Wedding Favors
Bridal Shower Favors

Vintage weddings are special because of the sense of tradition and history they carry with them. A bride-to-be who is fascinated by a certain period in history may lean toward choosing a vintage wedding. A vintage wedding would also be a creative option for an expectant bride who has waited for years to wear her grandmother's lace-draped wedding dress. In addition, the weddings of famous figures can act as inspiration for a bride-to-be. Perhaps she'd like to have a wedding gown that displays the frilly sleeves and ruffles of Princess Diana's dress. Another bride-to-be may love the classic white gloves and pearls included in Jacqueline Kennedy's 1950s wedding ensemble. Vintage style wedding celebrations are especially memorable for both the couple and their guests.

Decorating

Use a set of china that has been in your family for generations to give your small wedding reception an old-fashioned appearance.
Find some off-white tablecloths for the reception tables. Place a delicate lace coverlet over the tablecloth to give it old-fashioned detail.
Handwrite each guest's name on his or her seating card using calligraphy. It is worth a search for quality, antique white parchment paper.
A collection of linen napkins that match the tablecloths would add an element of authenticity to a vintage style wedding.
Wreaths of white roses hung on the church pews and white rose petals strewn on the receptions tables are subtle touches for a vintage wedding.
A single white candle in a glass holder makes for an elegant centerpiece for the reception tables.
Find photographs of you and your groom as children and put them in old-fashioned oval frames. Place these photos on a table at the wedding reception for the guests to see.
Search for a wedding guest book decorated with flowery quotes, romantic poetry, and old-fashioned lettering.

Where to have the wedding

Consider a small town in your area that may have an older church with a hundred or more years of history. Check to see if the church has a chapel, as opposed to a large sanctuary, if you have a smaller gathering of wedding guests.
An older home that has a parlor makes for the perfect setting for a vintage wedding. It's an extra bonus if the home has old-fashioned love seats, sofas, tables, and other furniture to enhance the tone of your vintage wedding.
A ceremony outside is an appealing option for someone who would like a vintage wedding. A wedding ceremony conducted beneath a trellis of vines is one romantic choice. If you can find a lovely rose garden in bloom that is also a memorable choice.

What to wear

Travel to an antique store in search of a wedding dress and shoes. Some antique stores have a special section for vintage wedding dresses and accessories. Remember that if you find one, it is likely that you'll have to have it altered to fit you. In addition, the wedding dress will need to be cleaned by professionals.
Try searching some online vintage clothing shops. Be sure to check the size of the dress, whether it is in good condition, and the store's return policies.
If you have several months of time for planning talk with a seamstress about making a vintage style wedding dress for you. This option can be expensive, but it gives you control over style, fit, color, and choice of fabric.
Check with your mother, aunts, and grandmothers to see if they know of a family wedding gown being stored in an attic somewhere. You never know what you'll find out!
To bring an additional touch of authenticity to your vintage wedding ensemble, conduct some research on the hairstyles of the period you are interested in. Then, find a reliable hairdresser who is willing to work with you on your special day.

Suggestions for the ceremony

Take the time to follow through with the something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue, tradition. Call on your sisters, mother, grandmothers, and friends to help you fulfill the tradition.
Wear a lucky penny in your shoe during the wedding ceremony.
Be sure that your wedding ceremony takes place during the second half of the hour so that the second hand of the clock is moving in an upward direction. This is a sign of good luck for your marriage.
The bride must carry a handkerchief during her wedding ceremony to capture all of her tears. A bride's tears are a sign of good luck.
Throwing rice at a newly married couple is one way to wish them many children in their marriage. However, the rice can be harmful to birds so consider substituting it for some other bird-friendly material.

Additional Resources

Ideas for a Vintage Wedding: Offers several ideas and things to consider when planning a vintage wedding including location and wardrobe suggestions.
A Selection of Vintage Wedding Time Periods: Features information on the customs, wardrobe, music that are appropriate for various periods in history.
A Victorian Wedding: Contains many traditions and beliefs regarding weddings held in the Victorian era.
Flower Ideas for a Vintage Wedding: Checkout the suggestions for flower bouquets to use in a vintage wedding.
A 1920s Era Wedding: Find out the some of the elements that go into creating a 1920s style wedding.