Ever dreamed of a wedding straight out of a classic film or a cherished family photo?

Are you drawn to the unique, the authentic, and the vintage charm of yesteryear?

If so, a vintage wedding might be a good fit. It's a perfect way to weave your love story into the fabric of time. It's a celebration where old-world elegance meets modern romance, where every detail whispers of a bygone era. Imagine twirling in a gown that evokes the glamour of the 1920s or exchanging vows in a garden that echoes the charm of the Victorian age.

Intrigued? Let's dive into some creative ideas for creating a beautiful vintage wedding that's uniquely you.

Save-the-Dates and Invitations for Classic Vintage Weddings

Your save-the-dates and invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have into your vintage-themed wedding.

They hint at the romance, elegance, and nostalgia that await.

Here's how to create stationery that transports your guests to another era:

Paper

Opt for luxurious paper stocks like cotton or linen for a tactile experience that evokes the past. Consider using deckled edges for an added touch of vintage charm.

Fonts

Elegant calligraphy or vintage-inspired fonts are key to creating an authentic look. Some popular choices include:

-Script fonts: Edwardian Script, Palace Script, Snell Roundhand

-Serif fonts: Bodoni, Didot, Garamond

-Display fonts: Cooper Black, Goudy Old Style, Clarendon

Colors

Choose a color palette that complements your chosen era. For example, muted pastels or jewel tones work nicely with Art Deco-inspired designs. And bolder colors like red and turquoise would be well-suited for a 1950s theme.

Embellishments

Touches like wax seals, ribbon, lace, or vintage postage stamps can add a touch of sophistication and personalize your stationery.

You could even include small mementos like dried flowers or antique buttons.

Designs

Look to vintage postcards, posters, or old photographs for design inspiration.

Incorporate elements like floral motifs or geometric patterns, elements that are associated with the era you'll be recreating at your wedding.

Wording

Use formal or poetic language to match the vintage aesthetic. For an especially romantic touch, iinclude quotes from classic literature or love letters.

Here's an example of possible save-the-date wording for a vintage wedding:

"Save the Date

for the wedding of

[Your Names]

[Date]

[Location]

Formal invitation to follow"

Here's an example of wording for a vintage wedding invitation:

"[Your Names]

request the pleasure of your company

at their marriage

on [Date]

at [Time]

[Location]

Reception to follow"

Vintage Attire for the Bride and Groom

On your wedding day, you'll be the stars of your very own vintage love story. Let your attire set the scene.

For the bride, the possibilities are endless. You could choose a glamorous gown inspired by the golden age of Hollywood, a romantic lace wedding dress with Victorian-era details, or a bohemian frock that evokes the carefree spirit of the 1960s.

For the groom, if you want a timeless and sophisticated look, consider a well-tailored three-piece suit in a classic fabric like wool or tweed. Choose a neutral color like navy, charcoal, or brown, and accessorize with a vintage tie, pocket square, and cufflinks. A boutonniere of fresh or dried flowers will add a touch of romance.

If your wedding has a more playful or casual vibe, the groom could opt for a retro-inspired look. Think high-waisted trousers, suspenders, a patterned shirt, and a newsboy cap or fedora. This look is perfect for a 1920s or 1950s themed wedding.

Vintage Hair and Jewelry for the Bride

Complement your vintage bridal attire with hairstyles and jewelry that evoke the era of your choice.

Here are some thoughts for hairstyle inspiration:

Soft, Romantic Waves

Flowing waves, loosely tousled or carefully pinned, exude elegance and would complement a variety of vintage styles. Could could recreate film noir actress Veronica Lake's peek-a-boo waves for a touch of 1940s glamour or the soft curls of a Gibson Girl for a Victorian-inspired look.

Finger Waves

These sculpted waves, popular in the 1920s and 1930s, offer a touch of drama and sophistication. They would pair beautifully with a sleek, fitted gown or a flapper-style dress.

Victory Rolls

A signature hairstyle of the 1940s, victory rolls are bold and playful, and they's add a touch of retro charm to your bridal look. They're perfect for a pin-up inspired wedding or a wartime-era theme.

Structured Updos

Intricate updos with braids, twists, or chignons are a great way to channel the elegance of a bygone era. Adorn them with vintage hair combs, jeweled pins, or fresh flowers.

Hair Accessories

Don't be afraid to experiment with vintage-inspired hair accessories like birdcage veils, headbands adorned with feathers or lace, or delicate floral hairpins. Elements like these can elevate your hairstyle and enhance your vintage look.

And here are some jewelry possibilities:

Pearls

A classic choice for vintage brides, pearls evoke elegance and sophistication.

