10 Vintage Wedding Inspirations

Vases

Photo by Diego Botero

Photo by Sharon Mccutcheon

Vintage vases and bottles are an obvious yet versatile wedding décor. Their myriad of unique shapes, sizes and colors adds character. Made from non-rust materials such as silver, aluminum, ceramics, glass, brass, bronze and crystal give a classy and timeless look. Pieces can be chosen to depict historically significant moments or for their color, shape or material. 

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Feature Items

Photo by Sudhith Xavier

Photo by Dave Phillips

Feature items such as historical objects add a touch of the past. Their presence draws attention and spikes curiosity while also adding  elegance and romance. The possibilities are endless. Teapots overflowing with flowers, tea cups filled with wax to make candles, birdcages, lanterns and on and on. 

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Bling

Photo by Daria Magazzu

Jewelry can be used in a number of ways to showcase both your style and your chosen era. The perfect earrings can take a bride from gorgeous to exquisite. Your expression of style could include vintage pieces such as brooches that are artfully placed in your flower bouquet.  Or perhaps you don't want a flower bouquet at all. An eclectic collection of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches can be gathered to create a stunning and unique bouquet of jewels. 

Photo by Scott Webb

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Books

Photo by Chris Lawton

Books can be added to décor to give texture, color or height. They can be stacked and wrapped with lace, twine, fabric or even an old belt. Covers can be wrapped in burlap, fabric, brown paper or patterned paper. Embellishments can be added such as feathers, old keys, vintage post cards and other elements to further personalize your look. 

Photo by Eli Difaria

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Lighting

Photo by Jen Simpson

Use hues and saturation of lighting to convey what's going on, what's about to happen and to direct the emotions of your guests. Warm lights create a welcoming, relaxing and inviting environment. Chandeliers, oil lamps, candles, and bunched Edison style lightbulbs all give soft glows of intimate light.   

Transportation

Photo by Eliza Szalinska

A vintage vehicle can make for an impressive entrance or exit. Make sure you stay with your era. A horse and carriage, for example, would be more  appropriate for a Victorian themed wedding than the Volkswagens you see pictured. This is an easy  and effective way to inject your personalities into your special day.   

Photo by Jonathan Borba

Music

Music from your chosen era can be incorporated in many different ways. Choose music that reflects your intended tone of visuals to make your theme cohesive. There are subtle associations carried by specific tunes that can take people back in time. A juke box filled with 40's and 50's music, for example, would fit the era for both intended tone and visuals as they were very popular during this era. 

Rustic Vintage

Wheelbarrows, wagons and carts designed to fit your theme can not only be visually pleasing but also useful. Wheelbarrows can be filled with items for your guest such as wedding favors or filled with ice to serve beverages. Wagons can carry tiny flower girls or little ring bearers down the isle. Large carts can be used as drink bars, dessert tables or set up with props for photo opportunities.  

Dinnerware

Photo by Debby Hudson

 The use of vintage dinnerware will make your guests feel like royalty. The picture to the right is a seating chart. Each piece of china represents a table and written on them are the names of the guests. 

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Calligraphy

Photo by Diana Schroder

Photo by Debby Hudson

The delicate and intricate art of calligraphy adds an intimate and personalized touch. Save the dates, invitations, place cards, seating charts, and menus are an obvious and effective way to use calligraphy. Or you can find unique ways to incorporate calligraphy such as an old mirror with a quote, poem or your names.