10 Tips for Planning a Vintage-Style Wedding
If you're envisioning a wedding day that radiates timeless charm, impeccable style, and heartfelt nostalgia, you're not alone. Vintage weddings are more than just a nod to the past—they're a powerful way to tell your love story in a style that's utterly unique to you.
As a Denver-based documentary wedding photographer and Super 8 videographer at Ascent Photo & Video, I've had the honor of capturing many vintage-inspired weddings. Every one of them felt like stepping into a beautifully crafted moment in history, brought to life by couples who dared to make their wedding an unforgettable experience. Here's how you can do the same with these inspired, next-level tips for planning your vintage-style wedding.
A pocket watch is a surefire way to achieve a vintage aesthetic in the groom’s ensemble.
1. Go Beyond the Theme: Choose an Era That Resonates with You
Instead of loosely planning a "vintage" wedding, choose a specific decade or style that truly speaks to your personality and story as a couple. Each era offers a treasure trove of inspiration:
The 1920s represent opulence and rebellion, where art deco designs and speakeasy-style cocktails reign supreme.
The 1940s evoke wartime romance with understated elegance and heartfelt simplicity.
The 1970s exude freedom, boho chic, and a connection to nature, perfect for outdoor celebrations.
To make it personal, consider tying the era to your shared interests. Did you bond over classic literature, retro films, or music from a specific period? Let that influence your decision!
2. Find a Venue That Feels Like a Time Capsule
The venue is the cornerstone of your vintage wedding. Think beyond just pretty spaces and find a location that feels like stepping into your chosen era. In Denver and the surrounding areas, you’ll find restored theaters, art deco hotels, and mountain lodges with historic charm.
If a traditional venue doesn’t suit your vibe, consider unconventional options. Host your ceremony at a historic train station, in a vintage greenhouse, or even at a retro bowling alley decked out in mid-century flair. The key is to let the venue do some of the storytelling for you.
This early 1900’s manor effortlessly added timeless charm to S & G’s romantic, seaside wedding day.
3. Embrace the Hunt for Your Perfect Dress
Vintage wedding dresses aren’t just outfits—they’re heirlooms waiting for a new story. Scour vintage shops, estate sales, and online platforms like Etsy or Stillwhite for authentic pieces that have stood the test of time. Alternatively, work with a designer who specializes in recreating vintage styles but with modern tailoring for comfort.
Want to take it up a notch? Opt for a wardrobe change. Start with a timeless gown for your ceremony, and change into a flapper-inspired dress with fringe or a chic pantsuit for the reception. This subtle nod to history can wow your guests and give you a dynamic, era-authentic look.
4. Let Décor Do the Talking
Your décor isn’t just decoration—it’s the language of your wedding theme. Here’s how to make it sing:
Use vintage heirlooms like gramophones, old cameras, or family keepsakes as part of your table centerpieces.
Ditch cookie-cutter furniture rentals for authentic antique pieces. Picture velvet sofas, tufted chairs, and ornate side tables creating an intimate lounge area for your guests.
Consider unexpected details, like vintage postcards as escort cards or handwritten letters as table markers.
Pro tip: Don't just stick to what's popular. Take the time to explore flea markets or estate sales to curate one-of-a-kind pieces that will make your wedding uniquely yours.
Your table settings are a statement piece, as well as a nod to the era you choose!
5. Design Invitations Worthy of a Frame
Your invitations are your guests' first taste of your wedding style, so make them extraordinary. Work with a designer to create era-specific invitations—letterpress, gold foil, and deckle-edged paper can all lend an authentic touch.
Want to really impress? Include a handwritten note or use vintage postage stamps to tie everything together. For an added layer of nostalgia, consider wax seals or embossing for an ultra-luxe feel.
6. Reinvent Your Menu with a Retro Twist
Food is a sensory experience that can transport your guests back in time. Work with your caterer to create a menu inspired by your chosen era. For example:
1920s: Serve mini crab cakes, champagne coupes, and finger sandwiches for a Gatsby-style cocktail hour.
1950s: Think retro comfort food like sliders, milkshake shots, and deviled eggs presented with a modern twist.
1970s: Opt for a farm-to-table vibe with grazing boards, fresh veggies, and a bold, floral-embellished cake.
Don’t forget the drinks! A vintage-style bar with mixologists serving era-specific cocktails is guaranteed to be a hit.
This soft pink cake, topped with a delicate flower was giving guests all the feels!
7. Select Vendors Who Get Your Vision
A vintage wedding requires a team of professionals who understand your style and can bring it to life. From florists to caterers, choose vendors who specialize in creative, nontraditional weddings.
For photography and videography, lean into mediums that match the aesthetic. My Super 8 films and documentary photography style at Ascent Photo & Video are designed to capture those fleeting moments in a way that feels as timeless as your love.
Polaroids are a fun nod to an earlier time. A great activity for guests of all ages, and adds to your timeless vibe!
8. Surprise Guests with Vintage Entertainment
Make your wedding more than just a party—it should be an experience. Consider immersive entertainment options that align with your vintage vision:
Hire a big band or a vinyl DJ to spin era-appropriate tunes.
Set up a retro photo booth with antique props like parasols, bowler hats, or old telephones.
Plan for a surprise performance, like a tap dancer, jazz singer, or even a swing dance lesson for your guests.
These unexpected elements will leave your loved ones talking about your wedding for years to come.
This couple opted for audio messages from their friends and family, rather than a guest book. Exciting, unique, and sure to wet your eyes when you listen back to the recordings!
9. Craft Era-Specific Floral Arrangements
Flowers are more than filler—they’re a storytelling tool. Work with your florist to design arrangements that reflect your chosen decade.
For a 1920s theme, incorporate cascading bouquets with feathers and pearls.
For a 1950s vibe, focus on classic roses and peonies arranged in clean, symmetrical shapes.
For a 1970s boho wedding, think wildflowers, pampas grass, and asymmetrical bouquets.
Pro tip: Display your florals in unique vintage vessels like tea tins, compotes, or mercury glass vases to amplify the effect.
10. Capture It All in True Vintage Style
The way you document your wedding should be just as intentional as every other element. Modern photography styles are beautiful, but to truly honor your vintage theme, consider alternatives like film photography or Super 8 videography.
Super 8 films aren’t just videos—they’re love stories told in soft, grainy frames, filled with the kind of timeless romance you only find in old movies. As a wedding photographer and videographer who specializes in these mediums, I create heirlooms that will let you relive the magic for generations.
Final Thoughts
Planning a vintage wedding isn’t just about recreating the past—it’s about bringing your own story to life in a way that feels meaningful and unforgettable. When you lean into the details, personalize your choices, and let your creativity shine, you’ll craft a wedding experience that’s as timeless as the love you’re celebrating.
Ready to capture your wedding in a way that feels like stepping into your favorite vintage film? Let’s connect! Visit Ascent Photo & Video to learn how I can help bring your vision to life.