5 Must-Haves for Your Vintage-Style Wedding

Discover how to give your wedding a glamorous, vintage-inspired look.

5 Must-Haves for Your Vintage-Style Wedding

By Keeanna Garcia

vintage-inspired-wedding-tips-and-trends-for-a-vintage-style-antique-wedding-theme
Photo: Danny Baker for Epic Imagery

Something old can sometimes take the form of something new. Vintage-themed weddings have become increasingly popular within the last few years and the majority of the aesthetics are usually new, such as a recently purchased dress and fresh flowers. That being said, not everything needs to be an antique or heirloom to be the star of the big day. But if you want to achieve the most realistic vintage look, there are a few must-haves everyone should consider during the planning process. From attire to décor, the wedding should make guests and bridal party members feel as if they’ve traveled decades back in time. This can be achieved with some of the following details:

1. The Dress

Vintage inspired long sleeve low back wedding dress

You’ll want your biggest wow factor to scream old-world charm. The dress can come in different styles, from ball gown to mermaid, but there’s one detail that will accentuate the desired theme: lace. This does not have to be the only material used in the gown, but the feature will do wonders for the vintage-themed bride. If lace is not really your cup of tea, you can use sheer details with lace elements on the neckline or sleeves. And for some pizzazz, rhinestones, beading, and crystals will add a more elegant effect to the old-fashion style. Photo by Lucas Rossi Photography

2. The Hair

Bride in vintage style wedding dress and hairstyle hair accessory beading great gatsby wedding

The most common hairdo for vintage-loving brides is a tight bun (high, medium, or low) with sleek, gelled hair. But fingerwaves are also a popular ‘do whether you want your hair up, down, or in a ponytail. The more extravagant bride may even want to adorn her hair with an accessory, but what is best? A veil is a very appropriate accent for this type of wedding, whether it’s lace or sheer. The hairstyle can also be embellished with a headband, crown, or flower to achieve the Victorian persona a bride may seek. Photo by Danny Baker for Epic Imagery

3. The Color Scheme

Vintage style wedding in Florida with dark color scheme

You’ll want colors that never go out of style. Some common tones for antique-inspired nuptials are burgundy, gold, black, ivory, and peach or blush. Vintage-style weddings may incorporate more than one or two main colors, which will be seen in everything from the flowers to the party favors. They may even incorporate other hues for a more modern, timely twist to the old-fashioned look. Photo by Justin DeMutiis Photography; Wedding Planning & Design by Très Chic Southern Weddings & Events

4. The Flowers

Unique dark colored flowers for wedding reception vintage style wedding

You can’t have a vintage wedding without the right blooms. That being said, the type of flowers you choose are crucial to the theme. Roses are the most common, but you can even use peonies or daisies in bouquets or other decorations. Additionally, you’ll want to stray away from bright, shocking colors and lean towards nude and dark tones, such as blush, ivory, and burgundy. You may also combine the colors for a more versatile floral arrangement. Photo by UniiQe Impact Productions

5. The Centerpieces

Pretty antique style centerpieces wedding reception vintage style

Antique wedding centerpieces take various forms, mainly with timeless items such as wood, candles, glass, rhinestones, or flowers. There is a lot of freedom in the type of arrangements a vintage-style wedding may showcase, so it really depends on what the couple wants as the focal point. Do you want your guests surrounded by an ambient flame, or would you prefer a floral fragrance to linger throughout the venue? It is important to stick with the overall concept, but choose what fits your style as a couple best. Photo by KingenSmith; Floral Design by HMR Designs

View more vintage-style real weddings here, discover 1950s wedding trends, browse vintage-inspired wedding dresses, and gather ideas for vintage-inspired nuptials from Miss Rockabilly Ruby! 

Wedding news