Vintage wedding themes don’t show any sign of going away just yet. So it seems like it’s a look that’s here to stay awhile but with a few alterations. The original vintage style is developing and maturing as it takes inspiration from new films and fashion.
Gorgeous and glamorous
Hair accessories designer Zowie Spragg has noticed this trend changing. “The hottest themes I am asked to create are still in the vintage styling mood,” says Zowie. “However with films like The Great Gatsby catching the eyes of brides-to-be, the trend is moving away from classic vintage with pearls and ivories on to more glamorous diamanté headpieces. Another popular trend that I think is set to stay is the rustic bohemian look, with soft waves and a simple pearl forehead band to complete the look.”
Nicky at Euphoria Boutique agrees: “Euphoria are predicting the 2014 wedding season to be a mixture of lace, vintage and 1920’s glamour contrasted with beading and metallic influences. These styles are popular as brides love to feel sentimental and romantic on their wedding day but then add a modern twist of their own. Short dresses, especially for the bridesmaids, will be popular with the colours of navy and black and white being bang on trend.”
“Art Deco and Gatsby-inspired trends have been very popular this year and I think the glitz and glam of old Hollywood will carry on well into 2014,” say Jessica Underwood of Soiree de Luxe. “We will see a return of the ‘cocktail hour’ and suave style and sophistication will be the theme, with opulent styling and decor. Lots of gold, paired with deep, moody shades will be the colour palette of choice.”
Retro maids
At Maids To Measure you can design your bridesmaid dresses along with your bridesmaids, so they’ll know exactly what they’re getting. “We are finding certain patterns coming through.” says Sinclair from Maids to Measure. “Dots are big at the moment and also a lot of neon and netting.”
If you’re going down this route, maybe think about adding a coloured petticoat to your wedding dress or the bridesmaid dresses. We spotted a red petticoat on a retro wedding dress recently and it looked fabulous. If you’re going for a 1950s-inspired look, this is a really dramatic way of adding a splash of colour and it’s not expensive, either. Don’t feel you all have to wear the same colour petticoats – mix it up for a fun effect in your photos.
Looking lovely in lace
Another look that’s coming in fast is lace. Okay, so Kate Middleton gave a dramatic boost to the use of lace at weddings and it’s a sure-fire way of lending your big day that vintage feel in an instant.
For example, you might want to wear a strapless dress on your wedding day but be a little more covered up for the ceremony. In that case think about wearing a lace shrug or top that covers your upper arms and shoulders and then remove it for more of a party look later on.
Lace is easy to blend through every aspect of your wedding day. You can use lace on your wedding stationery, on your bridal bouquet, on your wedding dress, your shoes and on your cake. You can even buy strips of lace to decorate the chairs at your wedding reception – we love the chair back decoration idea above.
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Evening weddings
Now that you can get married up to 6pm in England, having a post-ceremony cocktail party is becoming really popular.
If you like the sound of this, you can dress in either a long or short frock and get your maids in on the look, too. For long, think a draping 1930s-inspired style gown with diamanté accessories or for short, go for a 50s-inspired A-line dress with a statement pair of shoes.
Pastel-coloured cakes
Wedding cake styles are a good indication of what’s happening out in the wedding world. “We are seeing the vintage trend staying strong in 2014,” says Shelly from award-winning Cakes by Shelly. “Lots of lace and muted colours, pale pinks and sage greens being the most popular. We are also seeing a lot of peach coming through this year.”
There’s a conversation going on at The Wedding Ideas Forum right now on vintage style wedding flowers. Come and join us!