You can go with a simple strand of pearls, a pearl drop necklace, or pearl earrings for a touch of understated glamour.

Cameos

These carved portraits, often featuring figures from mythology or history, would add a touch of antique charm to your ensemble. You can choose a cameo pendant, brooch, or earrings.

Art Deco Pieces

Geometric patterns, bold lines, and shimmering gemstones characterize Art Deco jewelry, which was particularly popular in the 1920s and 1930s. Possibilities include a statement necklace with intricate designs, a pair of dazzling earrings, or a bold cocktail ring to capture the glamour of the era.

Vintage Brooches

Repurpose a vintage brooch as a hair accessory or pin it to your bouquet for a sentimental touch. Choose a design that reflects your personal style and the era of your wedding theme.

Antique Rings

A family heirloom ring or a vintage engagement ring would add a touch of history and sentimentality to your bridal look. If you don't have one, consider browsing antique shops or online retailers for a unique and meaningful piece.

Vintage Touches for the Wedding Party

Extend your vintage theme to your bridal party by incorporating vintage-inspired elements into their attire.

Your bridesmaids, for example, could wear tea-length dresses in rich hues or delicate lace designs. They can accessorize their look with vintage-inspired jewelry or hair pieces.

For the groomsmen, you could recommend classic suits with suspenders, bow ties, or vests for a dapper, old-school look.

The Cocktail Party at Your Vintage Wedding

Cocktail hour is the perfect opportunity to transport your guests further into your vintage dream. Let the clinking of glasses and the hum of conversation mingle with the nostalgia of a bygone era.

Here are a few ideas to create a cocktail hour that's both sophisticated and unforgettable:

Libations

-Signature Cocktails: Craft a signature cocktail menu inspired by your chosen era. Think Gin Rickeys for a 1920s vibe, Mint Juleps for a Southern belle soirée, or Harvey Wallbangers for a groovy 1970s feel. Don't forget to name them with vintage flair.

-Vintage Glassware: Talk with your wedding venue about serving your drinks in vintage glassware for an extra touch of authenticity. Look for coupe glasses or highball glasses.

Cocktail Hour Ambiance

-Seating: Arrange plush velvet seating areas for guests to lounge and mingle. Look for antique sofas, armchairs, or chaise lounges in rich fabrics and colors.

-Lighting: Create a warm and intimate atmosphere with dimmed lighting. Use string lights, lanterns, or candles to cast a soft glow over the space.

-Music: Curate a playlist of vintage tunes that fit your chosen era. You could go with jazz for 1920s, big band for the 1940s, or period rock and roll for the 1950s.

-Decor: Incorporate vintage decor elements like antique mirrors, framed photographs, or vintage travel posters.

Vintage Floral Arrangements: Blooming with Timeless Elegance

Your wedding flowers will be more than just beautiful decorations; they'll be living works of art that capture the essence of your vintage vision.

Here are some ideas to create floral arrangements for your vintage wedding.

Roses

No flower says romance quite like a rose. Think about garden roses in soft hues of pink, peach, or ivory for a vintage feel. Or, you could go with antique varieties like Souvenir de la Malmaison or Charles de Mills for a truly unique touch.

Peonies

With their lush petals and delicate fragrance, peonies evoke a sense of old-world elegance.

Choose white or blush pink peonies for a classic look or try bolder colors like coral or burgundy for a dramatic statement.

Dahlias

These dramatic flowers with their layered petals come in a wide array of colors and shapes, making them a versatile choice for vintage floral arrangements.

Choose dinner plate dahlias for a show-stopping centerpiece or smaller varieties for boutonnieres and corsages.

Ranunculus

These delicate, multi-petaled blooms resemble miniature roses and would add a touch of whimsy to any arrangement. Choose ranunculus in pastel shades for a soft, romantic look.

Other Vintage Favorites

There are so many more possibilities for flowers at your vintage wedding. Take a look at blooms that were popular in bygone eras like hydrangeas, sweet peas, baby's breath, or carnations.

Complement your flowers with vintage vessels and accents. Possibilities include:

Antique Urns

Large, ornate urns would create a dramatic focal point for your wedding ceremony or reception. Look for urns made of materials like brass, copper, or silver.

Milk Glass Vases

The milky white hue and delicate patterns of milk glass vases evoke a sense of nostalgia. Use them to create charming centerpieces or accent tables throughout your wedding venue.

Copper Pots

Copper pots add a rustic touch to vintage floral arrangements. Fill them with wildflowers, herbs, or succulents.

Mercury Glass Vases

The shimmering surface of mercury glass adds a touch of glamour to arrangements. Look for vintage mercury glass vases in various shapes and sizes.

