Vintage wedding themes are on the rise, and it’s easy to see why. They bring timeless elegance, a touch of nostalgia and unique charm to any celebration. The perfect way to set the tone for your big day is with vintage wedding invitations. These vintage wedding invitation ideas capture the essence of your theme and give guests a glimpse of the magic to come on your big day.
From the intricate elegance of the Gilded Age to the vibrant boldness of the 1980s, every era has a distinct style. This guide will help you explore vintage wedding inspiration across the decades, with tips for customization and ideas to make these designs your own.
- Vintage wedding invitations are timeless and offer the flexibility to personalize them to reflect your unique style.
- Each era has distinct design styles, color palettes and key features. These details can inspire not just your invitations but the overall theme of your wedding.
- Customization allows you to mix vintage inspiration with modern elements. Whether it’s adding metallic accents or using eco-friendly materials, there are options for every couple’s tastes.
- Incorporating vintage themes creates a cohesive look. Invitations can tie seamlessly into your decor, dress code and even your entertainment choices.
- VistaPrint has designs for every era, giving you endless inspiration and options to create the perfect vintage invitations for your wedding.
The Gilded Age (1870s-1900s): Timeless elegance
Source: 18th century wedding invitations are definite by ornate floral patterns via VistaPrint
- Design style: Luxurious, intricate patterns and formal typography.
- Colors: Cream, gold and deep jewel tones.
- Key elements: Embossing, metallic accents and ornate borders.
The Gilded Age was the era of grand estates, ballrooms and extravagant royal weddings like Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter, Princess Beatrice in 1885. Her wedding set trends in formal, detailed invitations and was followed by another iconic wedding of the era between Consuelo Vanderbilt’s and the Duke of Marlborough in 1895. It was the epitome of Gilded Age opulence with intricate lace, luxurious gold accents and an elaborate high-society guest list.
This was a time of opulence and grandeur, which is reflected in its wedding invitation styles. Invitations from this era often featured luxurious details like embossed monograms, ornate floral patterns and metallic foiling to exude sophistication.
Deep jewel tones like emerald and ruby complemented the refined cream and gold palettes, while thick, textured paper added a sense of formality. To give this style a modern touch, consider incorporating themes of 18th century wedding invitations with updated printing techniques like laser embossing or gold-foil accents.
The 1920s: Art deco glamour
Source: 1920s wedding invitations are inspired by the Art Deco movement
- Design style: Geometric patterns, bold lines and opulent vibes.
- Colors: Gold, black and silver.
- Key elements: Foil stamping, symmetrical designs and elegant sans-serif fonts.
The roaring 20s were defined by the glitz and glamour of the Art Deco movement. F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda Sayre’s 1920 wedding embodied the rebellious glamour of the Jazz Age, making a Gatsby-style wedding an iconic vintage choice. The era was defined by flappers, jazz and lavish celebrations, much like the wedding of Prince Albert (later King George VI) and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1923, which combined elegance with the spirit of the roaring ’20s.
These iconic aesthetics make it a standout era for wedding invitation inspiration. Geometric patterns and symmetrical designs dominated the 1920s, and were often enhanced with gold foil stamping for a luxurious effect.
Invitations typically used elegant sans-serif fonts and a monochromatic color palette accented with silver or black. For a cohesive look, pair 1920s style wedding invitations with metallic decor like gold-rimmed glassware or mirrored centerpieces.
The 1930s: Simplicity meets elegance
Source: In the 1930s wedding invitations were simple yet elegant
- Design style: Understated sophistication with minimalistic details.
- Colors: Neutral tones, soft pastels.
- Key elements: Monogrammed designs, parchment paper and handwritten fonts.
In the 1930s, wedding invitations had a simple yet refined aesthetic. Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson’s controversial 1937 wedding was an event of understated sophistication, reflecting the minimalism and refined taste of the decade. Hollywood weddings, like that of actress Carole Lombard and Clark Gable in 1939, also set trends with elegant yet simple invitations and stylish but low-key ceremonies.
Monogrammed designs became a popular feature, symbolising unity and elegance. Soft pastel hues like blush and pale blue complemented neutral tones like ivory and cream. Invitations were often printed on parchment paper and featured handwritten or calligraphy-style fonts for a personal touch. To bring 1930s wedding invitations into the modern era, consider using digital calligraphy combined with textured paper for a timeless look.
