top of page
art deco wedding invitations, speakeasy wedding invitations, vintage wedding invitations, art nouveau wedding invitations, victorian wedding invitations, gogosnap, gilded swan, wedding invitation, gilded swan paperie, save the dates, wedding invitation card, deco wedding, deco wedding invitations, gatsby wedding, great gatbsy wedding, destination wedding, destination wedding invitations, save the date postcards, wedding invites, gogosnap, forest wedding invitations, 1920s wedding, 1920s wedding invitations, roaring 20s wedding, twenties wedding invitations, save the date card, art deco save the date
WHAT'S YOUR BRIDAL STYLE?
Not every wedding has to have a theme, but it does have to have style! If you adore all things vintage like me, then adding a vintage flair here and there can really set your wedding apart. You don't have to have a full-on dress up costume party to make something, say Art Deco, but adding a few key elements is all you need. Like our personalities, having an eclectic mix of ideas is what makes our events unique. Key elements to do:
--Hire a vintage furniture rental company
-- Research what florals were big in your specific era
-- Make sure your paper goods and type faces reflect the era you want to convey
-- Shoes from Remix! They have every decade covered!
REGENCY ERA
The Regency era was noted for its achievement in arts, architecture, elegance, and social etiquette and was considered to be about 1795 to 1837. Six of Jane Austen's novels were written during this time. Romanticism is the key ingredient! A Regency wedding will surely explode in romantic notions, an abundance of flowers, proper etiquette, and a smidgeon of fanciful whimsy.
-- Empire dresses (high waists and graceful lines)
-- Jane Austen
-- tea cakes, crumpets, and delicate bites
-- short Spencer jackets or shrugs
-- silhouettes
-- gilded antique books
-- roses, crystal, and fabulous luncheons
-- dainty shoes or elegant ankle boots
Hair Clip: Twigs & Honey
Dress: Jo Jo Shop
Invitations: Gilded Swan Paperie
Shoes: House of Elliot Lace Boots
Photos: @peterson.design.studio
VICTORIAN ERA
Queen Victoria reigned England from 1837 to 1901. Graphic design from this era was resplendent in detail, color, and flourishing ornamentation, matching her coronation.
Certainly a real Victorian woman would never have had an orchid-colored invitation with a fox and owl on it like this one on the left. But today, it feels very Victorian. This wedding invitation suite can go with your free-styling boho wedding, your vintage garden wedding, or even an urban rooftop industrial affair if you style your day just right.
-- add a few colorful Victorian chairs for photo ops
-- Gibson Girl-inspired cocktails
-- add an old-fashioned gramophone to your reception
-- orange blossoms and roses
-- floral dishware
-- lacey details
-- hour-glass shapes and cameos
-- love note and vintage, ornate stamps
-- garden tea parties
Photos: @peterson.design.studio
EDWARDIAN ERA
Art Nouveau was a style of art & architecture during this era. It was heavily influenced by nature with its curved lines and organic, flowing forms. This movement was popular from about 1890 - 1915ish. Many brides come to me with color inspirations from Alphonse Mucha for their Art Nouveau wedding invitations. I love his art, but it can be very cliche as his look is attached to one very specific period in time. As with any art movement, we find the bits and pieces that speak to us to influence our own, unique look.
The Edwardian era had another side to it-- think Downton Abbey. The end of the Edwardian period is perhaps my favorite as you can see Art Deco just emerging. I love those "in-between" periods.
-- poppies, irises, camellias, lilies
-- fabric inspired by William Morris
-- absinthe bar
-- butterflies and dragonflies
-- lace, loose hair, and ethereal gowns
-- magicians and mysticism was all the rage
-- George Melies silent movies
-- Downton Abbey seasons 1 - 3
Photos 1 & 3: @andriellephotography
ART DECO
Art Deco was a mix of different styles, but with one thing in common-- the need to be modern. Art Deco was largely influenced by bold geometric forms and linear shapes. With 2020 just around the corner, I think the Roaring Twenties are going to be big and very Gatsby!
Your wedding does not have to be a costumed dress-up affair with a 1925 Rolls Royce and a pair of Afghan dogs to be Art Deco. To avoid being cliche, be thoughtful about what you pick and choose from this decade. You can channel the underground Speakeasy vibe with a simple beaded dress, bow tie & suspenders, swanky liquor, and of course, a Gilded Swan invitation.