Vintage Accents

Incorporate vintage-style accents into your floral arrangements, possibly lace ribbons, antique brooches, or strings of pearls. You could also repurpose vintage handkerchiefs or doilies as unique vase wraps.

Vintage Reception Décor

Transform your wedding reception venue into a vintage wonderland with thoughtful decor choices.

Ideas for your vintage wedding decor include:

-Linen and lace: Drape your reception tables in luxurious fabrics like velvet, satin, or damask in rich jewel tones or muted pastels. Use vintage lace tablecloths or runners for a touch of delicate beauty.

-China and silverware: Set the tables with vintage china or mismatched patterns for a charming, eclectic look. Silverware can be antique silver or gold-toned for a touch of glamour.

Candles and centerpieces: Illuminate your tables with candlelight. Use antique candelabras, mercury glass votives, or mismatched vintage candle holders for a warm, inviting glow. Create centerpieces with floral arrangements in vintage vases, antique books, or collections of vintage trinkets.

-Lighting: Set the mood with soft, warm lighting. Use string lights, chandeliers with Edison bulbs, or antique lanterns to create a romantic ambiance.

-Furniture: Incorporate antique furniture pieces like settees, chaise lounges, or wingback chairs for cozy seating areas. Rent or borrow vintage tables, dressers, or trunks to use as bars, dessert displays, or guest book stations.

-Mirrors and Art: Adorn the walls with vintage mirrors in ornate, antique frames, paintings from the era you're featuring, or framed photographs. Try using vintage postcards or maps to create a unique wall display.

-Photo Displays: For your vintage-style wedding, showcase your love story with a display of photographs. Use antique frames, clothespins, or string lights to create a photo wall or table display.

-Antique props: Scatter antique props like vintage suitcases, typewriters, or globes throughout your wedding venue to add personality and character.

-Record players: Set up a vintage record player with a selection of classic tunes for guests to enjoy.

Remember, the key is to choose wedding décor elements that reflect your chosen era and create a cohesive vintage atmosphere. Don't be afraid to mix and match different textures, colors, and patterns as you select wedding decor to create a personalized space.

Cake Inspiration for Your Vintage Wedding

Your wedding cake should be a showstopper that captures the essence of your vintage wedding theme.

Consider classic designs like all-white cakes with intricate piping or lace details, or go with a luxurious metallic-accented cake with a Art Deco flair.

Incorporate vintage cake toppers, possibly figurines or fresh flowers, for an added touch of nostalgia.

Vintage Signage

Guide your guests through your vintage wedding celebration with stylish signage that complements your overall aesthetic.

Use vintage-inspired fonts or calligraphy on chalkboards, vintage mirrors, or reclaimed wood signs. Incorporate vintage frames or embellishments like lace or ribbons to add visual interest.

Vintage Music

Transport your guests through time during your upcoming wedding with a carefully curated music playlist inspired by your vintage theme.

Incorporate classics from the era you've chosen, whether it's big band sounds of the 1930s, the crooners of the 1950s, or the rock 'n' roll tunes of the 1960s. Another possibility is to hire a band or a DJ specializing in vintage music to keep your dance floor alive.

A Grand Exit in Vintage Style

After a day filled with timeless elegance and romantic charm, make your departure as memorable as your entrance.

A vintage getaway car is the perfect way to seal the deal on your vintage wedding and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Choosing Your Chariot

Opt for a vintage car that embodies the era of your wedding theme. A 1920s Rolls-Royce, a 1950s Chevrolet Bel Air, or a 1960s Mustang convertible are all iconic choices that exude style and sophistication.

Or, you can go with less traditional options like a vintage VW bus, a horse-drawn carriage, or even a vintage bicycle built for two. These choices add a touch of whimsy and personality to your exit.

Decorating Your Getaway

Adorn your vintage vehicle with lush floral garlands or swags of greenery for a romantic touch, and hang a "Just Married" sign from the back of the car for a classic touch.

Another possibility is to add a touch of personalization with ribbons in your wedding colors, a custom license plate, or a vintage suitcase strapped to the roof rack.

More Vintage Wedding Ideas: Favors

Send your guests home with a memento that captures the essence of your vintage wedding.

You could offer favors like personalized matchboxes, vintage-inspired soaps or candles, or small bottles of liquor or wine with custom labels. Present them in vintage-inspired packaging like kraft boxes or muslin bags.

The Bell Tower on 34th, one of the leading wedding venues in Houston, is known for our beautiful grounds, full planning services, and talented chef.

Our venue serves couples throughout southeast Texas.

Learn more about holding a wedding here.

The Bell Tower on 34th

901 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018

(713) 868-2355