Vintage style wedding: colors, dresses, accessories, decor

Description of vintage style

"Vintage" originally referred to winemaking terms. Previously, it denoted good aged wine. This French term began to be widely used in the 1950s, but the style really boomed in the 1990s. It was at this time that elegant antique things began to be called vintage.

Today, many equate vintage style with retro. The attributes are very similar: old things, slightly covered with patina. Unlike retro, this style does not involve any fakes or the use of low-grade second-hand goods. All items must be authentic and presentable. The motto of a wedding in vintage style is: “Living with taste is beautiful even now!”

Photo shoot in retro style

Photos from a vintage wedding will be a real treasure. The newlyweds should discuss with the photographer and videographer exactly how the shooting will take place. For example, all invitees must take a photo at a certain stand and leave a wish in a special book.

For a photo shoot of the bride and groom, several locations are usually used or a photo studio is rented. As a rule, guests appear at the event itself. Based on the requirements of the era, additional decorations for photos are installed in the hall.

The second option is to invite an artist to paint a general portrait or painting. It is possible to draw caricatures of guests with a wish from each of them.

A retro wedding is organized based on the wishes of the newlyweds. An era or time period must be chosen, in accordance with the trends of which the hall will be decorated and outfits selected. Guests are notified of the dress code in the invitations. The music turns on, the glasses are filled with champagne and the presenter begins an exciting journey back several decades so that those present can see everything with their own eyes.

Choosing a venue depending on the season

During the cold season, the most acceptable option for a celebration is a restaurant. When choosing an establishment, it is better to pay attention to those places that are already stylized in a vintage style. Such restaurants are located in ancient buildings, decorated with columns, exquisite stucco, frescoes and stained glass windows.

The lighting in the hall should not be bright; it is ideal if candles are lit in it. With this lighting design, the outfits of the newlyweds and their guests will look even more chic.

Decorated tables in nature

In summer, the ceremony can be organized outdoors. The most suitable places include picturesque parks, gardens, and embankments. Light bulbs and antique-style garlands are hung on the trees. The altar is decorated with fresh flowers, and the path to it is framed with elegant vases. Guest chairs can be transformed with ribbons.

Invitation cards for a retro wedding

Such a detail as invitations and their design can become the highlight of the celebration. You can arrange photos of the newlyweds to look like old postcards in the style of that era. For this technique, you can use aged paper artificially or naturally with a sepia effect. You can complete the antique look by placing the invitations in a special envelope, which is framed with retro twine.

To complete the style, you can ask the courier who delivers the invitations to dress up in the style of that time. For example, if this is a man, the character of Al Capone is ideal, if the girl is Marilyn Monroe. For this service, you can turn to the city's local animators for help. In the invitations, it is important to indicate not only the date and time of the celebration, but also to describe the style, as well as give recommendations to the guests and friends of the couple on the dress code.

Wedding decoration

In order not to go beyond the vintage style, it is imperative to use:

genuine leather;
flax;
wood and metal;
gilding;
ceramics;
porcelain;
cotton;
corduroy;
velvet;
thin lace;
old photos;
aged yellowed paper, you can achieve the desired effect by dipping the material in tea and drying it.

Garland from old photographs

Attention is paid to everything from floristry to the outfits of the bride and groom.

When preparing, you need to take care of the availability of ribbons, lace, airy fabrics, as well as antique vases, llamas, candlesticks, which will later decorate the hall, cortege, invitations and other festive paraphernalia.

The decor can be sheet music, an old piano, photo frames with black and white photographs. Music creates an unusual atmosphere. Old romances played on a gramophone are perfect for a vintage wedding.

Cortege

The wedding procession can be decorated with airy fabrics. Lace, ribbons, angel figures, and baskets of flowers are useful for decoration.

When choosing cars, you should avoid modern foreign cars. They must be replaced with any vintage car.

The main rule is elegance and the presence of a touch of antiquity in everything.

Newlyweds with a motorcade in the background

Vintage style registration area

Harmonious design of the registration area is one of the most important tasks when organizing a wedding in the vintage style.

An outdoor ceremony looks interesting. Here the decorator has more design options, from the arch to the furniture for guests.

A classic arch entwined with light ribbons is not the only solution. An alternative would be a wooden door with slightly cracked paint. Antique brass handles will complement it perfectly.

The stage is decorated in the same way as the arch, with flowers, ribbons and airy fabrics.

Pastel-colored lamps and ribbons are hung on the trees.