The 1940s: Wartime romance and nostalgia
Source: 1940s wedding invitations were nostalgic, featuring floral motifs
- Design style: Vintage postcards, floral motifs and handwritten styles.
- Colors: Sepia tones, blush and navy.
- Key elements: Ribbon ties, wax seals and heartfelt typography.
During the 1940s, wartime weddings were often intimate, and invitations reflected this sense of closeness and nostalgia. Many wartime weddings were modest yet sentimental, including Elizabeth Taylor’s first wedding in 1950, which followed the tradition of simple, heartfelt invitations reflecting the era’s rationing and practicality. Audrey Hepburn’s first wedding in 1954 was also inspired by 1940s post-war romance, featuring a tea-length dress and soft, romantic aesthetics.
Wedding invitation designs resembled vintage postcards, featuring soft floral motifs and handwritten or calligraphy-style typography. Sepia tones and blush hues were common, paired with navy accents to convey a classic yet heartfelt vibe. To recreate 1940s wedding invitations today, consider adding ribbon ties or wax seals to boost the nostalgic feel, and incorporate personal touches like vintage-inspired stamps.
The 1950s: Mid-century modern charm
Source: 1950s wedding invitations were influenced by mid-century modern charm
- Design style: Fun and playful designs with retro influences.
- Colors: Mint green, turquoise and blush pink.
- Key elements: Atomic patterns, pastel color-blocking and retro script fonts.
The 1950s brought a sense of optimism and fun to wedding invitations, with playful designs inspired by mid-century modern trends. Grace Kelly’s 1956 wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco is still one of the most iconic of all time, with elegant pastels, lace and classic scripts inspiring mid-century wedding styles. Elizabeth Taylor’s second wedding in 1952 to Michael Wilding was another glamorous yet refined event that set trends for romantic, pastel-hued invitations.
Atomic patterns and pastel shades like mint green and blush pink gave these invitations a cheerful and stylish appearance. Retro script fonts were often used, but to modernize 1950s wedding invitations you could add metallic foil accents or use pastel color-blocking in envelope liners for a chic twist on this vintage theme.
The 1960s: Bold and free-spirited
Source: 1950s wedding invitations often featured bold floral prints
- Design style: Vibrant, experimental and inspired by the hippie/counterculture movement.
- Colors: Bright oranges, yellows and psychedelic patterns.
- Key elements: Groovy typography, floral designs and playful embellishments.
The 1960s embraced vibrant and experimental designs that reflected the hippie movement that has become symbolic of the era. Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s 1967 Las Vegas wedding had mod influences and a vibrant floral aesthetic that embodied the free-spirited nature of the time. The 1960s also saw high-profile bohemian weddings like Mia Farrow and Frank Sinatra’s in 1966, featuring minimalist elegance with a touch of fun, reflecting the aesthetic shift of the era.
Invitations often featured bold, psychedelic patterns in bright colors like orange and yellow, with groovy typography adding a whimsical feel. Floral motifs, inspired by the hippie movement, were a popular choice, appearing as playful embellishments or background designs. To modernize 1960s wedding invitations, balance these bold patterns with neutral accents to create a stylish look.
The 1970s: Bohemian dream
Source: 1970s wedding invitations often featured mustard yellow and burnt orange palettes
- Design style: Free-spirited, earthy and nature-inspired designs reflecting the boho aesthetic.
- Colors: Earthy tones like burnt orange, mustard yellow, olive green and warm neutrals.
- Key elements: Floral motifs, hand-drawn illustrations, macramé patterns and organic textures.
The 1970s saw the rise of bohemian-inspired weddings, with invitations embracing earthy tones and nature-inspired elements. Bianca and Mick Jagger’s 1971 wedding in Saint-Tropez epitomized ‘70s boho chic with a relaxed yet fashionable approach to wedding style. Another influential wedding in 1973 was Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden’s, which had a casual, free-spirited aesthetic that’s perfect inspiration for a 1970s bohemian theme.
