Incorporating Old World Charm and Vintage Flair Into Your Modern Wedding
With period dramas like Bridgerton and The Gilded Age growing in popularity, it’s no surprise that old-world European aesthetics have spilled into modern wedding design. From historic venues to vintage decor, couples can bring elegance, charm, and grandeur to their wedding by incorporating timeless details that transport guests to another era.
If you’re planning a history-inspired wedding, the first step is to clarify the period and style you want to embrace. For example, if you envision Regency-era necklines and pastel floral explosion, an old-world approach will suit your design expectations.
“Old-world decor is a style that draws inspiration from European aesthetics and historical elements,” explains Paula Clark Ramirez, owner of Mankin Mansion Wedding & Event Estate. This design is rooted in the opulence of historic European architecture with Baroque, Renaissance, and Rococo influences. Think ornate chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and plush velvet rentals — details that create a sense of timeless elegance.
On the other hand, vintage design typically draws inspiration from more recent decades, often using playful elements to lean into nostalgia over formality. However, that’s not to say vintage weddings can’t match old-world extravagance! From the glitz of the Roaring Twenties to the Hollywood glamour of the Fifties, there’s plenty of room for grandeur.
Whichever direction you take, here are a few ways to plan a wedding that brings a sense of timelessness and romance to your modern celebration.
Set The Vibe With Stationery
Before the days of text messages and Instagram DMs, people relied on written correspondence to communicate and convey their personal style and tone. Details like hand-lettered messages and wax seals were common, making them ideal elements to add an age-old feel to your wedding stationery.
“Incorporating finishes that have stood the test of time with hand-made papers, engraving or letterpress, scribed calligraphy, hand-torn deckled edging, and gilded designs are all ways to achieve an old-world feel in modern times,” explains Kelley Nudo, Director of Operations and Client Relations for Momental Designs.
Nudo continues, noting that an old-world style embraces imperfections. “Consider adding elements like wax seals, gold leafing, and hand-painted detailing that will vary from piece to piece and give the stationery an authentic feel,” she suggests.
If you want styled photos of your wedding invitation, consider the details you can collect for your photographer to use. “Vintage ring dishes and wax seals are two strong elements to include,” says Rachel Maloney, owner of Rachel Maloney Photography. Velvet ribbons, antique keys, heirloom brooches, and pearls are just a few examples of other details that can add an old-fashioned feel to your stationery’s styled flat-lay shots.
Book A Venue Rich In History
Your wedding venue sets the tone for your celebration’s look and feel, so picking the right atmosphere is crucial for capturing the charm and elegance of yesteryears.
If old-world is your vibe, “look to historic and European-inspired venues,” recommends Rachel Ceaser, owner of Savoir Fête. “While the United States may be in short supply of authentic 16th-century Italian villas, we are rich in unique buildings inspired by European architecture, and many of these places now host weddings.”
The best part of booking a historic venue: many are already well-equipped with period art and furnishings, saving you the trouble of sourcing and designing the space with antique decor.
“Chandeliers, crystal sconces, and romantic candlelight will create an atmosphere of warmth and coziness that only an old-world-inspired villa or estate can,” confirms Sarah-Pete Peterson of The Estate at River Run. “These venues also often feature grand ballrooms and elegant staircases, perfect for epic photos and grand entrances.”
For lovers of all things vintage and retro, seek historic venues that match your desired period. For instance, an Art Deco-inspired estate offers Gatsby-esque glamour, whereas a historic theater or dance hall may capture a groovy 70s vibe. Let your wedding venue create the perfect atmosphere for your old-school celebration!
Fill The Space With Timeworn Decor
Once you’ve selected the perfect venue for your wedding, it’s time to add your personal touch to the space. Browse social media and research historical design trends from your chosen era and aesthetic. For instance, Victorian romance calls for a different approach than a vintage garden celebration, so get clear on your vision and familiarize yourself with the look and feel.
“From luxurious fabrics & antique travel trunks to opulent rugs & rich textures, properly chosen vintage decor comes together for an effortlessly opulent backdrop,” Clark Ramirez says of creating an old-world ambiance.
“Styling elements such as ribbons, large bows, and dramatic drapery have been used a lot in recent weddings,” Maloney adds. “I love how it resembles that window drapery in Windsor Castle that gives old-world charm and elegance yet with a modern feel.”
For a more nostalgic vibe, “include heirlooms and antiques on your guest tables, bar tops, and coffee tables,” recommends Casey Cannon, owner of EBJ & Company.
Cannon suggests “using vintage glass vessels for floral arrangements and brass candlesticks” on tabletops, and “adding in small trinkets like brass figures holding a place card or salt cellars at each place setting.” To complete the look, “try adding large books with vintage photos and small table lamps on your bar or coffee tables.”
Consider this permission to start perusing for unique pieces at antique shops, thrift stores, and even estate sales. Don’t forget to look through your family’s collection of heirlooms, too!
Dress To Impress
It wouldn’t be a period-inspired wedding without the proper fashion of the times! Craig Peterman, owner of Craig Peterman Photography & Videography, recommends “choosing wedding attire that reflects the elegance of the old world era.”
“Gowns with lace detailing, long sleeves, or high collars can really add to the aesthetic you are going for with regard to the bride,” he elaborates. “Grooms can wear classic tuxedos with tails or a waistcoat to really give that vintage feel.”
Likewise, you might choose a beaded flapper-inspired dress or a sleek gown with opera gloves for a more vintage approach. Let fashion trends of the past inspire you!
One thing to note: While period-inspired clothing may have been fashionable at the time, many styles are not known for their comfort. Dressing for a theme doesn’t mean you need to squeeze into a corset or fuss with a hoop skirt! Embrace the silhouettes and fabrics of the era, but opt for a modernized take to remain comfortable all day long.
Whether you’re captivated by the opulence of a grand European estate or the eclectic charm of a vintage era, pulling wedding inspiration from a history book isn’t just a design choice — it’s a way to celebrate the timeless elegance of the past. The key is to strike a balance between classic and contemporary, incorporating your personality through modern details for a celebration that feels both nostalgic and fresh. By doing so, you’ll enjoy a day that whisks you back in time while perfectly capturing your unique love story!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
- Wedding Publicist: OFD Consulting