"Something old, something new, something borrowed something blue."

Any bride who reads wedding magazines and checks the odd blog will have noticed that vintage style has become increasingly popular over the last few years. This ties in with the increasing popularity of vintage furniture, fashion and decorating - all reminiscent of an era when more time and care was taken in the making of goods, and when things were generally hand-crafted rather than mass-produced.

Vintage Weddings can conjure up a simpler, more peaceful time when the pace of life was slower… the complete opposite of our modern daily lives. When we think vintage, we think of timeless style from the days when couples courted and there was romance in hand-written notes… and couples had to save for their day- to-day household items which were then treasured and passed down through generations.

These were simple but precious items that were used and loved, and that, unbeknown to their owners, would later be re-used and recycled. They remind us, too, of times of war, austerity and depression. Perhaps, then, Vintage Weddings can represent a timeless style, or act as reminders of loved ones.

Many couples who are drawn to a vintage style wedding have already incorporated vintage elements into their lives and homes. Adding a vintage touch can bring homeliness to wedding decor and even provide conversation starters for guests (“My nana had this teacup!”). There is also great flexibility as vintage items do not need to be perfectly matching and can tie in well with other wedding styles such as classic, rustic, and country-themed. It provides a point of difference to an occasion, bringing both individuality and uniqueness, and verifying the maxim that "Looking to the past for inspiration will never go out of style".

What does vintage mean to today’s bride?

Vintage tends to be pretty, usually including floral elements. Without going full vintage, you can incorporate a few items into your theming. It’s not about replicating an entire 1930s or 40s wedding… it’s more about taking the elements that inspire you and incorporating them into your theme or décor. These could refer to the location you chose for your reception, or the teacups you use for the dessert bar. And how can you do this? Simply by choosing colours and a time period, then selecting the right vintage items to match these choices and their special significance to you.

Vintage Styling has developed from subtle, pastel shades [we don’t see too many bright or overly bold colours in vintage china!] and elegant traditional settings to a more modern look, with on-trend colours and an overall fresher design. Instead of the sweeping, generalised look it has had in the past few years, the Vintage Theme has become more personalised to the specific tastes of the individual.

Ideas to help you include vintage style in your wedding…

  • Vintage china teacups can be used to remind you of tea with your grandmother.
  • They can be used for tea, desserts, or even flowers.
  • If there is an old Hollywood movie you love, perhaps toasting your vows with hollow stemmed champagne glasses is for you.
  • Mismatched vintage side plates are a great way to eat if guests are casually helping themselves, or arrange in stacks for dessert at the end of the night.
  • Options for centerpieces include cut glass or crystal vases, vintage Agee jars [can be wrapped in vintage lace/paper & twine] for your flowers, silver candelabra, old books, tea lights, vintage frames, silver trays.
  • Vintage pearls and jewellery can provide other flourishes.
  • Try a Vintage Styled dessert bar.
  • Vintage decanters are great for flowers, table numbers, or to use instead of water jugs.
  • If you have them, include family heirlooms –such as a cake knife, cake topper, or vintage silver pen to sign your marriage certificate.
  • By using vintage china on tables you’ll be adding colour and interest, and may be able to reduce other decor elements.

Incorporating vintage elements into your wedding will help you include personal touches, reflect your interest and style, and give you a day filled with meaning and timeless memories.