Create the Perfect Vintage Vibes for Your Wedding
“Vintage” doesn’t simply mean “old” or “rustic”. It’s a curated style and mood that speaks to elegance, timelessness and story.
Core elements of a vintage wedding include:
Era-inspired styling
Whether you’re drawn to 1920s art-deco, 1940s romantic, 1950s mid-century or 1960s retro, choosing an era helps shape your decisions across the whole day.Authentic touches
Think vintage dresses, antique furniture, retro lighting, heirloom jewellery, typewritten invitations, old books and record players.A venue with character
Heritage houses, barns, classic hotels, art-deco halls or mid-century spaces all help set the tone.Aligned details
When the arrival, décor, photography, stationery and even the music all fit the same mood, the whole wedding feels intentional and cinematic.
Choosing your vintage “lane” first makes everything else easier. The more consistently you apply that era across the details, the stronger and more immersive the experience becomes.
Choosing Your Era & Theme
Before diving into dresses and décor, decide which era or influence you love most.
Some popular options:
1920s / Art-Deco Glamour
Think Great Gatsby energy: sleek silhouettes, beadwork, fringe, pearls, bold geometric patterns, black and gold, crystal glassware and champagne towers.1940s / Wartime Romantic
Clean tailoring, classic suits, structured dresses, red lipstick, classic curls, victory rolls, simple bouquets and understated elegance.1950s / Mid-Century Magic
Tea-length wedding dresses, full skirts, nipped waists, pastel colours, polka dots, jukebox playlists and classic cars.1960s / Retro Chic
Mod influences, clean lines, shorter hemlines, graphic prints, bold colours or sharp monochrome, paired with retro transport and playful details.
Once you choose an era, use it as a filter. When you’re looking at dresses, venues, invitations, table settings or transport, ask: “Does this feel like our era?” If the answer’s yes most of the time, you’re on the right track.
Dressing the Part: Bridal, Groom and Wedding Party
Your attire is one of the loudest style cues in a vintage wedding. It’s often the first thing guests notice and sets the tone for everything else.
Vintage Bridal Dress Tips
Pick the right silhouette
1920s: column gowns, beaded details, dropped waists
1940s: strong shoulders, cinched waists, elegant lines
1950s: full skirts, tea-length dresses, petticoats
1960s: clean, simple shift dresses or structured A-lines
Focus on fabrics and details
Lace, satin, silk, beading, illusion necklines, covered buttons and delicate sleeves all help create a timeless look.Layer with accessories
Birdcage veils, gloves, pearl earrings, brooches, heirloom pieces and vintage hairpins all add subtle authenticity.Consider hair and makeup
Soft waves, classic red lips, cat eyeliner or pin-up styles instantly evoke a certain era and look incredible in photos.
Groom and Wedding Party Styling
Groom
A classic black-tie look, a three-piece suit, braces and bowtie, or even military-inspired tailoring can all echo vintage styling. Pocket watches, tie bars and polished shoes are simple but effective touches.Bridesmaids
Tea-length dresses, muted pastel tones, floral prints or simple block colours can all fit a vintage palette. Mismatched dresses in a coordinated colour scheme work particularly well.Groomsmen
Suspenders, waistcoats, bowties or classic ties, pocket squares and polished shoes keep the look sharp and cohesive.
The key is harmony: no one needs to look like they’ve stepped off a film set, but everyone should feel like they belong in the same story.
Choosing a Vintage-Friendly Venue
Your venue is the stage for your vintage wedding. The right setting makes styling easier and often more cost-effective, because so much character is already built in.
What to Look For
Heritage buildings and homes
Old villas, homesteads, mansions and historic halls often have beautiful woodwork, fireplaces, staircases, verandas and gardens.Garden venues
Mature trees, lawns, rose gardens, pergolas, stone paths and classic outdoor furniture pair beautifully with vintage décor.Classic hotels and halls
Think ballrooms, high ceilings, chandeliers, cornicing, old panelled bars and foyers with character.Flexible spaces
Venues that allow you to bring in your own furniture, props and lighting give you more room to “dial up” the vintage look.
Practical Considerations
Lighting
Natural light is a huge asset for those soft, romantic photos. In the evening, look for ways to add warm, atmospheric lighting rather than harsh white lights.Layout
Vintage styling often benefits from layered spaces: a lounge area, a bar corner, a dance floor, a photo nook. Check that your venue can accommodate this.Access and transport
If you’re planning a special arrival—like a classic car or vintage bus—make sure your venue has suitable access and space for drop-off, photos and parking.
Décor, Colour Palette and Detail
Vintage weddings are all about the details. The goal is to create layers of interest and texture without tipping into clutter.
Colour Palette
Choose a palette that suits both your era and your venue:
Soft pastels: blush, dusty rose, sage, duck-egg blue, cream
Rich heritage tones: navy, burgundy, forest green, gold
Neutral and metallic combinations: ivory, champagne, gold, copper, brass
Once you’ve chosen your palette, use it consistently across flowers, stationery, décor, linens and even bridesmaid dresses.
Décor Elements That Feel Vintage
Furniture and props
Mismatched vintage chairs, old suitcases, trunks, wooden crates, antique tables, dressers, gramophones, typewriters, vintage cameras and stacks of old books.Table settings
Mismatched china, vintage glassware, linen napkins, lace or crochet runners, candles in brass or crystal holders, cut-glass vases and simple, low florals.Signage and stationery
Hand-lettered signs, aged paper, calligraphy, typewriter fonts, wax seals and old stamps. Escort cards can be attached to keys, library cards, tags or old postcards.Lighting
Festoons, fairy lights, lanterns, exposed filament bulbs, candelabras, table lamps with fabric shades and chandeliers all add warmth and mood.
