• Real Weddings
  • Planning
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Travel
  • Local Vendors
  • 2022 Wedding Trends
Advertisement
Planning

Vintage-Inspired Wedding Accents

  |  By Nicole Keen
Vintage-Inspired Wedding Accents

Do you love to wear vintage dresses and spend your weekends searching flea markets for hidden treasures? Whether you're dedicated to a bygone era or want to add timeless elegance to the table, bring your passion for the past to your wedding by working vintage elements into everything from your ensemble to your decor.

There are countless ways to work these elements in for a timeless and stunning special occasion.

No.
01

Timeless tins

Vintage-Inspired Wedding Accents Photography courtesy Amanda Lachapelle Photography

If you're planning on putting together your own centrepieces, look for unconventional vessels like retro cans and tins for your flowers. These are easy to find at flea markets and estate sales, so keep an eye out during the planning process.

Whether you select those with a similar colour scheme or feature mismatched tins all from the same time period, they'll bring a touch of chic to your wedding table.

As seen in this Real Wedding.

No.
02

Hand them a handkerchief

Vintage-Inspired Wedding Accents Photography courtesy Katya Nova Photography

They were all the rage in the olden days, and who said this must-have accessory has a time limit? As practical as they are pretty, handkerchiefs are an elegant touch guests will appreciate. Why not provide them with colourful vintage handkerchiefs to wipe away their happy tears?

We love how this couple incorporated DIY elements, such as the framed note, buttons, and hand-tied ribbon.

As seen in this Real Wedding.

No.
03

She stole the show

Vintage-Inspired Wedding Accents Photography courtesy Elizabeth Messina

If you're planning fall or winter wedding, pick up a vintage fur stole—it will keep you warm and looking ultra-glamorous! This luxe accessory will make you feel like you're reliving a Hollywood classic, and that's exactly how you should feel as you stroll down the aisle.

Score bonus points by pairing it with a coordinating hat and/or gloves for head-to-toe retro chic.

No.
04

Antique your accessories

Vintage-Inspired Wedding Accents Photography courtesy Erin Hearts Court

Pay attention to the little details that pull your look together. We love the idea of dressing up your bouquet with an antique locket. This is an adorable way to incorporate your loved ones into the ceremony, or you could place vintage-inspired couple pictures with the two of you inside.

No.
05

A little sparkle on top

Vintage-Inspired Wedding Accents Charlize Theron photo courtesy Jeff Vespa/WireImage

You don't have to go all-out preppy to pull off the vintage headband; it's a classic favourite for weddings and works well with nearly any hairstyle, from mermaid waves to sleek chignons. The sparkle adds all the jazz you need for your big day, and we're loving the vibe.

Get the look with one of the beautiful options available on Etsy.

No.
06

Cute as button earrings

Vintage-Inspired Wedding Accents Jil Sander photo courtesy Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images Entertainment

Chic button earrings, as seen at the Spring 2012 Jil Sander show, are the perfect finishing touch to a retro bridal look. They were popular for a reason, and they're so convenient and easy to wear that we're confused about how they ever went out of style!

This sparkly pair is about as glamorous as it gets, and we think Audrey Hepburn would approve.

No.
07

Pick up a truck

Vintage-Inspired Wedding Accents Photography courtesy Janine Sept Photography

Renting an old-school ride, like a rustic pickup truck, is a great way to bring a vintage vibe to your celebration. Plus, the vehicle will make for wonderful photo ops! This couple styled their wedding pictures with truck in tow, and we love how they turned out.

Say goodbye to the horse and carriage and rev up the Ford; vintage vehicles are having a moment.

As seen in this Real Wedding.

No.
08

Vintage bridesmaids

Vintage-Inspired Wedding Accents Photography courtesy of Meg Perotti

Vintage dresses are pretty and affordable! Give your bridesmaids a colour palette and ask them to choose their own dresses. The end result will be perfect if you're looking for that mix-and-match feel.

These ladies all went retro to truly stunning effect. Poufs, lace, and ruffles aren't limited to the 21st century, so browse those aisles (and online, of course) to discover some truly breathtaking dresses you won't find elsewhere.

No.
09

Put it in writing

Vintage-Inspired Wedding Accents Image courtsey of Minted

You heard it here first. Nothing says old-fashioned romance like a vintage-inspired invitation. This charming style looks like a retro postcard. If there's an invitation your guests will remember years into the future, let it be this one.

For creative inspiration, research real-life invites from the past (whether it's 1750 or 1950), and re-create them with your own wedding details.

No.
10

Choose the shoes

Vintage-Inspired Wedding Accents Image courtesy of Net-A-Porter

Choose a pair of vintage-inspired shoes to complete your ensemble. We're smitten with these glittery Miu Miu T-straps. They'd be just as admirable strutting down a red carpet in the 1940s as they would strutting down the aisle today, and that's all part of the magic.

Even better? Many vintage-inspired styles feature extra straps and thicker heels to keep you steady and held in all night. Your tired tootsies will thank you.

This article was originally published on Jun 25, 2012
Advertisement

Get our Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with wedding trends, deals and offers.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Advertisement
Advertisement

01.

Wedding Registries Made Easy
Planning

Wedding Registries Made Easy

Sponsored
Advertisement
Advertisement