Going vintage is super popular in the up-scale wedding scene… therefore it’s no secret that revisiting the golden era is not always easy or cost effective. So, in the interest of all wedding equality, here is an uncomplicated vintage wedding plan for all of you determined Vintage Vixens.
- First, employ an online wedding stylist, hourly consultant, or a chic and savvy friend.
On the professional front, whether online or not, personalized
wedding advice is [sigh] amazing, and gaining confidence may
actually be the best thing. On the friend front, it just makes
everything easier, right? Plus stopping by the old piano bar for a
B-52 or Harvey Wallbanger between (or during!) wedding planning
sessions is kind of important for research.
- Choose an era.
Please. Unless you want to create a visual homage to all of the classic, leading ladies or something. In that case, go for it you progressive Bride, you.
- Choose an era’s style.
So you want to go 50’s? Is that 50’s glam, 50’s romance, or 50’s rebel rock? It doesn’t matter if you choose 50’s Godzilla Fever. Just pick a style and let it be the glue that holds all of the separate elements together. And go ahead and use your own personality to blend a little old and a little new into something that’s perfectly you.
- Check out the internet for inspiration.
Google your favorite classic movie scene or Silver Screen Starlette. Search era-specific hair styles, fashion, accessory and make-up trends. Practice with the girls or your favorite mirror.
- Find ideas for décor, invites, menu, etc.
Check out era specific architecture, interior design, event styles- or find a comprehensive do-it-yourself (DIY) wedding website you can easily search to avoid hours of wading through DIY blog archives. You can find great vintage ideas for invites, favors, vintage centerpieces, and more!
- Go shopping !
Vintage or thrift stores, vintage websites, and again, DIY
websites, are your best friends.
Seems obvious I know, but with so many people reproducing the look
for five times the vintage, and ten times the DIY,
price these days it’s best to keep an eye out
for the real thing or make it yourself and go
custom… and save some serious cash.
- Choose an unexpected venue.
If it’s really old, it’s vintage. You can dress up a historical library, a private girl’s school, or old downtown office building courtyard just as easily as you can the ballroom at an uppity resort or hotel. Plus it’s usually way cheaper and the people are most likely way nicer…
- Put the elements together and admire your hard work.
Smile and take in the beauty of your hard work! Then, make minor adjustments, additions, or deletions, and learn a few classic dance moves to bust out at your reception…or whenever the time is right.
The truth is that you can design your vintage wedding however you want to- as long as it’s your design. Bridal freedom is awesome. And freedom from that dreaded wedding budget bottom line is awesome too. So no matter what your budget, go ahead and embrace your inner Greta Garbo or Marilyn Monroe on that most special day! And everyday after that too.
