A vintage wedding theme is one of the most popular trends nowadays. Trends change every year but vintage is here to stay!
If you’re considering a vintage themed wedding, then first you need to think what vintage means to you. When I think of vintage weddings, I think of Jane Austen style weddings but others may think of early Hollywood glamour.
Also, do you want a full blown vintage wedding, or just a few vintage touches? Do you want genuine vintage, or imitations (which can work out cheaper)?
So really a vintage wedding is a broad subject and you need to find which theme most allures to you.
The dress
An obvious dress idea for a vintage theme would be to ask a relative if they still have their wedding gown. I would suggest asking several relatives, so you can compare and find one that suits you! This is a great cost saving idea. It also helps that ‘carbon footprint’ thing everyone talks about…
You could also try second hand stores or eBay where you will find many dresses for sale or hire.
If you are happy to have the ‘vintage’ look, as opposed to genuine vintage, then why not consider a bespoke gown if you cannot find what you have in mind? You could contact a designer such as the lovely Mette of Freja Fashions.
www.freja-fashions.co.uk and www.edinburghweddingvideos.com 
You can complement your dress with pearls, vintage bags and hair slides or tiaras.
You can also find brilliant vintage suits for the groom. If you find a lovely one that might not fit perfectly then take it to a tailor. Your tailor can also repair any signs of age such as ripped stitching or missing buttons
Decor
Bunting is a great way to decorate your wedding venue for a vintage theme! Have a look at the work of our local supplier Dub Stitch for some inspiration.
For your table centrepieces, you could include ostrich feathers, jewels and mirrors. You could have candles or lanterns.
www.lincolnshirelanterns.com 
For the tables themselves choose linen edged with lace if possible and use seat covers so that sashes can be cleverly chosen in taffeta with beading or even dressed with roses or pearls.
Finishing touches such as time worn tea light holders, napkins tied with replica pearls and old fashioned crystal glass wear will truly make an impact and depending on whether you want to mix and match eras you could even go for mismatched crockery and cocktail glasses.
For a real personal touch, consider asking older family members to let you display their old photos around the venue.
For your table plan, one idea I saw which I *loved* was to use a chalkboard!
Why not have cupcakes on vintage style cake stands on each table? This could be used as centrepieces, favours and cake all in one! You could serve with tea in vintage tea cups! Have a look at….
Favours
For favours you could try having mini pots of jam for your guests. Perhaps have cigars for the men, and compact mirrors for the ladies. Again, have a look at the work of our supplier Dub Stitch for some vintage themed favours such as mirrors, badges etc.
www.dubstitch.co.uk 
Food
Why not hire a vintage ice cream van/bicycle to serve ‘pudding’ to your guests?
A selection of retro sweets in old style sweet jars will keep the kids happy and will also add colour and excitement to your wedding. You could have a candy cart and this could be favours and a buffet in one.
www.juliescandycart.co.uk 
Flowers
Flowers for this theme tend to be pale roses which almost look hand painted. I also recommend you display them in vintage jugs. You can source these easily and very cheaply from car boot sales.
You could have feathers in your flower bouquets which would sit nicely with a 1920s style wedding.
For your bouquet, I absoulety adore this Vintage heirloom bouquet by sarah marks of Tiny Gems. If you and/or your relatives have old brooches etc, you could turn them into a bouquet such as this. It would be your bouquet, your ‘something old’ as well as sticking with your vintage theme. You could also use such a bouquet as a centrepiece at each table.
www.tiny-gems.co.uk 
Hair/Makeup
If you are thinking of old style Hollywood glamour, then your makeup should big lashes, eyeliner and red lips! Red lips is the ultimate vintage glamour must! Ask your hair stylist to create 20s inspired hair styles.
Music
Again, the music will depend on what era you want to emulate. You may consider using the likes of Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin etc.
Whatever era you decide to go for, and just how vintage you decide to go, never forget its your wedding and how you do it is up to you!
If you decide to contact any of the suppliers featured on our blog, please inform them of where you saw their work!
www.yourweddingatlochlomond.co.uk
Loch Lomond’s free wedding directory
