How to plan a vintage wedding

As TV shows like Mad Men and Downton Abbey bring stories of eras past to a screen near you, vintage is definitely here to stay as more and more events and stores dedicated to the fashion and lifestyle of bygone times pop up. And so the popularity of vintage-inspired weddings has only increased in the past few years, with celebrity brides like Kate Moss and Lily Allen opting for vintage looking wedding dresses.

But how do you go about planning a vintage celebration for you and your hubby to be?

First of all decide on which era you want to emulate. Are you looking to wear a 1950s tea length lace dress to your Rockabilly wedding or is the Art Deco glamour of the 1920s more your style?

Whichever decade you go for ensure that the wedding venue matches your choice. There is nothing worse than to see a vintage wedding held in a modern venue… Luckily there are so many manor houses across England that are able to host wedding ceremonies and receptions so all it takes is a bit of research, being good at bartering and starting the search well in advance of your wedding date. Once you have the setting, you can easily create the perfect atmosphere with a few well-thought of decorations.

If you’re not fortunate enough to have a wedding dress that has been passed down in your family, head to your local charity shops, second-hand shops, markets and vintage shops to rummage through the selection. You never know, the perfect dress might just be waiting for you where you least expect it.

And while you are second-hand shopping, pick up your bridesmaids outfits too.

For your sweetheart and his groomsmen a morning suit or tuxedo will do nicely. Most men will have this in their staple wardrobe, but ensure they comb their hair in the correct style. Perhaps Don Draper like? Swoon!

Nothing says vintage more than hand-written invitations, so invest in some quality paper, practice your best handwriting and start scribbling.

Planning a vintage wedding involves a lot of research – unless you live and breathe vintage already. So set aside enough time to research the elements and traditions of your chosen era, especially for the wedding menu. That said you can always opt for a more modern menu, but try your best and create a retro feast.

Are you planning a vintage-inspired wedding? Leave your tips in the comments below.

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