9 Vintage wedding ideas to make your vintage wedding incredible
Have a vintage photo booth at your wedding for fun and unique photos
Serve cocktails in vintage glasses or mason jars
Play music from the era of your choice
Use old books as centrepieces or place cards
Hang lace or vintage fabric bunting from the ceilings or walls
Incorporate vintage props into your wedding decorations
Give out vintage-inspired wedding favours
Book vintage guest entertainment for your wedding
Have a vintage-themed wedding cake
Introduction to making your vintage wedding theme incredible!
When it comes to your vintage wedding theme, you want it to be unique, authentic and special! A day that you and your guests will never forget. While there are many ways to achieve this, one of the easiest is to incorporate plenty of vintage elements and vintage-inspired pieces into your wedding theme and décor. From photo booths to cocktail glasses, here are 9 ways to make your vintage themed wedding amazing.
Have a vintage photo booth at your wedding for fun and unique photos
A photo booth is always a hit at weddings, and when it’s styled in a vintage theme, it’s even better! Guests can snap photos of themselves in all sorts of fun poses, and they’ll have a great keepsake from your big day. To style a vintage photo booth, use props like antique suitcases, picture frames and typewriters. You can even hang old-fashioned curtains or tapestries in the background to really set off the vintage theme.
There are many ways to make a photobooth fit in with a vintage-style wedding:
Use props like antique suitcases, picture frames and typewriters
If you're the type to go down the DIY route, you could create and collect your own photo booth props, such as feather boas or lace pinafores, hats and glasses. If you have old family photos that are meaningful to you and from the right time period, incorporate them for a personal touch. You can even get creative and use them in other parts of your vintage wedding decor, such as the guest book or table centrepieces.
For a more immersive experience, consider hanging curtains or tapestries in the background of your photo booth.
Book a vintage photo booth that takes care of everything for you
Of course, you may prefer a less hands-on approach by booking a vintage photo that already has a theme. Check out our amazing Vintage Selfie Boof™. We'll have everyone in fits of giggles and having a wonderful time throughout your wedding day and, of course, we'll capture every delicious moment on camera for you!
Serve cocktails in vintage glasses or mason jars
One easy way to add a vintage touch to your wedding is by serving cocktails in antique glasses or mason jars. This gives your wedding a rustic and homespun feel, and it’s a great way to incorporate some unique wedding décor. You can find all sorts of old glasses and jars online or at antique stores. There are also plenty of dedicated vintage wedding suppliers out there where you can hire everything you need.
Below are some vintage wedding ideas on how to incorporate nostalgic cocktails into your big day:
Use different types of glasses or jars for different cocktails
If you want to go all out with your vintage wedding theme, try using different types of glasses and jars for different cocktails. This is a great way to add some variety and personality to your drinks menu. You could serve martinis in antique coupes, mojitos in mason jars, and old-fashioneds in highball glasses.
Only serve a signature cocktail in a special glass
If you're unable to source enough different antique cocktail glasses for each drink, you could consider only serving your signature wedding cocktail in a special glass. This way, all your guests will recognise and can try your signature drink and you'll still be adding to your vintage wedding theme.
Add nostalgic details to your cocktail bar or drinks table
Another idea on how to incorporate themed elements into your wedding drinks is by adding vintage details to your cocktail bar or drinks table. This could include antique glassware and bottles and pretty flowers. You can also add cute touches like old-fashioned coasters and signage to really nail the vintage wedding theme.
Have a "timeless" happy hour
If you want to make your vintage wedding theme really special, then why not have a special cocktail hour? This is a great way to add some personality to your drinks menu. At the end of your happy hour, you could transition into a more modern drinks menu for your regular wedding reception if you wish.
Play music from the era of your choice
One of the easiest and most effective ways to create a vintage vibe at your wedding, aside from your wedding decor, is by playing music from the era of your choice. This will help set the mood and create an authentic vintage atmosphere. There are lots of great timeless music playlists online, or you could hire a DJ that specialises in playing music from a certain era.
This could be classic jazz music, big band music, or even Motown hits. By adding some appropriate background music, you’ll help to transport guests back in time and make your vintage wedding truly special.