Florals and Styling
Choose flowers that look soft and romantic rather than rigid and modern—think garden roses, peonies, lisianthus, stock, hydrangeas, dahlias and plentiful greenery.
Looser, more natural arrangements often feel more authentically vintage than tightly structured bouquets.
Consider silk ribbons or lace to wrap bouquets and buttonholes.
Transport and Arrival: A Vintage Statement
How you arrive can be one of the most memorable parts of the day—and it’s a perfect chance to amplify your vintage vibes.
Vintage-Inspired Transport Ideas
Vintage bus or double-decker
A classic double-decker or heritage bus is perfect for transporting the bridal party and guests, and creates incredible photo opportunities.Classic cars
Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, 1950s sedans, convertibles or other classic vehicles look stunning in photos and suit many eras.Quirky options
Retro scooters, bikes with baskets, or side-cars can be used for a couple’s portrait moment if your venue and theme allow.
Tips for Using Transport as Part of the Experience
Plan time for photos with the vehicle, not just a quick drop-off.
Coordinate your arrival route with your photographer so they can capture key moments.
Consider using the vehicle as a backdrop near the reception entrance or on the lawn.
If you use a vintage bus or coach for guests, think about onboard music, signage and small touches that tie into your theme.
Photography and Film: Capturing the Era
Vintage styling comes into its own when your photography reflects it. The way your day is captured will determine how timeless it feels in years to come.
Discuss Style with Your Photographer
Talk to your photographer about:
Editing style
Softer tones, gentle contrast, warm hues, film-like grain or even real film photography if that’s your preference.Key locations and props
Heritage doorways, staircases, verandas, gardens, old furniture, vintage vehicles and any special pieces you’ve sourced.Candid vs posed
Vintage weddings lend themselves beautifully to candid, documentary-style photography—capturing laughter in lounge areas, people dancing, toasts, children playing on the lawn.Evening imagery
Plan some time for night-time shots under festoons, in candlelight or with the venue lit up behind you.
Your photographer doesn’t have to be labelled as “vintage”, but they should understand the look you’re going for and be excited by it.
Creating a Vintage Guest Experience
A true vintage wedding isn’t just pretty—it feels special for everyone who attends. Think about your guests’ journey from start to finish.
Welcome and First Impressions
Offer welcome drinks in vintage glassware or teacups.
Set up a styled welcome table with a vintage suitcase for cards, an old typewriter, frames, and a sign in your chosen style.
Display a seating chart on an old window, mirror or framed board.
During the Day
Guest book with a twist
Use Polaroids, library cards, typewritten notes or postcards instead of a standard book.Lounge areas
Create cosy corners with vintage sofas, armchairs, side tables and floor lamps. These spaces photograph beautifully and give older guests a comfortable place to relax.Music
Curate playlists that reflect your era: jazz and swing for 1920s–40s, rock ’n’ roll and doo-wop for 1950s, soul and early rock for 1960s.Food and drink
Classic cocktails (like Sidecars, Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, French 75s), dessert tables styled like old-fashioned sweet shops, tiered cake stands and nostalgic favourites all reinforce the mood.
Evening and Farewell
Consider a sparkler exit, confetti tunnel or farewell line outside a classic car or vintage bus.
Use your lighting to create drama: think silhouettes, warm glows, fairy lights and lanterns.
End the night with a song from your chosen era, so the theme carries right through to the last dance.
Logistics and Planning Checklist
To keep all the moving parts under control, a simple checklist helps:
Choose your era & theme
Confirm your venue (ideally one with heritage or character)
Lock in dress and attire (vintage or vintage-inspired pieces, plus accessories)
Book your transport (classic cars, vintage bus, or both)
Hire your photographer and discuss the style you want
Define your colour palette
Plan décor and props (furniture, signage, tableware, lighting)
Design stationery that suits the era
Create your guest experience plan (welcome, entertainment, lounge areas, guest book)
Map out your timeline including transport, photo sessions, ceremony, reception and farewell
Plan for comfort and accessibility (older guests, mobility needs, shade and weather backup)
Confirm all details with vendors so everyone is aligned on the look and feel
A vintage wedding has more visual layers than a minimal modern one, but with a good plan it doesn’t have to be more stressful—just more beautiful.
Why Vintage Weddings Feel So Special
Vintage weddings are popular for a reason. They:
Create an instantly recognisable style
Evoke nostalgia, emotion and warmth
Encourage thoughtful details and storytelling
Photograph beautifully, with lots of interesting textures and moments
Allow couples to express their personalities in a distinctive way
In and around Auckland, where you have access to character venues, scenic backdrops and a wide range of talented vendors, a vintage-themed celebration can feel both polished and deeply personal.
Bringing Your Vintage Vision to Life
Ultimately, a vintage wedding isn’t about replicating a specific year perfectly—it’s about capturing the spirit of a bygone era in a way that feels true to you.
When your dress, venue, décor, music, transport and photography all sing the same tune, your wedding becomes more than a day. It becomes a story your guests remember: the lace on the tables, the swing of the dress, the old-fashioned cocktails, the glow of the lights, the ride in that beautiful old vehicle, the feeling of stepping into another time—just for a little while.
Whether you’re going all-in with a Gatsby-style soirée or just weaving a few nostalgic touches into a modern celebration, focusing on genuine vintage vibes will help you create a wedding that feels timeless, romantic and uniquely yours.