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Destination weddings have been in vogue for the past ten years. The problem with destination weddings is that not everyone can afford them. Travel weddings are expensive for couples, families and guests. Couples who send gifts instead of attending feel left out. Couples who pay for the trip can’t afford gifts. Destination weddings also shift the focus from where it should be — on the couple getting married — and put it on the road. Wedding attendees show up partly for the wedding but mainly for island locations. Instead of a destination wedding, why not plan a themed wedding?
Themed weddings are a new trend in the wedding business, and vintage style weddings are at the top. A vintage style wedding sets the stage for a wedding from another era. Details from the location to the wedding dress, food and entertainment follow the same vintage theme.
Victorian wedding
A Victorian wedding, for example, will be held in a Victorian mansion complete with Victorian furnishings. Guests can enter through an old world parlor, and the bride and groom can walk down the stairs looking around. The Victorian wedding dress will feature old world lace at the neckline and high waist, with a feather bone bustier and full skirt. The groom will wear a tuxedo, of course. The ceremony could take place in the courtyard, under the challis of ivory and roses.
A Country Themed Wedding in a Pastoral Setting
A rustic vintage wedding will take advantage of a beautiful country setting and offer generous farm-themed rustic gifts. Old red barn with beautiful wood warehouse door will provide a rustic yet classic backdrop. The bride can wear a simple, loose-fitting peasant dress and blouse, adorned with daisies and baby’s breath in her hair. The groom can wear anything from work overalls to jeans and a t-shirt. The ceremony may take place in a barn, or in an old farmhouse, followed by a full country reception overlooking the corn fields.
Puttin’ On the Wedding Ritz
Another popular vintage theme is the flapper wedding. Flappers were dancers in the 1920’s and 30’s. The world has witnessed the first world war, and the people are ready to party. Women lost their stuffy clothes, cut their hair and started smoking cigarettes. Most importantly, when the flapper era came down, people started dancing. A flapper wedding will feature old world music, preferably played on a gramophone. The old 78s will crackle, and people will dance to singers and big bands. A flapper wedding gown will feature a low-waisted gown with silk tufts or sequins. Hair will be short and in a close bob. Mandatory red lipstick. A good flapper-era groomsman’s suit will include spats, suspenders, and a three-piece suit. The groom, of course, must use pomade and comb his hair back.
Wed Like the Egyptians
Or maybe you want to reach across the ocean and organize your vintage style wedding with Egyptian flare. Egyptian wedding arrangements will include torches with oil burning along a dirt path covered with flower petals. The bride and groom will line their eyes with charcoal pencil. A gold plated necklace would adorn the cotton sheath gown, held in place by a satin cord that criss-crossed at an alluring angle around the gown. The groom will wear high leather sandals, no shirt, and a leather skirt. An Egyptian themed wedding can be done on the beach or on a hill. Shoes for guests will be an option.
Only your imagination limits the themes available to you. Whatever wedding theme you choose, have fun with your vintage style wedding. Stick to the details for an authentic step back from time to time and take your guests with you.