Here are some musical vintage wedding ideas & genres:
Big Band Music
For a fun and playful feel, consider including some big band music. Big band music is a style of music that was popular in the 1930s and 1940s. It features a large ensemble of musicians playing brass and percussion instruments. Some popular tracks to get you started are:
Put On A Happy Face by Tony Bennett
Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree by Glenn Miller
In The Mood by Glenn Miller
Moonlight Serenade by Glenn Miller
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy by The Andrews Sisters
Classic jazz
Another popular music genre from the olden days is classic jazz. This style is often smooth and upbeat, perfect for getting guests into the dancing mood at your wedding reception. Some great tracks to include in your playlist are
Mack The Knife by Ella Fitzgerald
St Louis Blues by Ella Fitzgerald
At Last by Etta James
Motown Hits
If you’re looking for some timeless wedding songs with a bit more energy, then consider Motown hits. These are soulful songs from the 1960s by artists such as Diana Ross and the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and The Jackson 5. Some popular Motown hits to include in your wedding playlist are:
My Girl by The Temptations
Dancing In The Street by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
Ain’t Too Proud To Beg by The Temptations
I Heard It Through The Grapevine by Marvin Gaye
Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours by Stevie Wonder
Rock and Roll Hits
For a more upbeat vibe, consider including some classic rock and roll hits in your playlist. These are high-energy songs that are sure to get everyone on their feet and dancing. Some great tracks to include are:
Roll Over Beethoven by Chuck Berry
Hound Dog by Elvis Presley
Blue Suede Shoes by Carl Perkins
Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley
Use old books as centrepieces or place cards
A great way to add a nostalgic touch to your wedding is by using old books as centrepieces. You can easily find old books at jumble shops or car boot sales.
Here are some ideas on how to use them as centrepieces at :
Stack the books up to create a unique centrepiece for each table.
You could group them by colour or simply arrange them in random order. Perhaps, add some candles or flowers to the books to create a more romantic look. It's also well worth speaking to your wedding florist to see if they can design something specifically for your vintage book centrepieces.
Use a book as a base for your floral centrepieces or wedding cake
To add just a subtle vintage nod to your table decor, try using an old book as a base for your wedding flowers. This will add some height and interest to the arrangement. You could use a hardcover book or even a stack of paperback books. Most wedding florists will be able to incorporate an old book base into their flowers and decor with ease. They may even have previously worked on some great wedding ideas or at a historic venue that could provide some useful inspiration for you.
If you're unable to source enough old books, you could consider printing out some old-fashioned book cover wraps to attach to regular books. This will give them a vintage look without you having to source actual vintage books. You could also use this trick to age your wedding guest book.
Use a different book for each table as the names for the reception tables
If you want to add a personal touch to your reception tables at your wedding breakfast, try using a different book for each table as the table name. This is a great way to incorporate your love of books into your vintage wedding decor with style.
Hang lace or fabric bunting from the ceilings or walls
Another easy way to add a past-times touch to vintage weddings is by hanging lace or fabric bunting from the ceilings. This is a simple and affordable way to add some personality to your wedding reception. You can find lace or vintage fabric bunting in most craft stores, or you could even make it yourself from lace tablecloths or table runners.
There are so many ways to use bunting around your vintage wedding venue. You could even use it to decorate the wedding cake table or gift table.
Incorporate authentic props into your wedding decor
You can really make your vintage wedding stand out by incorporating vintage props into your decorations. This is an ideal opportunity to add some authenticity to your vintage reception. Some popular choices include:
Using antique suitcases to decorate your wedding venue
There are many ways to use antique suitcases in your wedding decor. You can use them as centrepieces, stack them up to create a unique backdrop, or use them to store wedding flowers.
You could also use them to display photos of the bride and groom or as a way to store wedding cards, gifts and wedding favours.
How to use old records within your vintage wedding decor
Using old records is a simple and affordable way to add some personality to your wedding reception. You can find vintage records at jumble shops or car boot sales, or just borrow them from friends or family. They make great table names and are easy to incorporate within your table decorations. You could even use them as stylish vintage placemats.
use vintage-style signage for your wedding
Why not use vintage signage to give your wedding décor a vintage touch? This is a simple, low-cost method to give your wedding a unique touch of vintage flair.
There are many ways that you can incorporate old-school signage at your wedding. Some popular choices include antique mirrors, quirky old signs, chalkboards and even old suitcases.
Vintage bottles make great reception table names or place names, while old-fashioned signs can be used to direct guests around your wedding venue. Chalkboards are perfect for writing out your wedding menu or displaying the order of events and writing your wedding breakfast seating plan on an antique mirror is one of those ornate details that'll lend a vintage feel. Old suitcases can be used as a creative way to display photos or as a way to store wedding favours.
use vintage typewriters as vintage wedding decorations
One of our favourite vintage wedding ideas is using vintage typewriters to create things like your invitations and as unique decorations.
You can find vintage typewriters in charity shops, car boot sales or online auctions. They make great table decorations or centrepieces, and can even be used as a unique way to create and display your wedding menu.
