Whether you dream of rockabilly victory rolls, glamorous art deco rings, or are simply drawn to your great-grandmother’s wedding photos and pearls, there is no denying the classic beauty of vintage-inspired weddings. Today, there are more ways than ever to add some swoon‐worthy traditions from every decade to your big day. So celebrate your modern romance with a retro twist…and don’t forget that iconic red lip!
Krista A. Jones | Bay Home Wedding
When deciding on vintage inspirations for your wedding, engagement shoot, or bridal shower, start by narrowing your vision to a specific era. The roaring 20s are best known for fringe and slip dresses, bejeweled headpieces, and geometric designs, for example. The classic 1940s bring to mind traditional fine china patterns, flattering sweetheart necklines, and soft pin curled hairstyles. Deciding on a specific time period for your inspiration will help you tie together your vintage and modern details while providing guests with a cohesive narrative of your theme.
Roaring 20s meets modern Bohemian Chic
Bridal gowns are turning back to tradition in 2015 by featuring lace overlay, tulle, long sleeves, and romantic necklines. Combining these feminine, delicate features with bold, glitzy accessories, a bohemian braided hairstyle, and a bold lip color makes for the perfect balance between modern bride and roaring 20s socialite.
If you’re in the market for engagement or wedding rings, look for pieces with unique art deco settings or colored gems and stones. These elements were popular among jewelry in the 1920s and will make your ring stand out in a crowd while adding historical significance to your new favorite statement piece.
Hollywood Glamour meets Timeless Beauty
Classic inspirations from the 1940s and 50s can add such a fun and flirty theme to your engagement shoot or wedding! Bright floral details, popular cursive calligraphy and vintage stamps can bring a cheery greeting to your designs and invitations, while traditional fine china and place settings are sure to bring a sophisticated elegance to your reception. Complement modern, natural eye makeup with soft pin curls, a birdcage veil, and the perfect red lipstick before saying, “I do,” with your sweetheart. If you’re in need of jewelry, look no further than your grandmother’s pearls: they will always be in style.
Jackie Onassis meets Nature Lover
The mod 1960s and 70s showcased slim silhouettes, shorter skirts, prints and patterns. Using simplistic elements like wildflowers, candles, and mason jars can emulate this era at your wedding ceremony and reception. Include bold graphic design, colorful table setting motifs, and nature-inspired wedding gifts like locally cultivated honey. For a popular hairstyle, create festive flower crowns for the bridal party or the ever popular bouffant.
Mom’s Wedding meets Your Wedding
The 1980s brought about many over-the-top wedding styles, many of which you’ve probably seen in your mother’s wedding photographs. This era is best known for extremely voluminous sleeves and skirts, however you may be surprised to learn that your mother’s wedding may actually be more in style now than ever before. Brides today are turning back to traditional wedding dresses and looking for more modest cuts and lace overlays. Many popular designs include delicate full-length sleeves, frilled cap sleeves, and extensive button closures.
Gold is also experiencing resurgence again and many engagement rings will soon move away from the popular diamond halo in favor of the traditional single solitaire diamond ring or three diamond band commonly given in the 1970s and 80s. Brides looking for inspiration from this era can use a pastel color palette and delicate bows, tulle, or ribbons as accents.
Minimalist 90s and Today’s Weddings
In the 1990s, styles changed to reflect the simplification of weddings from previous eras. Brides preferred slim-fitting dresses with basic cuts and casual hair and makeup as compared to more elaborate styles of the past. Vera Wang became a popular dress designer for many brides and simple ceremonies become more common. Brides can bring these elements to their own modern celebration by adding minimalist dresses for their bridesmaids, colorful yet tasteful flower arrangements, and simple wedding bands.
Whichever era you choose, vintage inspirations are sure to bring fun, playful elements to your wedding celebration! And the best part? Showcasing just how magical love is across generations.
