50 Ideas for a Vintage-Inspired Wedding
What's old is new again with a wedding that captures the glamour of the '20s, the rock 'n roll energy of the '50s, or the free spirited vibe of the '70s. From retro-inspired gowns to decorating with antiques, here are some of our favorite ideas we've spotted.
By: Kristen Klein
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Centerpieces -152146
Mercury glass goblets beckon a turn-of-the-century appeal.
Photo Credit: Brianna Noelle Photography
Attire
You know you need something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue... but don't forget the end of the rhyme: "a silver sixpence in her shoe." This British currency was last minted in 1970, so your best bet is to order one online.
Photo Credit: BTW Photography
Reception Décor
Display your engagement photos on a reclaimed wooden door.
Photo Credit: Pasha Belman Photography
Reception Décor
Antique bird cages at varying heights add a throwback aesthetic to the table.
Photo Credit: Pasha Belman Photography
Reception Décor
Bring the indoors out by suspending unique vintage lanterns above your tables.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Messina
Transportation
Step back into the 1920s with this Gatsby-esque car.
Photo Credit: Thurston Photography
Attire
Long-sleeved gowns and floral crowns are lovely throwbacks that look just as gorgeous today.
Photo Credit: Elmer Escobar Photography
Guest Book
Travel back to a simpler time and have your guests sign your guest book by quill and ink.
Photo Credit: Elmer Escobar Photography
Reception Décor
Hit up local estate sales for antique furniture you can repurpose; use a dresser or desk to display your desserts and favors at an outdoor wedding.
Photo Credit: Perfect Capture Photography
Centerpieces
Repurpose vintage fruit baskets to hold your floral arrangements.
Photo Credit: Perfect Capture Photography
Photo Inspiration
A lace parasol makes a wonderful vintage photo prop.
Photo Credit: Rebecca Marie Photography & Design
Reception Décor
Having an outdoor wedding? Hang old family wedding photos on a tree for a true "family tree."
Photo Credit: GreenAutumn Photography
Place Settings & Table Décor
Peruse your local thrift stores for mix-and-match china to use as your cake plates.
Photo Credit: Andie Freeman Photography
Photo Inspiration
Join your sweetheart on a retro-inspired picnic.
Photo Credit: Andie Freeman Photography
Bouquet
Accentuate a fabric flower bouquet with pearls and antique brooches.
Photo Credit: Jewels Photography
Centerpieces
Transform the timeless Mason jar into a unique candelabra.
Photo Credit: Orange Photographie
Ceremony
Wearing a newsboy cap, the ring bearer carries a needlepoint sign down the aisle.
Photo Credit: Orange Photographie
Centerpieces
Accent a vintage tea set with contrasting flowers.
Photo Credit: Rebecca Marie Photography & Design
Ceremony
Reminiscent of an ancient scroll, have your vows hand-calligraphed onto your aisle runner.
Photo Credit: This Modern Romance
Escort Cards
Attach each escort card to an antique key adorned with some fringe.
Photo Credit: Your Lovely Wedding
Bouquet
You can't go wrong with classic roses and peonies. Cascading greenery adds a vintage vibe.
Photo Credit: Elmer Escobar Photography
Reception Décor
Popularized in the 1960s, baby's breath is a staple at vintage-inspired weddings.
Photo Credit: Micah and Megan Photographers
Centerpieces
Mini floral arrangements look even more darling when paired with vintage crystal glasses, antique pearl necklaces, and lace table cloths.
Photo Credit: Micah and Megan Photographers
Reception Décor
Picture frames aren't just for holding pictures! Suspend small groupings of flowers from old frames for a unique twist.
Photo Credit: Dixie Pixel Photography
Ceremony
Utilize old-fashioned urns and classic pillars to hold oversized arrangements of hydrangeas and roses.
Photo Credit: Pasha Belman Photography
Reception Décor
Decorate your reception entrance with a stack of vintage suitcases.
Photo Credit: Choco Studio
Centerpieces
Place a stack of leather-bound books on each table, topped with a framed quote from one of the classic literary picks.
Photo Credit: Nadia D. Photography
Ceremony
Decorate your ceremony space with vintage lanterns surrounded by hydrangeas and roses.
Photo Credit: POPography
Cake
Fabric roses adorned with jewels and tea-dyed paper add to the vintage vibe of this classic cake.
Photo Credit: POPography
Attire
Complete your look with a modern take on the Juliet headdress, popularized in the 1920s.
Photo Credit: Crystal Satriano Photography
Place Settings & Table Décor
Vintage meets the modern era: We love the contrast between the traditional camera (with film!) and the iPhone on this table.
Photo Credit: Brandy Angel Photography
Reception Décor
A reception held by candlelight reflects a time before the modern era.
Photo Credit: JoPhoto
Place Settings & Table Décor
Antique china looks even more elegant when placed on gold chargers.
Photo Credit: JoPhoto
Bouquet
Complement a fresh-from-the-garden bouquet with an heirloom brooch.
Photo Credit: Erin Wheeler Photography
Reception Décor
Repurpose antique table runners as custom banners for your sweetheart table chairs.
Photo Credit: Stevie Ramos Photography
Photo Inspiration
Incorporate some of your favorite antiques in your photos.
Photo Credit: Revival Photography
Guest Book
Ask your guests to type their well wishes for you on a retro typewriter.
Photo Credit: Choco Studio