-- speakeasy, prohibition, and bathtub gin
-- beaded handbag, Art Deco diamond cuff
-- shoes from Remix
-- simple headbands, loose finger waves
-- vintage rhinestone brooches for accents
-- Downton Abbey Seasons 4 - 6
Photos 1 & 3: @peterson.design.studio
1940's
The United States was thrown into turmoil in the 1940s but that didn't stop women from being oh-so-stylish! The shapes and fabric in the 1940s could be so dramatic and rich! And the movies-- it's hard not to take styling cues from the screen sirens and cinema!
Think bold fabrics and lots of colors. Film noir really started in this decade and the sexy femme fatales and gang molls are sure to inspire!
-- colorful platform shoes and velvet handbags
-- sexy waves and hair rolls
-- Hollywood Canteen themes
-- colorful bakelite jewelry
-- film noir
-- big bands and swing dancing
-- mountain theme with plaids and woody station wagons
--Gene Tierney in Leave Her to Heaven!
Vintage shoes, radio and bakelite jewelry
MID-CENTURY MODERN
Mid-century modern is such a broad term, but really, it's become a catch-all name for all things sleek, cool and swanky from the late 40's - mid 60's. Think sexy silhouettes, simple lines, and lots of sophisticated cocktails! This theme can work in a quirky tropical backyard, an urban rooftop, a concrete warehouse, or a ranch home. You can add a sprinkle of rhinestones and martini glasses and make many venues "mid-century" influenced!
-- Mad Men & The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
-- vintage teardrop trailers
-- cocktails and martini bar
-- googie-style venues
-- up-do's, floral wiggle dresses and cat eyes
-- simple, clean lines, white space and pops of color
-- jet set themes, Eames chairs and George Nelson
-- sputnik and jet-set themes
-- Brigitte Bardo!
Dress: @houseofmooshki
Trailer Photo: @karenann.photography
Flamingo Photo: @laurenscotti
VINTAGE BOHO
This aesthetic can span many eras. It's an eclectic mix of many decades that do not obey strict design rules. The wedding invitation is deeply rooted in the 1880s, but the pampas grass and rusty neutral colors are very 1970s. Think calming tones and placid earthy vibes.
-- Neutral and earthy colors
-- vintage teardrop trailers
-- pampas grass and whimsical hanging florals
-- lanterns and celestial details
-- flower crowns and loose hairstyles
-- earthly elements like wood and stone
-- natural linens and papers
-- mismatched vintage decor
-- fringe, wicker, and billowing sheer drapes
Couple photo by Laura Memory
Invitations: Gilded Swan Vintage Botanicals
VINTAGE CELESTIAL
Nothing unites us all better than the stars and the moon! The celestial wedding theme is so fun and really quite easy to accomplish. You cannot go wrong with these stellar details- choose one main accent color and either gold, rose gold, copper or silver and you are ready to impress!
-- midnight, navy and black tuxedos
-- gold or silver flaked desserts
-- the more glittering stars the better
-- use astrological elements and star projection lights
-- rhinestone shoes
-- celestial crowns and hair jewelry
-- moon phases theme
-- moon and stars playlists and standards
-- smoke bombs and sunsets
Bride photo by @bycphotography
Headpiece by Erica Elizabeth
Invitations: Gilded Swan Paperie's Woodcut Design
Paper Moon Shoppe for your celestial backdrops
VINTAGE GARDEN PARTY
Who doesn't love a vintage garden party theme? So fun, whimsical and easy to pull off. Vintage elements mixed with a floral theme and happy pops of color are sure to please!
-- think lush florals in a myriad of colors
-- garden arches made of natural elements and flowers
-- vintage mismatched glassware and china
-- farm-to-table foods and a signature punch
-- old-fashioned hand fans to keep guests cool
-- garden wall backdrops
-- local parks, conservatory, backyards and estates
-- enchanted lighting and candles
-- colorful floral print Bridesmaid dresses
Invitations: Gilded Swan Paperie - Vintage Botanical Flower Seeds
ARTS & CRAFTS MOVEMENT
This rustic "back to nature" movement flourished from 1875 - 1920. Its basic premise encouraged simplicity, natural elements, hand craftmanship, and organic, floral design.
-- green, sage, goldenrod, burgundy, and more green!
-- William Morris patterns
-- outdoor garden setting
-- national park or forest wedding venues
-- earthy fabrics
-- floral wallpaper and velvet lounges and chairs
-- California bungalows & clapboard houses and venues
-- bees, butterflies, and swans
Couple photo: @runningwildstudio
Save the dates: Gilded Swan Paperie's Woodcut Design
Rings: @kenanddanadesign
Wallpaper: @rebelwalls
bottom of page