I thought today I’d share something useful, not just for brides-to-be, but for bloggers and wedding vendors too. If you have been following my little blog for a little while, you will know that I am not most passionate about the whole vintage trend, which, really, is a bit worrying because I realise that a huge number of brides nowadays are completely taken by this trend and by making this statement I could lose quite a few potential clients…
I think it’s important that I qualify this statement: it’s not that I don’t not like vintage per se; I just don’t like the undefined vintage style. Saying ‘I like vintage weddings’ it’s like saying that you like weddings that are styled after an old era. But what era in particular? Because, you see, a 1920s wedding is nothing like a 1960s wedding – bridal fashion was different, interior decor was different, music was different and so on. There is nothing wrong in going to a carboot sale and buying old china, or an old typewriter, but when you get carried away and end up styling your wedding with old items just-because-they-are-vintage, I think you put yourself at risk of creating a cacophony of styles, that doesn’t subscribe to any era, is not cohesive, and is not aesthetically pleasant.
Some bloggers are really conscious of this debate and tackle the whole vintage them in the right way, being specific about the era a certain wedding is based upon and not simply generalizing all styles to this vague, blurred term that ‘vintage’ is. So, if you asked me ‘Do you like vintage weddings?’ The answer is no. But if you asked me ‘Do you like 1920s inspired weddings?’ The answer is yes… ‘And a 1980s inspired wedding?’ No way! Those puffed sleeves are just hideous!
As a wedding planner, I feel it’s crucial that I have knowledge of wedding trends and styling, so in an attempt to grow my knowledge of what vintage weddings through the past 100 years are all about, I’ve recently bought this wonderful book called “Vintage Weddings – One hundred years of bridal fashion and style” 
The book is divided into nine sections, covering the decades from 1900-2010.
For each section you will find details about bridal fashion, fabrics, key looks, decorating, and ceremony.
The second half of the book, called The Wedding Planner, gives you more insights into some of the most popular choices of food, music, cake, vows and even inspiration songs for weddings between 1920 to 1980. It is then followed by Shopping Guide, Sources and Suppliers, and a glossary of fabrics and lace.
In all honesty, I am yet to find a book that is as comprehensive as this. If you want a vintage wedding, this book will give you all the ins and outs of the era you are fascinated by.
It’s ok to follow a trend, and it’s ok to make compromises if time or money is lacking, but books like this are a good reference to help you focus on the style you actually want to achieve. If you are a wedding supplier (i.e. cake designer, florist, hair and makeup artist etc.), it’s also an amazing book to keep in your library and refer to whenever you are being asked to supply something ‘vintage’ – helping your client to define what they need will give you an edge over other competitors who, like many brides, are also confused about what ‘vintage’ actually is.
Next week, I’ll give you a sneak peek into my Tricia Guild books, excellent colour inspiration if you are stuck for theming ideas!
Baci e abbracci!
Betta
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