Experience the Elegance of the past, Today!

Add Timeless Charm to your Wedding with these 12 Vintage Ideas

Did the love declarations between Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma get you started on a whimsical journey? Well you’re not alone, we predicted that Bridgerton themed weddings would be a hit for 2022 and they still are this year. As a historical wedding venue, we understand why.

Planning a vintage-themed wedding is like stepping into a time capsule and immersing yourself in the allure of a bygone era. There is something inherently captivating about infusing old-fashioned charm into your wedding. Plus, a wedding like this promotes sustainability and also carries a sentimental touch, making it perfect for modern times (Ironic no?).

Incorporating vintage elements adds a unique and rich historical dimension to your wedding. Whether it's your family's cherished china or an archival fashion piece, you’ll get a celebration set apart from the ordinary. Here are some ideas to help you create a vintage-inspired wedding in Chicago that is truly one-of-a-kind.

· Start with the Dress

Choosing a vintage wedding dress sets the tone for your entire vintage wedding aesthetic. A vintage gown doesn’t only represent a piece of fashion history. It also showcases superior craftsmanship compared to modern machine-made gowns.

Our advice, source your dress from trusted dealers or sellers who possess knowledge about the garment's history. They can provide insights on any flaws, recommend skilled tailors for alterations, and offer guidance on preserving your gown after the wedding. The right vendor will have a good archive of gowns, along with a keen eye for accessories that perfectly complement your look.

· Choose a Historic Venue

Selecting a historic venue, guarantees an ambiance steeped in history for your wedding. Before finalizing a venue, delve into its background, and uncover its story. Let the venue's unique characteristics, antique furnishings, and architecture inspire your design elements, and theme.

You’ll love the rich history that we have here at Stan Mansion. We’re very proud of our building that has remained virtually unchanged for over a century! To see more, check out our history page.

Another great tip for your wedding dress is taking into account your venue's period of construction. This will ensure that your fashion choice harmonizes seamlessly with its historical surroundings. Your wedding in Chicago would be well on its way to being a beauty to behold.

· Go Sustainable with Stationery

Opting for vintage, recycled, compostable, or biodegradable paper for your wedding stationery is a forward-thinking approach. This adds an heirloom aspect to the elements of your special day. While vintage or recycled paper may not withstand the test of time for each guest, you can choose stationery with longevity in mind.

Lovely vintage wedding stationery examples we’ve seen include invites made from seed paper. Your guests can plant these and they’ll always be a reminder of your celebration. You can also take the theme further by incorporating a vintage-inspired botanical liner and stamps for a cohesive look.

· At Cocktail Hour

Elevate your cocktail hour with a touch of refined elegance by having staffed antique bar carts. Your servers can also create custom drinks for your guests. This approach works particularly well for intimate weddings and will make the experience memorable. It shows your attention to detail in both design and drinks.

· Vintage Wedding Jewelry

Vintage, antique, and estate jewelry are a fashion collector's dream when it comes your bridal accessories. Collaborate with a trusted jeweler to find the best vintage stones, ensuring they come with certificates of authenticity. You can have them reset in modern settings or opt for a fully antique piece to wear for your wedding in Chicago.

· Iconic Inspirations

Look to the ultimate style icons of decades past and draw inspiration from what they wore down the aisle. Some great fashion icons to pick from include Diana Ross, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Priscilla Presley. You can get a wealth of ideas for styling your present-day vintage bridal look from these ladies.

Wonderful examples include lace veils or even iconic hats. Just ensure to choose from an era corresponding to your gown. This will infuse your wedding in Chicago with a timeless and iconic flair. You can also use the ladies in your own family as inspiration.

· Consider the Lighting

Create a romantic and timeless atmosphere by incorporating antique chandeliers, candelabras, and vintage taper candle holders. The warm glow of candlelight evokes the grandeur of glamorous balls and royal galas throughout history. Stan Mansion has these in abundance and will gladly add an enchanting touch to your celebration.

· Use Vintage Stamps

Seal your invitations with a collection of unique vintage stamps that complement your event. It’ll look good for your design theme, color palette, and motifs. This small detail adds a nostalgic and personalized touch to your wedding stationery.

· Vintage Place Markers

Guide your guests to their seats with vintage objects, such as vintage cups and saucers. As a plus, these can serve as both favors and table markers. For an English-inspired, intimate dinner party, use vintage china cups and saucers to denote assigned seats. This adds an elegant touch reminiscent of old-world charm.

· Opt for a Champagne Toast

To truly embrace the vintage spirit, select a vintage champagne to toast your wedding day. Choose a significant year in your family's history or a memorable year for you as a couple. Sharing a vintage champagne with your guests adds a celebratory touch and creates a connection between the past and the present.

· Use Vintage China

Mix old and new plates, chargers, and napkins or opt for all vintage pieces when choosing. Mixing prints, colors, and textures at each place setting and using vintage plates, cutlery, and glassware will create a unique experience for each guest. To complete the vintage look, consider selecting vintage linens that complement the overall aesthetic.

· The Perfect Vintage Wedding Getaway

For a traditional touch, plan a confetti, rice, or sparkler-flying getaway at the end of the night or after your ceremony. Let a vintage car whisk you away to your reception, after-party, hotel suite, or even the airport for your honeymoon. It adds a classic touch and makes for memorable photographs capturing the essence of your vintage-inspired wedding in Chicago.

· In Conclusion

A vintage wedding in Chicago would be beautiful, and we’d love to host yours if you choose to have one here. By incorporating these vintage wedding ideas, you can create a wedding day that pays homage to the past while celebrating your love in a truly unique and timeless way. Let the charm of vintage elements infuse every aspect of your wedding, from fashion to venue, stationery to décor, and create memories that will last a lifetime.