Get expert advice on which wedding style is right for you.
Every couple wants their wedding to stand the test of time, and beyond that, everyone wants their big day to reflect their true selves. For many, this leads to the decision between vintage and timeless styles. Should you lean into nostalgia and pay homage to those that came before you, or should you spring for something a little more classic?
We gathered some industry experts who are no strangers to this question, and they’re sharing their top tips on deciding which aesthetic is right for you.
"The key for couples to understand which style suits them is to start with their story. Couples should think about what resonates with them, first and foremost. What shared interests do they have, what are their favorite decades, their home aesthetic (this is especially important when ensuring printed wedding photos match the home décor), and how do they celebrate their milestones?" —Zhaun Frias, Zhaun Frias Photography
"A timeless wedding style could occur at any time. Photos from the wedding would not seem out of place 30 years ago or 30 years from now. Generally, traditional cultural dress (including classic black or white tie attire for Western ceremonies) in a traditional/classic wedding location like a temple or cathedral, followed by a reception in a grand ballroom, would create an appropriately timeless scene." —Vijay Goel, 440 Elm
“Vintage wedding styles incorporate materials that are not modern. Couples looking to design their wedding with a vintage element will select an era and embrace that by making choices that would have been commonplace during that time period. For example, couples who would like a vintage '70s wedding might choose chiffon gowns with bell sleeves and floral crowns, which were prevalent during that decade. When it comes to wedding stationery, couples with a vintage wedding aesthetic will lean into materials like lace, deckled edges, fonts that have an antique feel, and imagery that is indicative of the chosen time period." —Kelley Nudo, Momental Designs
"With all parts of wedding planning, I like to encourage my couples to focus on how choices make them feel vs. how they look. Both vintage and timeless are the right way to go, depending on the couple. The key is how to incorporate specifics about your relationship, so that your wedding is a unique experience, regardless of the overall aesthetic." —Jesse Reing, Events By Jesse
"Timeless is ultimately in the eye of the beholder. Across different regions, traditions, and cultures, totally different things could be considered ‘timeless,’ so describing what that word means to you when you're developing your wedding vision is essential. Visuals are always helpful, and you should take the time to explain your traditions and priorities, should anyone be unfamiliar with them. That way, your creative team is all on the same page and can ensure that the timeless wedding of your dreams is brought to life." —Rachel Ceaser, Savoir Fête
"Many of us can call out a vintage photo, just as we can call out a vintage wedding dress, by the noticeable brown and sepia toning. When we look at them, it feels nostalgic and old. A timeless wedding style can't be dated to a specific era like a vintage piece. For photos in the digital age, this means a photograph that is true in color, with no trend or filter dating it. You could take a timeless photo and put a filter on it to make it look like a different era, but you can't easily do the opposite and take a vintage photo and un-date it." —Erin Dabbs, Erin Ren Photography
"When comparing vintage weddings to timeless weddings, while there might be some similarities, the end results will be quite different. Both wedding styles might incorporate design elements that span the decades. However, one will focus on a specific era (vintage weddings), and the other will select the wedding mainstays that have held true for generations." —Kelley Nudo, Momental Designs
"Mixing both is totally fair game, too. A wedding can feel classic overall but still include vintage touches that have meaning, like old family photos or an heirloom veil. Your wedding style doesn't need to fit neatly into a category. The best weddings feel like an extension of who you are. That's what makes it truly memorable." —Craig Peterman, Craig Peterman Photography & Videography
Option overwhelm is so real when it comes to planning, so it’s understandable that you may feel torn on your wedding style. Whatever you decide, be sure that you’re going with your heart and not something that may not resonate with you in the years to come!
Photos by Woodland Fields Photography
Meghan Ely is the founder of OFD Consulting, a public relations agency specializing in publicity, speaking engagements, and thought leadership for wedding and event professionals.