It is better to choose wooden chairs for guests, slightly shabby, but at the same time aesthetically pleasing.

The furniture is decorated in the same colors as the arch and the stage for the newlyweds.

Arch

Banqueting hall

The banquet hall is divided into several thematic zones. At the entrance, it is appropriate to present a seating plan, as well as photographs of the newlyweds on artificially aged paper. They will look more impressive if the bride and groom take care in advance and purchase antique frames. You can also place several easels in this area; they will add some romance to the atmosphere.

on the tables in which guests will write down their wishes to the newlyweds. They should be decorated with a high-quality long tablecloth trimmed with lace. A telephone or typewriter may also be located here.

On the tables at which guests and newlyweds will sit, there should be tall vases with fresh flowers. Additionally, you can place pearl threads or brooches here. It will be good if you can get porcelain sets and silver cutlery.

The chairs of guests and newlyweds are decorated with airy, soft fabrics. They can be complemented with lush bows.

Decoration of the banquet hall

The next zone is the sweet table . Here guests can enjoy delicious desserts. This place is decorated in accordance with the general decoration of the hall. Antique candlesticks, lace and silverware are a must.

The place of the DJ and presenter is decorated in a special way. An old gramophone or gramophone would look appropriate. In order not to disturb the harmony, the host should be dressed in accordance with the style of the wedding party.

The newlyweds' place is richly decorated with porcelain figurines, crystals, and vases of flowers. The main thing is that all decorative elements match the decor and do not stray from the vintage style. The table is covered with a lace tablecloth or a soft fabric.

Important little things

The seating plan may include decoupage. To make this detail look good, you can worry in advance about purchasing an antique frame, slightly covered with patina.

Seating plan design option

Invitations also require special attention. To make them, it is recommended to use aged paper. On one side you can place a photo of the newlyweds, and on the other - text. You can write it by hand with ink. Invitation cards are decorated with brooches, beads, lace and dried flowers.

Invitations

Decoration of a motorcade for a retro wedding

If possible, the wedding car should be chosen in accordance with the style of that era. If you want to add some ambiance, you can replace the car with a horse cart, decorated in the spirit of that time. If the wedding is planned in Chicago format, you can choose a limousine or convertible. A celebration in the style of dudes should be accompanied by a motorcade in the old style; Volga model cars are ideal.

Wedding image of the bride

To create images, you need to use clothes that were fashionable in the 50s of the 20th century.

Ideally, your grandmother still has her wedding dress. You just need to alter the item to suit your figure and get the desired result. You can also purchase a modern version in a vintage style. A lace wedding dress can easily claim this title. Who it is suitable for and what to consider when choosing it, read here.

A straight style will look very nice. In order not to make a mistake when choosing it, we have prepared another article for you.

The outfit can be either open or closed back. It is trimmed with fringe or trimmed with glass beads. Midi and short princess models are welcome. You can also choose a dress with a slightly fuller skirt.

Interesting hairstyle options for the bride and groom

Suitable accessories include long pearl beads, silver earrings with any stones, beads and chains, and voluminous brooches.

A wedding in the style of the 50s involves voluminous hairstyles. Back then, short haircuts that covered the ears and soft waves were in fashion. They were decorated with feathers, hairpins with stones and bandages. You can create a high hairstyle with a backcomb, which will need to be fixed with hairspray.

When doing makeup , you need to remember that the main emphasis is on the eyes - long eyelashes and black arrows. For lips, bright red rich lipstick is suitable.

For festive shoes, you can look at both high-heeled shoes and ballet flats. The beauties of the 50s preferred low heels.

The manicure should be bright, but at the same time not vulgar. Deep red, soft pink or beige are perfect for this purpose.

A young bouquet should not be flashy. It contains fresh flowers in pastel colors. The main options are peony, hydrangea, gypsophila, roses, calla lilies, freesia. It is very popular to decorate bouquets with cameos. An elegant flowing ribbon or any chain with a pendant will also work. If you decide to choose freesias, here you can find many useful tips on making a bouquet of these flowers. You will also find out who it will suit and how to decorate it.

Bouquet of several types of flowers

About styles

Let's look a little into the style. Retro fashion trends include the period from the 20s to the 80s of the twentieth century.

20s-30s represent American retro style, gangsters, Chicago. Straight silhouettes, fur boas, long pendants, tiaras, feathers. For men - suits with butterflies, neckerchiefs, suspenders, white scarves.

