If you have been dreaming of an authentic vintage wedding, then you know the excitement, creativity, and energy that will go into planning and designing. Whether you are just beginning or in the middle stages and feeling a little overwhelmed, the experts at Walter Knoll Florist are here to help. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can plan and design an authentic vintage wedding that your guests will remember for years and decades to come.
How to Find Inspiration
To create an authentic vintage wedding, the first step is to get inspired. While some couples dive into research, look up old-fashioned weddings and vintage wedding trends online to get ideas, and visit plenty of blogs and websites dedicated to vintage weddings, that isn’t the only way to find inspiration. Another great way to learn about trends of the past is to look through old photos. Real 1960s weddings or 1980s weddings even might be documented in your family home! See if your grandparents or parents have their wedding photo album on hand for you to get ideas from your own big day. Perhaps some of their wedding decor or accessories still exist!
Immersing yourself in the pop culture of your favorite decade is another brilliant way to learn and collect fresh ideas from authentic sources like books, old wedding magazines, and even nostalgic TV shows like The Brady Bunch, Happy Days, and M*A*S*H. Dedicate an afternoon to rewatching the wedding episodes from these retro sitcoms to see what a backyard/garden wedding or a floral-filled indoor wedding looked and felt like at that time. You can also note the wardrobes, home decor, furniture choices, and more.
Narrowing Down on a Theme
A vintage wedding theme can be a wonderful way to create a unique and memorable day that speaks to your personality and taste. However, with so many styles and eras bursting with inspiration, how can you be sure you design an authentic wedding that revolves around one decade? Start by selecting your color palette. A 1950s wedding might have pastel hues, while a 1970s wedding will incorporate more earthy tones, and a 1980s wedding is sure to be electric and vibrant. Choosing a few colors that evoke your ideal vintage feel will lead you to a cohesive theme. Then, venture into style and decor. Rustic and bohemian calls for a 1970s theme, while groovy, mod, and flower power vibes can guide you toward the 1960s. Big, flashy, and grand decor is certainly the 1980s, but Rock ‘N’ Roll, big hair, and poodle skirts are more appropriate for ice cream socials and a 1950s wedding.
How to Shop for Vintage Items
Thrifting wedding decor to supplement the authentic pieces from your family is another great way to add authenticity to your theme. Thrift stores are full of mid-century wedding theme decor, from velvet furniture to gold geometric pieces and even accessories and ornate tableware. Don’t be afraid to take risks, and be patient during your hunt for just the right additions to your retro wedding decor. You may need to search, open your mind to possibilities, and upcycle some older items from thrift stores, flea markets, and the like. Vintage items often have a unique charm and character, perfect for a wedding. If you find something you like but it’s different from what you were looking for, feel free to take a chance and get creative. If you’re not sold on a particular piece, snap a photo of it and revisit it later with your partner, friend, wedding planner, florist, or designer. They may see something special or a way to incorporate it into your wedding that you hadn’t considered before.
Wedding Flowers Through the Decades
Popular Flowers of the 1950s
The 1950s was a time of Rock ‘N’ Roll but also elegance, and weddings were no exception. With bouquets full of pastel colors, lush greenery, and sweet-smelling florals, it’s no wonder 1950s weddings are so fondly remembered. While popular flowers have changed over the years, 1950s wedding flowers are still a classic and timeless choice for couples. Popular 1950’s wedding flowers included white orchids, gardenias, and bouvardias. If you plan on incorporating these lovely, thick-petaled blooms into your 50s-inspired wedding, you are sure to bring back that cool cat feeling.
Popular Flowers of the 1960s
In the 1960s, weddings were all about peace, love, and happiness. Bright and bold shades of pink, yellow, orange, and purple were popular wedding flowers of the era used to create cascading bouquets, groovy centerpieces, and flower crowns. Common flowers used in 1960s weddings included carnations, alstroemeria, chrysanthemums, and of course, daisies. These classic blooms are great for creating a youthful, mod, or “far out” wedding style.
Popular Flowers of the 1970s
The 1970s was a decade known for earthy colors, oversized floral patterns, and a bohemian vibe. Whether a rustic style or disco feel, popular 1970s wedding flowers included poppies, anemones, daisies, and sunflowers. Wildflowers also grew in popularity during this decade and this trendy style was ideal for the natural, rustic atmosphere of the 70s. From aisle decor to ceremony arches and centerpieces to wearable designs, there are endless possibilities for incorporating these “outta sight” blooms into your 1970s wedding.
Popular Flowers of the 1980s
The 1980s was a time of glorious and extravagant weddings. As such, couples were only expected to have flowers that matched the mood. Popular 1980s wedding flowers included roses, stargazer lilies, and lilacs. Babies breath was a common flower that added more texture and dimension to these grandiose floral designs. Many weddings in the 80s mimicked the electric, neon trends that added flashy excitement to the decade.
If you are planning an authentic vintage wedding, one of the best tips is to consult the professionals at Walter Knoll Florist. Our design team has the knowledge and experience to help you create a seamless, authentic vintage theme for your special day. Between selecting the right flowers and matching the perfect décor to your chosen decade, your vintage wedding will be nothing less than flawless.
