An English country garden wedding is inspired and informed by old customs and tradition. To weave the past into your day, vintage accessories not only reinforce your traditional theme, but they are also beautiful, elegant and steeped in timeless chic.
Setting a traditional tone from the moment you set the date is a wise move if you want your guests to embrace the theme.
Using elegant, vintage-inspired stationery will convey the message that your wedding is going to be a classic. Some of the most eye-catching and authentic vintage designs are available from Ivy Ellen and Intricate Creations.
When you need to get to the church (or wedding breakfast) on time, you can blaze a vintage trail in a classic car.
London’s A.T. Beauford offer the 1930's-style Beauford in a range of colours, and Elegance Wedding Cars has a choice of vintage Rolls Royce and Daimlers. Or for something truly quirky, hire a Fiat 500 or convertible Morris Minor from Classic Fiat 500 Hire.
A headpiece is a must if you’re wearing a vintage-inspired dress. Look for tiaras with embellishments on the side for a true retro look and if you’re wearing a veil, keep it short and simple.
If you’re seeking headpiece inspiration, Yarwood White has a beautiful, new collection of eight vintage-style side tiaras with floral detail and timeless sparkle.
For a vintage-style bride, jewellery should be chic and statement. A choker worn with a full-length 20s, 30s or 40s-inspired dress is an absolute must – and pearls will always work well to top off a traditional, elegant look. Combine the two with a pearl choker.
This lovely (and affordable) piece by Girls Love Pearls (£43.86) features four strands of creamy faux pearls with a centre piece of individual, sparkling diamantes.
Shoes are crucial to any bride who wants to pull off a genuinely retro look – there’s no point finding the ideal vintage gown and then wearing contemporary heels. Think lower heels, peep toes, pearl embellishments and satin bows.
Rachel Simpson’s designs take inspiration from the elegance of the 20s and 30s, combined with modern trends.
Whether you need shade from the sun, or to defend your dress from a few spots of rain, a parasol is a beautiful accessory for a vintage bride. White and pastel shades work best and lace detailing is a must - avoid busy prints or loud colours as they will detract from your dress.
Available in white and light ivory, Olivier Laudus’ Floriana Bridal Umbrella (£29.99) is a perfect, elegant example – and totally waterproof too!
If you’d rather focus on a vintage style veil it has to be a ‘birdcage’ - a trend gathering pace amongst fashion-conscious brides.
The Angila birdcage veil by Joyce Jackson is a perfect example, capturing the modern-retro look (fresh, fashionable and funky!) This stunning piece, with a flamboyant satin and organza rose, costs £120 and would look perfect with a tea-length, 50s-style wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline.
Cakes come in every shape and size these days, but a vintage-inspired design is always extra special.
We’re madly in love with this exquisite birdcage cake by Sarah Edwards (from £565 for four tiers) which would make a genuinely breathtaking addition to your traditional wedding reception – particularly if you’re hiring a marquee.
If you want your wedding to be traditional, but also chic, stylish and right on trend, hiring vintage teacups is the utterly hip thing to do.
There are companies hiring out vintage crockery all over the country including Everything Stops for Tea, Pretty Vintage and My Fair Vintage. Most of these companies also provide linen, glassware and other table accessories for hire.
A vintage centerpiece on the top table looks incredibly classy.
A birdcage is perennially popular for fans of vintage, and if you don’t want to splash out on a memento to keep forever, you can hire birdcages from a company such as Fine & Funky Events who can also provide floral arrangements for the inside.
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