If you're looking for more creative wedding inspiration on how to use vintage typewriters, why not use them to write out love letters or poems for your guests? Or, you could encourage your guests to type out some personal messages to the bride and groom.
You might even like to type out your wedding invitations using an old typewriter.
Ideas on how to use vintage picnic baskets to decorate your vintage wedding
There are many different ways that you can use picnic baskets at your wedding.
You could decorate them with flowers, foliage, ribbons, or old-fashioned fabrics. Alternatively, you could fill them with personalised wedding favours for your guests, such as homebaked wedding biscuits or homemade wedding jam.
No matter how you choose to use your baskets at your wedding, they are sure to add a touch of style and a shabby chic feel to your wedding reception! (And they'll look great in your wedding photos!)
Use authentic old china as part of your table settings
There are many wedding suppliers who'll let you hire authentic chinaware for your wedding. This is a great way to add a classy flair to your wedding breakfast, without breaking the bank.
Give out vintage wedding favours
If you're looking for wedding inspiration for gifts and wedding favours, try these:
Homemade jam or biscuits
Showing your friends and family how much they mean to you by making some of your favourite homemade treats and putting them in vintage-inspired packaging is a lovely way to show your appreciation to them for having made the effort to be there on your special day to celebrate with you.
Personalised champagne glasses
When it comes to wedding favours, there are many different options to choose from. But, if you're looking for something unique and really special, why not personalise champagne glasses for your guests?
This is a great way to leave your guests with a timeless memento of your special day after the wedding toast. You can personalise your own champagne glasses or hire a supplier to do it for you.
A popular idea for personalising champagne glasses as your wedding favours is to have their names and your wedding date etched into the glass.
Handmade soap or candles
If you want to give your nearest and dearest a lasting reminder of your special day, hand out some homemade soap or candles for them to take home. This is a unique and eco-friendly way to give wedding favours, and it's sure to be appreciated by all of your guests.
Book vintage guest entertainment for your wedding
The best way to ensure that your wedding is truly unforgettable is to book professional entertainment for your wedding reception. This is the perfect way to add some excitement and personality to your wedding day and it's sure to be a hit with everyone.
There's nothing worse than returning from your bride & groom photoshoot to a champagne reception with no atmosphere, so be sure to make engaging vintage-inspired entertainment that generates a warm buzzing glow throughout your wedding venue a priority in your wedding planning. A good wedding entertainer will break the ice, introduce people to each other who they've not met and provide fun, light-hearted conversation starters. A professional wedding entertainer knows when to swoop in and ensure that even your shyest of guests can get stuck in and feel included and also make sure that everyone signs your wedding guest book.
Here are some unique wedding entertainment ideas that will help you with your wedding planning:
Oldschool live wedding music
Old-fashioned music bands are a fantastic way to add some real excitement and energy to your wedding reception. From swing, jazz and blues bands to classical musicians, there's sure to be something that appeals to everyone! Here's some inspiration to get you started:
Roaming wedding entertainment
When it comes to breaking the ice and engaging everyone at your wedding, there's nothing better than roaming entertainment. A roaming act will move around your wedding venue, mixing and mingling amongst everyone whilst providing fun and interactive entertainment. Any roaming entertainment act worth its salt will fill your venue with chitter-chatter, and laughter and get everyone enjoying themselves in no time.
Here are some great ideas for roaming wedding entertainment inspired by yesteryear:
Live wedding entertainment
Not all vintage entertainment is of the roaming variety. Here are some unusual and original vintage wedding entertainment ideas you'll love:
Wedding experiences & activities
Whether it's a vintage photo booth, fortune telling or an old-fashioned games room, these are sure to generate excitement and lots of laughs throughout your wedding!
Here are some great wedding ideas to start you off:
Have a vintage Wedding Cake
A vintage-themed wedding cake is a great way to add a statement piece to your wedding day. From chic, nouveau styles to traditional and rustic designs, there's sure to be a vintage wedding cake that appeals to you. Alternatively, you could opt for a modern recipe with a vintage-themed design or a nostalgic cake topper that turns your vintage wedding cake into a real show-stopper!
Conclusion
We hope that this list of our favourite vintage wedding ideas has given you some great ideas for how to make your vintage wedding incredible!
As you can see, there are lots of great ways to add a nostalgic style to your wedding. From the invitations you send, the music you play and the cocktails you serve to the entertainment you book, there are plenty of ways to make your vintage wedding truly special.
Whatever route you choose, a vintage wedding is sure to draw everyone in with its charm and character. So embrace the vintage spirit, have fun, and say “I do” in style and make your big day truly unforgettable!
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