm just throwing a few out there off the top of my head for some inspiration - I'm sure you can take some of these ideas and improve on them even more, and make them suitable for what YOU want to do (and no mixing and matching - ha ha) :)
O.k, so....
1950's ideas: a jukebox at the wedding reception where guests can select their own classic hits from the 50's; beautiful poodle style skirts for the bridesmaids; lots of tulle petticoats for the bride and stiletto shoes - same for the bridesmaids; ponytails for the bridesmaids and flower girls; strings of pearls (they don't have to be real!); reception menus printed up like the top 40 hit parade - with actual hits from the era (i.e. Buddy Holly, Bill Haley, etc.); classic cars to take the bride to the church and reception - and of course to take the newlyweds off onto their honeymoon too; bright, vivid colors...pinks, powder blues, lemons, oranges, bright greens; ducktail hair for the groom and groomsmen.
1920's ideas: flapper dresses with drop waists for the bridesmaids, mother of the bride, etc; parasols for the flower girls to hold; beautiful tea-stained wedding invitations reminiscent of that era; silk flowers for wedding favors on the tables at the reception; silk scarves with fringes on (a la Isadora Duncan) or long, flowing muslin draped across the tables, or draped over the backs of chairs at the reception; dried flower arrangements in old bottles and vases (scour the second-hand and vintage stores, gargage sales, or ebay for these - reproductions are fine, and your guests will never be the wiser!); beaded curtains and brightly colored drapes and arrases to hang across walls; reproduction vintage jewellery for wedding favors or gifts for the bridesmaids and other female members of the bridal party; the groom and male members of the bridal party could wear plaid or pinstripe suits with braces; vintage roadster cars for the trip to and from the reception.
1890's ideas: horses and carriage to take you to, and from the church. Victorian decorations and wedding favors, in popular colors from the era, such as red, dark pink, dark green, mauve, burgundy, and purple. If you need some inspiration for decorating ideas, look no further than William Morris. Morris was (and still is) a very influential English textile designer from the Victorian era whose influence has carried on down through the years in everything from wallpaper to furniture design. Think of large, scrolling, floral patterns in strong colors and fabulous, flocked wall art that was prevalent during the turn of the 19th/20th century.
How about some beautiful pearl drop earrings for the bride and bridesmaids? Victorian reproduction jewellery is quite inexpensive (on the whole) and easy to find. Once again, hit the vintage and second-hand stores and also try websites like etsy for some wonderful, one-of-a-kind handmade jewellery. Some of it is absolutely gorgeous, and much, much cheaper than you'd find in a vintage jewellery store.
O.k. well that's about all I can think of for the moment - and I feel like I've only scratched the surface. Remember, these are just suggestions to get your own inspiration up and running - I'm sure you will come up with even more ideas, and probably better ones at that! And finally, whatever era you set it in, good luck with your vintage wedding. :)
As usual, here are some more suggestions I've found over at Zazzle and Amazon to inspire your creativity even more:~
Ivory Lace & Burlap Wedding Invitation - Ivory by ModernMatrimony
Browse Burlap and lace wedding Invitations online at Zazzle.com
Vintage Wedding, Groom Carrying Bride, Newlyweds Postage by Tchotchke
Make unique photos on postage stamps.
western farmhouse customizable country RSVP Personalized Invitations by Going2TheChapel
Look for more cheap invitations at zazzle.com
Vintage Paisley Black Damask Weddings Invitations by samack
Browse more Winter wedding Invitations at Zazzle
Ivory - Eat Drink and Be Married - Wedding Custom Invites by party_depot
View other Wedding Invitations at Zazzle.com
Country Rustic Mason Jar Hydrangea Bridal Shower Custom Invites by InvitationBlvd
Look at more Mason Invitations at zazzle
Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Invitation | Wedding Vows by Plush_Paper
Use Zazzle's online invitation maker.
Elegant Damask Side Borders Red Trim Wedding Personalized Announcement by samack
View more invitations on line at zazzle.com
Ivory Photo Save the Dates | Vintage Poster Style Postcard by Plush_Paper
Create a full color post card on Zazzle
Vintage Wedding Postage by itsyourwedding
You can sell cards , invitations, stamps and more on Zazzle.com!
Bridal Shower | Something Old New Borrowed Blue Custom Announcements by Plush_Paper
Design an invite at zazzle
Vintage Wedding, Victorian Bride Bridal Portrait Postage Stamps by Tchotchke
Check out Brides Stamps online at zazzle
Sophisticated Elegant western vintage wedding Announcement by ThemeWeddingBoutique
Create your own invitations.
Vintage Bride with Flower Girl on Her Wedding Day Postcards by YesterdayCafe
Make postcards from photos online at zazzle.com
Fab Fifties Wedding Directional Sign Template Poster by vintageweddinginvite
Look at another framed print on zazzle
Fab Fifties Retro Wedding Tote Bags by vintageweddinginvite
Find other 1950's wedding Bags at zazzle.com
Art Deco Vintage Wedding Save The Date Magnet by vintageweddinginvite
Check out Unique wedding Magnets online at zazzle
Art Deco Vintage Wedding Invitation Cream by vintageweddinginvite
Design an announcement at Zazzle.com
Art Deco Wedding Signage Template Print by vintageweddinginvite
Make a poster from a picture online at Zazzle.
Vintage Vegas Wedding Guest Book Template Notebook by vintageweddinginvite
Check out Unique wedding Notebooks online at zazzle
Vintage Vegas Wedding RSVP Cards 4.5 x 6.25" Personalized Invites by vintageweddinginvite
Shop for announcements on zazzle
Fab Fifties Wedding Invite Enclosure by vintageweddinginvite
Make unique printed invitations on zazzle.
Vintage Vegas Wedding Invite Enclosure 4.5" x 6.25 by vintageweddinginvite
Use Zazzle's online invitation maker.
Romantic Art Nouveau Wedding RSVP template Custom Invite by vintageweddinginvite
Create unique customized invitations on zazzle.
1920's Vintage Table Number Cards Post Card by VintageAndRetro
Find other 1920 Postcards at zazzle.com
The Elegant Wedding (aka Graphic Allusions) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
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