There are so many gorgeous options when it comes to bringing vintage style to your wedding. It can be difficult to define one specific look, especially if you love both the slim lines of the 1920s and the frilly accessories of the 1950s. How’s a girl to decide?
It’s easy to be overwhelmed when planning your look. However, today’s modern woman can master any style she likes, mixing decades into a cohesive, effortless look. Let’s take a closer look at a few styles from past that may inspire you.
When you think of the style of the roaring twenties, you probably imagine the free spirited flapper. Slim, boyish figures were in and restrictive corsets were out, emphasized with sack dresses and dropped waistlines. Egyptian themes were all the rage, and these influenced the strong geometric lines of Art Deco, which were reflected in clothing and jewelry.
But in spite of the flat chests and bobbed hair, women still wanted some femininity. For weddings, the simple straight cut of the sack dress was balanced with fluid silk fabric, intricate detail, beading, and trim at the hemline. Headpieces drew attention from the body to the face, with many brides choosing to wear a cloche hat or long, trailing veil.
For this look, think of the pixie-ish beauty of Clara Bow, the sultriness of Louise Brooks, or the vivacity of Josephine Baker. Try beaded trims, fringed hemlines, a very long net veil, wreath-like headbands of gilded and beaded leaves.
In the more troubled thirties, many women turned to Hollywood for their dose of glamour. Screen sirens such as Jean Harlow showed off their curves in draped gowns of shimmering silk that covered up yet revealed everything. The 1930s saw a turn to a slightly more feminine, soft aesthetic with waved hair, slinky gowns, and sparkly costume jewelry.
Brides wore long gowns in slim silhouettes, often cut on the bias in silk charmeuse or crepe. The look was glamorous, but streamlined. These modern gowns might be further adorned with rhinestone and silver jewelry, dress clips, or belt clasps.
For this look, a bias-cut gown in a flowing silk is the main event. Dress it up even more with rhinestone dress clips, jewelry, or a clasp at the waist. Add a faux fur wrap for drama. Get soft wavy hair with pin curls or marcel waves.
During the war, styles for women took on more severe, military-inspired lines with broad shoulders and small waists. Hair was often worn in elaborate rolls that suited women’s new role in the workforce.
Headpieces for brides suited these hairstyles, with higher, crown-like pieces and attached veils. Shining satin continued to be popular for dresses, though the movement was toward rayon rather than the silk that was needed in the war effort. Wedding dresses were still simple and modern, but with more structure and less drape.
For this look, try a long silk gown with a sweetheart neckline and puffed long sleeves. Hair could be worn in rolls, or for a more subdued look, a simple pageboy style or soft Veronica Lake style waves. A beaded snood or half-crown headpiece would complete the look, and don’t forget the peep-toe shoes!
Needless to say, the fifties brought in full-force femininity. From Paris, Dior’s New Look inspired women to adopt full skirts and ultra-nipped waists aided by some serious foundation garments.
Wedding attire also emphasized the hourglass shape. From simple satin and fluid fabrics, the fifties moved into an abundance of lace, tulle, and frills. The strapless frilly confections you might associate with 1950s evening gowns were popular, though perhaps with an added lace capelet or bolero for modesty during the ceremony. Just look to Grace Kelly‘s wedding for the epitome of 1950s bridal style.
For this look, you could try a strapless dress and bolero, plenty of lace and tulle, short white gloves, a cocktail hat with veil, or a high neckline with a Peter Pan collar.
Jackie Kennedy inspired legions of women in the early sixties with her pristine style. Her fitted sheaths, bare arms, and box-cut suits were refined and glamorous, a striking contrast to the hourglass shapes of the fifties.
Wedding dresses in this style might be made in a simple sheath or a-line shape, and done in a heavy fabric that suits the structured look. For this style, try a structured sheath with matching coat or a boxy silk suit. Accessorize with a pillbox hat, short gloves, a birdcage veil, and kitten heels.
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Sign in to add your ownthevintagecloset says:
gorgeous......how fun! :o)
15 years ago
vintageitville says:
ohh eye candy everywhere.
15 years ago
ohmywonderful says:
Love the vintage jewelry, especially the pearl rope necklace!
15 years ago
Countessa says:
Love a vintage inspired wedding, great picks!
15 years ago
gloilocksandbody says:
Ohhh, vintage bridal wear, amazing picks. The satin lace up shoes, how I lust!
