Dan's Papers - April 3, 2009 - Something Old: Vintage Wedding Attire

Going through the old family photographs gave me a nostalgic look into the past. My mom and dad were married on November 11, 1939. That is almost 70 years ago. Looking at the handsome couple in the photos, it reminded me that the '30s and '40s were noted for flowing, supple fabrics, a look that came right out of Hollywood. Broadened shoulders replaced the flat look of the '20s and by the end of the '30s, dress manufacturers began to concentrate on producing sparkling rhinestone clips and pins, including the high-end accessory dress clips, fur clips and duette clips in sterling silver. Easier on the pocketbook, pieces in rhodium, spelter and pot metal were available.

There are so many wedding themes these days to choose from - beach, celestial, fairytale, historical, holiday, sports, holiday and more. Every bride wants to look unique on her wedding day. If you love the look of vintage, then that is the direction to go. A good place to start planning your vintage wedding for both the bride and groom, as well as for your bridal party, parents and even grandparents of the newlyweds, are the many consignment and vintage shops in your area, where you can get great ideas and possibly find that perfect wedding gown. There are also many bridal salons and shops that have a large selection of reproductions to choose from.

As for the wedding invitations, any good print shop can make up an old fashioned invitation, or perhaps you can copy the one your mom and dad sent out, if it's still in their wedding album. Online research will give you great ideas, with tons of vintage invitations available. I designed my wedding invitation in a pale pink parchment paper, and that was in the early '60s. If my mother's gown were available at the time, I would have worn it on that special day.

Make a list, check it twice, see what is naughty and see what is nice. Vintage doesn't only mean the '20s, '30s and '40s, it can also include the feisty '50s and sexy '60s. Whatever generation you may consider vintage will work. I wore a pillbox hat with a very full veil. Jackie O was the look I wanted when I walked down the aisle in the '60s. She was always seen in a pillbox hat, and that was quite the rage then.

Flowers for the bride, groom and bridal party should be considered in the vintage category, as well as the dresses or gowns, hair-do and makeup. Any good salon can make that happen for you. Think about the cars for the entire wedding party. They can be vintage too, though probably expensive. But what the heck, it's your wedding day.

Your wedding hall or garden can go along with the vintage or Victorian theme by using parasols, lace and beautiful blooms. The music is also a consideration to entertain your guests with musical themes such as jazz music from the Roaring '20s, big band era of the '40s, rock 'n' roll of the '50s and whatever you loved in the '60s and '70s.

Photographers can now duplicate the vintage tint on your wedding photographs. Black and white was the thing in the '50s and '60s, but in the '30s and '40s it was that old fashioned brownish tinted photos.

This past century has seen many changes, decade by decade. Look back at what may appeal to you. The bottom line is to do your research on whatever wedding theme is your thing, and find out dress, hair and jewelry styles that were used in that era. Don't forget to choose the right wedding menu, cake and favors to make your theme complete.

Make your special day an event to remember forever. Every bride is beautiful and every groom is handsome in their wedding gown and tuxedo, and every bride and groom can't wait for the day they say those famous words: "I do."