The 40s are considered to be the style of The Great Gatsby. Sequins, patterns, embroidery, boas, ostrich feathers, gloves, fringe, fur boas. For men: classic three-piece suits, tailcoats, jackets of non-standard colors, satin collars, loafers or oxfords as shoes and a cane as the main accessory.

The 50s are the time of the great Elvis and rock and roll . Leather clothes, jeans, large metal jewelry, spikes, rivets, glamorous bouffant, mohawks, pink and gold colors, black and silver, bell-bottoms, belts with large buckles.

60s-70s - Hipsters, disco. Starched skirts, midi length, tapered trousers, bright colors, contrasting combinations, catchy accessories and hats. Polka dots, large checks, stripes.

What clothes to choose for the groom

The image of a young man is created by a vintage suit in the form of trousers, perhaps slightly rolled up at the bottom, and an elongated, spacious jacket. The best colors are gray, beige, brown. Suspenders, a plain shirt and vest can also be used. If you are planning a wedding in the style of the 40s, you can rent a real tuxedo.

Groom in the foreground

A hat a la “gangster” will be a stylish accessory. Instead of the usual tie, you can use a bow tie. The groom should also take care of the presence of cufflinks.

boutonniere is made from fresh flowers. You can look at an option made from artificial components, preferably feathers. It is recommended to attach some vintage item, a key or a medallion to this element.

Wedding image of the groom

The groom is given a more modest arsenal of looks to choose from. You can choose between a tailcoat, a formal suit, or a vest with characteristic suspenders. If the bride chose a ball gown, the man should give preference to a tailcoat. The main thing is that the images of the young people are in harmony with each other.

For an American wedding, the groom should wear a formal suit. You can spice up the look with a white scarf, as well as a hat in the style of that time called “borsalino”.

What to wear for wedding guests

Guests should be informed about the dress code a month or two before the wedding. In order not to break the concept, friends of the bride and groom can look for 50s outfits for themselves. These are high-waisted skirts, blouses with three-quarter sleeves, velvet dresses with a full skirt and belt. This accessory can be purchased separately; another article tells you how to make the right choice.

Shoes can be low heels with a pointed toe. Gloves, hats and small square handbags are also relevant. For jewelry you should choose beads and clips.

What is vintage?

Vintage fashion has firmly entered our modern life. The word “vintage” means all the most beautiful and fashionable things that happened in the past. For example, an antique ball gown lying in a grandmother’s chest or family jewelry kept in a box for centuries.

This new retro style is associated with good taste and quality and is gradually replacing brazen glamor. Vintage style (antique) is present not only in clothing, it has taken root well in furniture, in apartment design, and even in the design of mobile phones.

It is important not to confuse retro style with second-hand clothing. The thing should not be old, but antique, almost antique. Items under 20 years old are not used here. Vintage style allows you to create your own individual image and not be like anyone else.

A vintage wedding is characterized by a combination of simplicity and elegance; memories of it will warm the souls of everyone present for a long time.

Cake is the basis of the festive table. This is a tall structure covered with sweet cream and decorated with fondant or edible lace. The decor of the cake should not be flashy, so you should give preference to sugar pearls, marmalade curls and marzipan flowers in natural tones. Ribbons and bows can also be used.

Very appetizing and beautiful cake with mastic

Menu and cake design examples

Wedding decorations for a similar theme should differ from the usual format. A treat like baked pig with apples will help highlight the theme of the holiday. The fact is that this particular dish in the retro era symbolized a big event and celebration. An appropriate addition to the menu would be Olivier salad, herring under a fur coat, as well as sandwiches and various pickles.

Drinks can be represented by an assortment of lemonade in distinctive glass bottles, as well as compote in jugs. The alcoholic palette can be represented by wine or vodka, or Soviet brands. The cake can be made in the shape of a gramophone or a car in the style of that time. If the couple prefers the classic version, then you can make a two-tier model with an abundance of cream decor.

Groom's outfit

The groom needs to choose a suit that will also match the theme of the wedding. There are many options: three-piece tweed suit, tuxedo, vest and trousers.

Don’t forget about stylish additions to your outfit: a pocket watch, unusual in our time, a hat and suspenders.

Perhaps a bow tie would look more interesting instead of a tie, or maybe you should leave the shirt collar unbuttoned altogether.

Wedding procession

Cars produced in the 40-50s are what you will need to organize a real vintage reception. No modern limousines can replace the beauty and graceful slowness of vintage cars.

You will be able to rent exactly the model in which you have dreamed of riding since childhood, because a wedding is the day when all wishes come true!