15 years ago
BeadsInTheBelfry says:
lovely picks and I agree with gloilocksandbody. Those satin lace up shoes!! Those shoes!!!!
15 years ago
dragonhouseofyuen says:
all very nice - I like the simple cream shift from atouchofvintage the best
15 years ago
clotheswhore says:
Very pretty collection. Almost makes me want to get married. Almost.
15 years ago
edor says:
LOVE the 20s and 30s!!
15 years ago
ovgilliesdesigns says:
Wonderful article & gorgeous selections! Love the Screen Siren & Deco looks!
15 years ago
BellaLili says:
If want everything shown! Its all so beautiful!
15 years ago
BargainBoutique says:
Wonderful article - simply gorgeous picks. Too difficult to pick a favorite - I love everything here!
15 years ago
MGMart says:
Absolutely gorgeous items. My personal favorite is the "1950's Vintage Pink Tulle Dress Formal" Thank you for the article!! ~ Marianna
15 years ago
OriginalsByLynnette says:
Gorgeous selections!
15 years ago
ShesFancy says:
I love these vintage wedding articles! There are some absolutely beautiful things here.
15 years ago
Waterrose says:
What a great synopsis of each of the decades....beautiful creations.
15 years ago
songbirdpie says:
so fun. i want that milk glass and rhinestone bracelet. so pretty!
15 years ago
Cheerupcherup says:
the jewelry rocks, I love it!
15 years ago
WoollyWonka says:
Beautiful!
15 years ago
jenniferdarezzo says:
~sigh~ I love weddings. Gorgeous items!!!
15 years ago
missbatch says:
So inspiring! Thanks for sharing.
15 years ago
4TheSparrowsNest says:
I love the historical approach on this article...it's really fun to borrow from the past to make it new again.
15 years ago
mucar says:
great idea, i was created white shawl for a bride....it was a terrific experiance:))
15 years ago
ScottieinaCanoe says:
Stunning picks! I love the romance from the different decades :)
15 years ago
MarcellasExcess says:
Ooooh...these all make me want to melt! I love every single thing!
15 years ago
IceCreamCandy says:
all so romantic:)
15 years ago
Cheenara says:
I love vintage.So precious and full of history.The Knitted Pearl Rope Necklace and the Ivory Satin Lace-up Bridal shoes are just stunning.
15 years ago
poppyswickedgarden says:
Oh what a wonderful article! I love vintage weddings. I must get to work on more vintage inspired wedding dresses too!
15 years ago
Legacy925 says:
Love weddings and all things romantic! Love ALL the great vintage finds here - great article - great picks.
15 years ago
baconsquarefarm says:
Lovely vintage finds, wonderful read, enjoyed my peruse.
15 years ago
sherrytruitt says:
oh, those white gloves are so lovely!
15 years ago
adoreneko says:
Beautiful and dreamy finds!
15 years ago
ModernMetalJewelry says:
Lovely and romantic vintage finds!
15 years ago
fineartstoneware says:
Great article! Great items!
15 years ago
cottonbirddesigns says:
Inspiring article and gorgeous items!
15 years ago
atouchofvintage says:
wow! thanks for featuring my dresses! these are all so stunning... i have a few more wedding dresses in my shop. thanks for looking!
15 years ago
haannh says:
inspiring..lovely!
15 years ago
arieltelsa says:
It's all so lovely, makes me want to have a wedding right now.
15 years ago
DonnaElla says:
Great article, so inspiring!
15 years ago
missrubysue says:
so great- Makes me want to get married again!
15 years ago
strawberryvintage says:
They are all so gorgeous! Thank you for including my vintage brooch
15 years ago
sunnyfish2001 says:
So beautiful!
15 years ago
TheCottageCheese says:
Oh, so beautiful! I love the way you separated each decade, and all of these picks are so sweet and romantic. Love the dress by BlytheHopesVintage - I would have bought it long ago to wear in my wedding, but I'm so sad that it's too small!
15 years ago
FlanneryCrane says:
I enjoyed this so much. I love blythehopesvintage shop, and the dress! All selections are beautiful. Besides selling vintage, I also design with fresh flowers so I LOVE to see weddings and vintage combined. Two of my favorite things...
15 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Nice article.
15 years ago
Mikiye says:
Ah, my whole life I have been inspired by eras of the past! (Especially from the 40's and older) Thank You for sharing such delightful finds!
