What’s new in weddings these days? Old is new. Whether the bridal couple are re-creating their ancestor’s wedding or just trying other wedding traditions from different eras, vintage weddings are becoming very popular. If they are looking for something different to try for their wedding, instead of trying all the latest contemporary ideas, trying looking into the past for a real experience with a vintage wedding.

A vintage wedding doesn’t mean dawning of mothers or grandmothers wedding dress anymore. Now planning a vintage style wedding takes you back in time, gathering historical facts and details for every aspect of the wedding ceremony and reception. Obviously dressing the part with antique or historically design custom attire is the main focus but no detail should be overlooked. The whole wedding party and sometimes the guests attire, flowers, rings, location, vehicles, food and even photography all can be gotten from the same time period to add authenticity to the whole wedding proceedings.

Modern bridal couples can pick their vintage wedding based on favorite time period such as the glamorous 1920’s, the wild west, Civil War period, the Victorian era or any other time period they want. It is a common for some bridal couples to pick a time period in which they have an interest, maybe coinciding with a hobby or favorite movie. This is not the only inspiration for choosing a time period; the couple can plan a vintage wedding with a family history theme by recreating a family event or traditional ethnic customs.

Planning based on family history is easier than one might think and can make for an interesting time walking back through the family tree and finding out how your ancestors would have gotten wed. Looking back, the bridal couple might be surprised to find they are getting married on the same day as one of their grandparents and would make for a great parallel to your vintage wedding plans. They may also find and incorporate family heirlooms such as a wedding ring, wedding gown or veil. Consider duplicating recipes from the time period or even go as far as using the same wedding menu for the reception that their ancestors used can add more authenticity to the theme.

Finding vintage clothing has become easier with the many online auctions that are now available. Also there are many wedding stores that will cater to your vintage needs. The most important piece of clothing you will need to find is the bridal dress. Finding the right dress is so important because this one day, having an “almost” right dress will not do. Ironically, many times you can find a fashionable vintage wedding dress for far less than a modern off the rack dress.

There are some guidelines to follow when looking for a dress. If the dress found has a stain on it, no matter how perfect it is, you should pass on it. Wedding dress stains are hard to remove but stains on a vintage dress can be next to impossible to remove. Make sure the dress is in good shape, the fabric is old and a small tear can turn into a big problem later. Lastly, remember that dress sizes will probably not compare over time. If at all possible make sure you try the dress on and make sure that if fits well.

A vintage wedding can be a very romantic event to be involved in. If all the elements are coordinated either by a professional wedding planner or a dedicated family member, the wedding will have an air of classic elegance and a memory no one will ever forget.