STYLING THE PERFECT VINTAGE WEDDING...
So you want to go vintage? You won’t regret it! The challenge you face in successfully creating a tasteful era-inspired and unique celebration, is to not make it seem like a ‘themed’ wedding. A vintage wedding isn’t a costume party but instead a nod to the glamour of era’s gone by and a chance to have fun with fashion and styling for your big day. But fear not the perfect vintage wedding can be achieved by anyone; it just needs some careful planning and lots of research around your inspiration!
Be inspired...
Your first stop in creating a vintage wedding will be your original inspiration. As a wedding planner, I always ask brides to bring a photograph, movie or book that represents the fashion, era, backdrop and feel of the vintage wedding they are dreaming of. It doesn't have to be a wedding themed inspiration, just something that represents the era, or perhaps colour theme you want.
New or vintage?
You don’t have to get original pieces from your chosen era to get the look you want (although this is, of course amazing if achievable) but I would recommend at least some vintage items. For example if you have a new dress in a vintage style, choose a vintage hair piece or millinery. You could even get a veil made from some vintage lace from your chosen era. For the vintage backdrop to your day, think about hiring vintage crockery, at least for the cake and other food on display, or mirror the vintage beading in your accessories through the table decorations to achieve a consistent look. Little, and actually quite inexpensive details such as vintage mirrors around the venue can also really pull the look together.
Commit!
Consistency is also key to truly achieving a vintage styled wedding that feels authentic. For example choose a car or transport reflective of the era, for example a vintage Ford Mustang for 1950s/60s styled weddings is perfect.
Perfect notes..
Music is also a fabulous way to celebrate an era and there are lots of authentic bands out there from 1960s Motown to big brass bands. If you can’t afford a band style the DJ and equipment as vintage as possible to keep with the style. Always choose something your guests can dance to and playing pre-recorded popular music in between the band sessions will get everyone dancing – even those who are not familiar with the music of that era. Modern music has replicated genres such as Swing Jazz and songs such as Candyman by Christina Aguilera are perfect for a 1940s wedding and will get all the young ones dancing too.
Guest of honour.
I often get asked how to bring guests into the wedding design, whilst I don’t recommend asking everyone to go out and buy a 1930s outfit for an art deco wedding I think your wedding photos and more importantly feel on the day will benefit from your guests taking consideration over what to wear at your vintage wedding. You can invite your guests to join the era by using your inspiration on the invites. For example take a still from a movie from your chosen era, one which encompasses the fashion of the era and use this to make a card with the words ‘join us in our 1950s inspired wedding...’ inside. Politely mention to friends how lovely it would be to have authentic photos together if they wore 1950s dresses – but remember no costumes... many high street stores stock clothes inspired by the 20s, 50s, 60s and 70s.
Scroll down for our full article on How to Style the Perfect Vintage Wedding. Here are some quick tips to help you along too..
The venue is hugely important in achieving the look, if you can’t find somewhere with the appropriate architecture or decor consider a plain backdrop such as a marquee or a glass structured building like an orangery against which your vintage details will stand out.
something vintage themed as
their favour. For example if you
are doing an American 1950s themed
wedding, put lolly pops in vintage
popcorn cases – this will make fantastic
photographs when your guests dig in!
detail away, however if you’d rather plan the wedding yourself
LeKeux Events have fact sheets and even a ‘Vintage Wedding
Starter Kit’ which can be purchased at tiny prices and will save
you tons of time.
Be confident in your styling, commit to the look through
your hair and make-up and get a skilled professional to help to achieve an authentic look.Ask Granny! You’ll be amazed what you can beg, borrow and steal for your vintage wedding. Whether it’s Granny’s pearls, old lace table cloths or teacups, you’ll find something in those cupboards to help you achieve your vintage look.
LeKeux Events Vintage Bridal Styling, from 1920s to 1970s here
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