15 years ago
ladyinblack1964 says:
I had a 20s style wedding in 1988. I had my dress and veil made by a dressmaker--there were no vintage shops online carrying the "real thing" back then! I enjoyed this article very much. I always love to see bridal stories!
15 years ago
mykonos says:
lovely items!!
15 years ago
topsyturvydesign says:
FAB! The shoes pics kill me. Curse my size 9 feet!!!
15 years ago
RoyalPrincess says:
Great picks
15 years ago
wildrosegarden says:
great article, I love vintage wedding fashion and style. I devoted a whole section of vintage ideas for apparel and wedding decor in The Everything Green Wedding Book
15 years ago
SundraSandrusi says:
great article!! Very pretty collection!!!
15 years ago
CutieDynamite says:
Amazingly gorgeous!! I love to create vintage inspired pretties for my brides!
15 years ago
MartaWeaverJewelry says:
So romantic...
15 years ago
TessaKim says:
love it :)
15 years ago
OhFaro says:
Stunning! I love reusing vintage costume jewelery to make bridal pieces. It feels to to make new from old.
15 years ago
blondiemom11 says:
Fabulous!! Love it all. The deco brooch is stunning. I'm married but always fascinated by the bridal market and all the yummy accessories and details. Thank you Wendy:)
15 years ago
akane says:
Lovely! www.akanedesigns.blogspot.com
15 years ago
Mattamorphis says:
Those photographs are beautiful. -Matt
15 years ago
samyol2000 says:
great colection
15 years ago
Archivia says:
Wow, you did an amazing job with this theme, article and your picks. I haven't seen so much truly older and exquisite vintage in the Storque articles before. You must be a collector. gorgeous stuff.
15 years ago
jurgitahandmade says:
wow ! thanks for this article! It was soo interesting!
15 years ago
RenJewels says:
BEAUTIFUL!! If only I wasn't married already(ooops I don't mean that Mark!)
15 years ago
plumprettysugar says:
preeeeeeeeetttttttyyy!
15 years ago
afewseconds says:
amazing article, love it!!
15 years ago
whitemetal says:
ooohh love it
15 years ago
PetitPoulailler says:
lovely! ~ wish I were to be a bride soon ♥
15 years ago
SurrenderDorothy says:
Stunning picks!
15 years ago
lechatrose says:
I'm offering a special promotion for brides in my shop :)
15 years ago
FashionFromHelen says:
Great article, lovely pics
15 years ago
MissFiKingdom says:
Sometimes I wish I could marry my husband again and again just to plan the wedding... Not that I wouldn't marry him just because he's the man of my dreams but Weddings are magical!
15 years ago
ToxicInk says:
I think the 50's fashion is one of my all time favorites.
15 years ago
WearingHistory says:
Thank you so much for adding my shoes! Yay! This is so much fun. I wish it was around when I got married last year :)
15 years ago
jurgitahandmade says:
It is so lovely!!!!
15 years ago
TessaKim says:
lovely!
15 years ago
bazketmakr from bazketmakr says:
beautiful styles, all. It is so wonderful we can find them all right here on Etsy!
12 years ago
Ann from violetsparks says:
I love these pics - they really give me confidence that the Art Deco styles I've created in my tiaras and hair accessories have hit the spot - gorgeous, elegant and all here on Etsy, where the amount of talent is unbelievable.
12 years ago
Fabiola Friedman from HuellaHuella says:
Beautiful!
12 years ago
Gulsah from myhappyfeet says:
great article!!
12 years ago
Gulsah from myhappyfeet says:
great article!
12 years ago
collette smith says:
ohh so beautiful... i love bits from all the eras. i guess im a bit of a magpie, cherry picking the bits i like most from the different decades. Fab article !!
12 years ago
Bilge Erata from BilgesCreation says:
So beautiful!
12 years ago
Jim Sanders from factory3d says:
My nephew recently got married and I was trying to think of a unique gift to give him and his bride. Since they're both in musicians and do a lot of musical theater, I thought making a movie poster of their engagement picture would be something very special. It was. They loved it. Then I thought maybe others would like the same thing so I designed several that are now up on my Etsy shop. Some of the designs have a special honeymoon theme. Check them out for a unique sort of gift that will definitely be a one of a kind gift. Thanks Jim
12 years ago