Because vintage and vintage-inspired are two very different things.
Infusing vintage elements into your wedding day is not only sustainable, but also sentimental. Whether it’s your family’s fine china or an archival piece from a fashion house you’ve long admired, it’s sometimes that much more special to incorporate elevated elements from the past that are rich in history, rather than consistently insisting on something brand new. What’s more, opting for vintage ensures that your design, fashion, and decor elements are one of a kind, rather than run of the mill or easily replicated.
It’s important to note that authentic vintage, which is sourced, authenticated as needed, and preserved over time is vastly different from vintage-inspired pieces, which have been treated and distressed to look like heirlooms. The latter, though it may have the same patina as true vintage—and might be more cost effective—is no different than buying something shiny and new. Vintage-inspired finds may be chic and on theme for your wedding day, but don’t be fooled: There’s nothing sustainable or upcycled about them.
Our expert advice? Take the time to source true vintage; it might be more of a challenge when it comes to gathering the amount of dishes, glassware, flatware, or objet you need, but the effect and environmental footprint is worth the extra legwork and will be worth its weight when considering future resale values. Seek out experts to determine whether the fashion, jewels, tabletop, and decorative objet you’re after are authentic before you commit to a big purchase—any vintage dealer worth their salt will have proper paperwork (any maybe a good story or two) for designer goods and fine jewelry, and be able to discuss the origins and details of the vintage they’re selling in great detail.
Start with the Dress
Opting for a vintage dress is a clear starting point for those looking to incorporate anything archival into their wedding day. A vintage dress is not only a piece of fashion history, but—when sourced from a trusted dealer or seller—it is more artfully crafted than a machine-manufactured gown, and preserved to withstand the test of time. Choose a seller who knows the history of their garments, and can point out any and all flaws in their pieces so that there are no surprises; they’ll also be the best resource regarding trusted tailors for alterations and tips on cleaning and preserving your gown post-wedding. BAZAAR Bride’s go-to vintage wedding dress specialist, Happy Isles, specializes in designer archive and vintage gowns for brides, guests, and fashion lovers alike—and owner Lily Kaizer also has a keen eye for the best vintage accessories to help style your look from top to toe.
Choose a Historic Venue
Opting for a historic venue—either Stateside or internationally—guarantees that your wedding will be rich in history. Before booking, get to know the venue, its story, and who lived there over time to inspire design elements, motifs, themes, and more. Stay inspired by the space as you craft the look and feel of your reception and ceremony, and utilize the texture of its antique furnishings, landscaping, and architecture when styling the event itself, and your wedding photos. When choosing your dress, consider the space, the period in history it was built, and how your fashion will complement and look when placed in it.
Go Sustainable with Stationery
Using vintage, recycled, compostable, or biodegradable paper is a forward-thinking way to create an heirloom out of one of the more temporal elements of the wedding day; and though using vintage or recycled paper is possible, those invitations likely won’t withstand the test of time for each and every guest.
Opt for invitations that have staying power—and ones that can become heirlooms themselves outside of being framed, collected, or stored in an album. Here, an invitation suite by Cheree Berry Paper was created out of seed paper, allowing each guest to plant the stationery in soil and watch the seeds grow into something they can enjoy for years to come. Take the theme a step further, with a vintage-inspired botanical liner and stamps.
At Cocktail Hour …
Nothing is more chic, sleek, and sexy than a refined cocktail hour—with drinks made to order per guest by servers stationed at antique bar carts. Have various styles of carts (perhaps each one specializing in a different spirit) placed throughout the event and don’t stress about them looking completely uniform: The beauty of antiques and vintage is that no two pieces are totally identical. Intimate weddings at home or in the backyard make this cocktail service that much easier to achieve, and guests will appreciate not only your attention to detail in the event design, but in the beverage offerings and guest experience as well.
Take this idea one step further and serve classic cocktails only, like martinis, old-fashioneds, Negronis, and more. Then, purchase your favorite cart for your newlywed home to cherish it as a long-term heirloom. Trust us: You’ll think of your wedding day each and every time you craft a quality drink at home.
All in the Details
In your fashion fittings and alterations, bring in details that speak to historic design techniques and call to the decade your look originated from. Case in point: this multi-tiered bustle on a vintage high-low Oscar de la Renta gown, also from Happy Isles.
All About Jewels
Vintage, antique, and estate jewelry are any fashion collector’s dream when it comes to incorporating vintage into your bridal accessories. Work with a trusted jeweler to track down the best vintage stones (quality pieces will always come with certificates) and have them reset in modern settings, or opt for an antique through and through. Keep the investment of a vintage piece of jewelry in mind when shopping; those created and signed by famed jewelry houses are rare and considered pieces of design history.
Consider the Lighting
Light up the room with antique chandeliers, candelabras, and vintage taper candle holders for a look that feels as romantic as it does timeless, and hearkens to the grandeur of glamorous balls and royal galas throughout history. Also, trust us: There is nothing more gorgeous when it comes to lighting a party, dinner reception, or intimate gathering than loads of candlelight.
Use Vintage Stamps
If you opt for originally designed stationery, seal your envelopes with an array of unique vintage stamps that nod to the design themes, color palette, and motifs of your event design.
Find Your Seat
Choose vintage objet as favors, tabletop, and a way to guide your guests to their seats. Here, a vintage cup and saucer served as the way to guide the couple’s loved ones to their assigned seats at an English-inspired.
