Do you love the idea of a retro wedding? Maybe you’re an old soul or just admire the style and beauty of a classic wedding theme? Vintage and retro weddings never go out of fashion, whether you’re planning a glamourous 40s or 50s style party or a memorable swinging 60s get together. Osprey Hotel Kildare’s new ballroom is customisable to suit almost every wedding style from themed parties to small family gatherings. We’d be delighted to show you around our brand new wedding space and discuss the details of your big day. Here are our favourite retro weddings ideas
Wedding Band
Music and dancing have always played a huge part in Irish weddings. Carry your retro theme through to your music by choosing the right wedding band that fits your vibe. Throwing a 1940s wedding party? Hire a big band to play timeless hits. Hoping for a swinging 60s do? Customise a playlist with your favourite Motown and hippy tracks to accompany your big day. Themed music doesn’t mean you can’t gather your bridal party on the dancefloor and boogie to the biggest hits; a combination will keep everyone happy.
Décor
A vintage theme is classic, elegant, and timeless. It is one wedding theme that will never go out of style. Décor can depend on the time era you are focusing on or you could opt for a more rustic, general vintage theme. Incorporate crystals and pearls somewhere in your big day for a touch of class. DIY an antique look vintage wedding centrepieces with old books, frames and old teapots. Vintage invites come in all shapes and sizes and may include pressed flowers, wax seals and ‘aged’ paper. Use antique mirrors as your wedding decoration, perhaps as photo opportunities or seat maps. Use Pinterest to create the wedding décor board of your dreams.
Wedding Wardrobe
Let’s be honest, it’s all about the wedding dress! A retro gown from your favourite era might seem like a good way to go but go too far and you might end up looking like a character in a period drama instead of the classy, stylish bride you dreamed of! Instead, choose a modern dress with vintage-style details. 1920s brides might be tempted by flapper style dresses, but you could also opt for a long gown with intricate beading and sequins. 1950s vibes might include a knee-length or A-line dress with cap sleeves. 1960s & 1970s brides might opt for a long chiffon dress or a lace dress with ruffles, long sleeves, or a high neckline.
Bridesmaid dresses are where you’ll have lots of fun. Choose fun, funky colours and shapes that suit the individual’s body type. Vintage bridesmaids’ dresses might incorporate chiffon, chalky, muted colours or bright bold tones, whatever suits your theme. Don’t forget, your bridesmaids don’t need to match – the more they stand out and show their personalities the better they’ll feel!
There is no need for grooms to wear powder blue tuxes and ruffled shirts to fit with a vintage theme. These days, the groom and groomsmen’s attire is as important as the dress and it’s easy to fit in. Look for little details to give their look a unique retro feel. Depending on the era you’re going for, accessories like suspenders, ties, and hats can make all the difference. The material of the suit itself can also play a part with tweed wedding suits making a huge comeback for retro weddings. Best of all, wedding suits can be tweaked and reworn over and over for years to come.
Flowers
Wedding flowers are so personal. No one can tell you what not to do on your wedding day; it’s your day! Choose flowers that suit your dress, your theme and your taste, no matter how ‘out there’ they might seem. A general vintage theme usually incorporates a loose and fluid design (as opposed to a tight, stiff bouquet) with pastels, muted tones and plenty of greenery. You could use classic white roses, white lisianthus and the softly coloured blooms of English roses. You could use waxflower and astransia to echo the pretty floral lace design on your dress, and plenty of foliage made up of the deep green and silvery tones of eucalyptus so it stands out.
Don’t forget flowers as a theme don’t end your hand. Decorate your venue, your church, wedding chairs, centrepieces, buttonholes and even hair clips to carry the theme throughout your outfit.
Plan your big day in our beautiful Kildare wedding venue in Osprey Hotel. We provide a beautiful outdoor space to couples to make the most of their big day. If it rains, our venue is flexible enough to accommodate both indoor and outdoor ceremonies and parties. Contact us to find out more about out venue or our flexible wedding packages.
