13 Vintage Wedding Ideas That Are Anything But Basic

Infusing vintage elements into your wedding day is not only sustainable, but also sentimental. Whether it's your family's fine china or an archive piece from a fashion house you've long admired, it's sometimes that much more special to incorporate elevated elements from the past that are rich in history, rather than consistently insisting on something brand new. What's more, opting for something vintage ensures that your design, fashion, and decor elements are one of a kind, rather than run of the mill or easily replicated.

It's important to note that authentic vintage, which is sourced, authenticated as needed, and preserved over time is vastly different from anything vintage-inspired: pieces that have been treated and distressed to look like heirlooms, but are no different than buying something new. The latter, while it may have the same patina as true vintage—and might be more cost-effective—is no different than purchasing something shiny and new. Vintage-inspired may be chic and on-theme for your wedding day, but don't be fooled—there's nothing sustainable or upcycled about it.

Our expert advice? Take the time to source true vintage; it might be more of a challenge when it comes to gathering the amount of dishes, glassware, flatware, or objet you need but the effect and environmental footprint is worth the extra legwork and will be worth its weight when considering future resale values. Seek out the experts to determine whether the fashion, jewels, tabletop, and decorative objet you're after is authentic before you commit to a big purchase—any vintage dealer worth their salt will have proper paperwork (any maybe a good story or two) for designer goods and fine jewelry, and be able to discuss the origins and details of the vintage they're selling in great detail.