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Backyard Weddings, Blog, Decor Inspo, DIY Ideas, Inspiration, Planning + Design, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Receptions

21 Vintage Wedding Ideas for Timeless Romance

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While many couples love a contemporary wedding, there’s something about a vintage wedding that we can’t deny is ultra-romantic! From the old Hollywood glamour of the ‘50s, boho vibes of the ‘60s, the flash and dazzle of the ‘20s, or even the grandeur of the Renaissance period, there is inspiration to be found in every time period.

Whether you’re going full retro or just taking a little bit of inspiration from decades past, we’ve gathered all the vintage wedding ideas that are sure to make you swoon. Read on to start planning the vintage wedding of your dreams!

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Photo courtesy of BHLDN

Blend Old & New

Mix the old and new to create a fabulous and fun vintage vibe on your special day. We love a sleeved lace gown or a glamorous sheath gown paired with colorful or sparkly heels for a gorgeous and glam wedding look!  You could also rock an old-Hollywood inspired gown, a slip dress, drop waist, or Bardot-inspired gown as a few more fabulous, vintage options.

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Vintage Wedding Decor Ideas

Photo courtesy of Wedding Chicks

Gold Accents

Gold is so vintage, and even becoming popular again today! Make your wedding decor pop with gold accents that add shimmer to the room. We love gold candle sticks, gold name cards and table numbers, or even gold cutlery to make your dining tables really shine!

Vintage Tea Cups

Include beautiful vintage tea cups as part of your tablescape! These can be for an after-dinner hot drink, or you can even use them to make your own candle holders. Go to your local thrift stores to find unique vintage tea cups you can use to decorate.

Old Books & Vintage Props

Use old books and vintage props to spruce up your reception table decor, gift table, or seating chart/tag table! This is a fun and easy way to add some whimsy to your vintage wedding decor aesthetic.

More Vintage Wedding Ideas

Photo courtesy of Rock My Wedding

Vintage Car Rental

Not only is it perfect for wedding photos that pop with all of that great vintage flair, but it makes your exit (or entrance) one to remember. Bonus: it even counts as something borrowed!

Photo courtesy of Etsy

Brooches

Brooches are the perfect “something borrowed” and can easily be included into your wedding in so many ways. They can be worn, pinned to your bouquet, or mixed in with your centerpieces. Ask family members if they have any brooches that have been passed down through the years that you can use on your wedding day.

Photo courtesy of Ink and Press Co.

Invitation Calligraphy

Carry your theme across every aspect of your wedding, even start getting guests in the vintage mindset with your wedding invitations. Choose a font with vintage flair and points to your chosen time period for inspiration. This really helps set the tone for your special day!

Photo courtesy of BHLDN

Heirloom Jewelry

Antique-looking jewelry is an amazing way to add dazzle and vintage flair to your bridal look. Whether your engagement ring fits the look or not, you can add earrings, necklaces, and bracelets that fit the era of inspiration.

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Photo courtesy of BHLDN

Vintage Veil

For a gorgeous 1920s look, consider choosing a Juliet veil. This veil features a cloche style cap and a trailing tulle veil floating back behind you as you make your walk down the aisle. Or a stunning birdcage veil is always a great option for a beautiful retro look!

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Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty

Classic Boutonnieres

Opt for classic boutonnieres for the groomsmen on this special occasion. We love timeless white roses for the event.

Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty

Vintage Door Decor

Make your ceremony entrance feel old world and elegant all at the same time with a vintage door. Whether you’re inside or out, you can use a vintage-feeling door frame to define the ceremony space and create a grand entrance and exit.

Photo courtesy of The Knot

Books as Decor

Worn, distressed-looking books add a gorgeous vintage vibe as decor or photo props. Make a day of it and visit small bookstores and antique shops around town to find the perfect literary pieces!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Mismatched Chairs

Make your garden-style ceremony feel extra dreamy with mismatched chairs. It feels so vintage and effortless.

Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty

Complimentary Parasols

Take a cue from the 70s by providing stunning white, lace trim parasols for wedding guests or for your bridal party. This is especially a great idea for outdoor weddings as it also helps guests shade themselves from the sun, while looking fabulous! Place them at a basket at the ceremony entrance for guests to grab before taking a seat.

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Photo courtesy of Jill Caren Photo

Decorate an Arbor

Romantic and whimsical, a floral and greenery covered gazebo is a stunning backdrop for your ceremony.

Photo courtesy of Wedding Wire

Antique Furniture

As vintage weddings become more popular, the options for decorating your space have grown to include vintage furniture rentals. Add extra seating and make a venue feel specially tailored for you with antique furniture, rugs, and decor items.

Photo courtesy of Wedding Wire

Flower Petal Exit

Give guests flower petals to throw as you exit your ceremony space or reception as your final send off! It’s not only fun and romantic, it also makes for absolutely incredible pictures.

Photo courtesy of R Love Floral

Antique Keys

We love this idea from R Love Floral – using antique skeleton keys for a seating chart!

Photo courtesy of BHLDN

Vintage Reception Dress

Tie all of the vintage design elements of your wedding day together with a vintage dress. Whether you’re wearing it for the entire wedding or swapping your ceremony dress for a fun reception frock, we love intricate beading, feathers, and of course, lace! Go full vintage with a drop waist or sheath shaped dress. You could even wear one of these fun dresses for your rehearsal dinner or bridal shower!

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Photo courtesy of Something Tailored Rentals

Old Trunks & Suitcases

Dreaming of a vintage, travel themed wedding? This is the perfect idea for couples that love to adventure and explore new places! Incorporate old trunks and suitcases throughout the space to add retro vibes.

Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty

Music for the Times

Keep the vintage theme going with music that fits your chosen time period. Opt for big band music, a jazz trio, earthy 60s music, or an 80s rock band – just to name a few ideas!

Photo courtesy of Brides

Old-Fashioned Bar Cart

Make your bar area stand out with an old-time bar cart! You can use it to showcase the couple’s favorite bourbon selection, a make-your-own drink station for smaller weddings, or offer non-alcoholic beverage options.

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Photo courtesy of The Wedding Playbook

Antique Tables

Nothing warms up a space like antique wooden tables, so add a few to your reception or cocktail hour full of snacks, refreshments or dessert.