Ideas for a Vintage Wedding
As a wedding videographer here in Tipperary, I encounter all the recent trends and changes in wedding styles, and in recent years the Vintage wedding has gained popularity. This is a look I see many brides and grooms aspire to. Another great reason to choose Abbey video to film your wedding is I have so many years of experience filming weddings and I have edited and enhanced so many wedding videos to help achieve this vintage look.
What is Vintage?
The term vintage can be interpreted to mean so many things, but I think it’s best to think of it as retro and as a reference to a specific bygone era. Imagine Hollywood glamour from the 1920’s, fifties style with short wedding and bridesmaid dresses, or the fashion from 60’s mods. For many, vintage can also mean rustic, country, shabby chic or simply a crafty and DIY quality. If this is a look you would like to reflect on your wedding day, it is best to choose a specific era and stick to it or make sure to limit the number of vintage references. If you choose too many details and want to include every detail you like, the wedding may begin to feel overdressed and fussy, the opposite of what you are trying to create, which is aseemingly effortless and easy style.
The Venue
I think here in Ireland, the look can be easily accomplished as we have so many old and atmospheric venues to choose from.Once you have chosen your venue, this is the best time to think about the finer details which will help to achieve the vintage look and feel you desire. Discuss your options and ideas with the hotel or events manager and ask if they have any pictures from previous weddings they’ve hosted to see what will work and if there are any definite no-nos. They will have an idea of what will work in the space. It’s in their interest that the venue looks its best as they are eager to entice further business and new clients at every event they host. Some decorative details will not work in all surroundings, for example bunting and jam jars will create a great ambiance in an outdoor tent, however the look may not translate as well in the fine dining room of a high-end hotel.
For the Decor
The vintage look can be easily incorporated into the outdoors in the form of signage on chalk boards, or possibly an old bicycle with the wedding flowers arranged in the basket at the hotel entrance. A selection of coloured jam jars wrapped in lace and secured with a ribbon make beautiful candle holders or vases for flowers. Old silver teapots filled with fresh flowers can add the rustic feel to the reception area where the guests arrive. Canapés can be served on old silver platter dishes. Menus and invites can be rolled into scrolls and wrapped with a ribbon, echoing one of the focal wedding colours. Colourful bunting used outdoors or above the increasingly popular sweet carts can add fun to the occasion and keep the younger guests entertained. If renting a sweet cart is not within your budget, an old dresser decorated with bunting will make a beautiful addition. Sweet jars can be purchased from discount shops for only a few euro. If you crave the decadent look of 1920’s Hollywood glamour, think of lace table cloths, and elaborate crystal candelabras.
For the Bridal Party
Antique jewellery for the bride such as a cameo brooch or a large hair piece with pearls and diamonds will add to the feminine and vintage feel. Drop earrings work really well when the bride is wearing her hair up and away from the face. Family heirlooms are great for this special occasion and again, can help to maintain your budget. For the bride, a lace parasol will help the finish the look on a fine summer evening. Bridal hair should be loose, with a side-parting. Soft and large waves can gently frame the face falling over the shoulder, gathered into a low roll or pinned loosely to the side. Grey and brown smoky eyes really add to the vintage feel are would look fabulous in autumn-time, when brides can afford to wear slightly bolder makeup with stronger pigments. Mismatched dresses can look wonderful for the bridesmaids – think of different shades of soft pinks and peach, paired with different shoes and individual hairstyles. Bouquets look very elegant with the stems wrapped in lace and ribbon. The Groom can play his part in pulling off the look by wearing braces or sporting his grandfather’s pocket watch.
Brides especially will ask me to include shots of the finer details of their wedding day. I can begin a segment of footage with a big fat close up of their vintage ideas so your efforts can be remembered for many happy years to come! Please get in touch should you like to discuss any details regarding wedding videography for your upcoming wedding. I’d love to hear from you. Also check us out on Facebook, loads of special offers and fun ideas!