Invitation designs often included hand-drawn floral illustrations, textured paper and macramé patterns to create a laid-back yet elegant aesthetic. Burnt orange and olive green were common color choices, giving invitations a warm and inviting feel. To create modern 1970s wedding invitations, try incorporating kraft paper or dried floral embellishments for an eco-friendly and vintage-inspired touch.
The 1980s: Neon and extravagance
Source: Hot pink was a common color choice for 1980s wedding invitations
- Design style: Bold, over-the-top aesthetics with neon colors and flashy patterns.
- Colors: Hot pink, electric blue, neon green and bright yellow.
- Key elements: Abstract shapes, bold typography and holographic finishes.
The 1980s were all about bold, extravagant designs, and wedding invitations of this era reflected that spirit. Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ 1981 royal wedding was the ultimate in 1980s grandeur. It set trends for bold, over-the-top romance. Another extravagant wedding of the decade was Madonna and Sean Penn’s in 1985. The event was known for its dramatic, rebellious energy and is the perfect source of inspiration for couples who love the neon and excess of the ’80s.
Neon colors like hot pink and electric blue were paired with abstract shapes and flashy patterns for a striking look. Bold typography and holographic finishes added to the over-the-top aesthetic. To modernize 1980s wedding invitations, use neon accents sparingly, for example in envelope liners or as a pop of color in the design, for a chic yet playful nod to the decade.
The 1990s: Eclectic pop
Source: 1990s wedding invitations often featured pops of color against black and white
- Design style: Quirky, laid-back and fun with a mix of playful and minimalist influences.
- Colors: Vibrant pastels, teal, purple and black-and-white contrasts.
- Key elements: Hand-drawn illustrations, graphic fonts and grunge-inspired textures.
The 1990s brought an eclectic mix of styles to wedding invitations, blending quirky, fun elements with minimalist trends. Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber’s 1998 beach wedding was effortlessly chic, reflecting the 1990s’ mix of casual luxury. David and Victoria Beckham’s 1999 wedding, which featured bold colors and an extravagant golden throne, also captured the era’s unique blend of pop culture excess and sleek minimalism.
Invitations embraced pastel shades like teal and purple contrasted with bold black-and-white graphics, creating a playful yet stylish look. Grunge-inspired textures and hand-drawn illustrations were also popular, adding a unique touch to designs. To modernise 1990s wedding invitations, consider using vibrant pastels alongside sleek, contemporary fonts for a fresh take on this retro style.
The 2000s: Y2K cyber futurism
Source: Minimalist designs were popular for 2000s wedding invitations
- Design style: Sleek and modern, inspired by the tech boom and futuristic vibes.
- Colors: Metallic silver, icy blue and gradients.
- Key elements: Shiny, holographic textures, minimalist designs and clean sans-serif fonts.
The 2000s introduced a futuristic aesthetic influenced by the tech boom, and wedding invitations embraced this sleek and modern vibe. Britney Spears’ 2004 wedding to Kevin Federline was a perfect representation of early-2000s aesthetics, with sleek, futuristic elements. Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s original engagement in 2002 also sparked a wave of celebrity wedding fever, influencing glossy, high-tech aesthetics that reflected the rise of digital-first culture.
Metallic silver and icy blue dominated the color palette, and were often enhanced with gradient effects and holographic textures. Clean sans-serif fonts gave the designs a minimalist yet cutting-edge feel. To create contemporary 2000s wedding invitations, incorporate laser-cut details or metallic foil accents for a futuristic and polished look.
How to incorporate vintage style into your wedding
Source: Think about the theme of your entire wedding when choosing vintage wedding invitations
Bringing a vintage theme to life is about creating a look and feel that spreads across every aspect of your wedding. Start with your decor: vintage candelabras, lace tablecloths or antique frames can add timeless elegance to your venue. Bringing in unique touches like mismatched china or velvet furniture can also enhance the atmosphere.
When it comes to attire, lace wedding gowns, pearl accessories and classic tuxedos are perfect for a vintage look. Bridesmaids in soft, era-appropriate tones and groomsmen in suspenders or bowties can complement the theme beautifully. Entertainment is another way to set the tone. Consider hiring a jazz band for a 1920s-inspired wedding or spinning vinyl records for a 1970s bohemian vibe. Floral arrangements can also reflect your chosen era, from cascading bouquets reminiscent of the 1940s to loose, wildflower-style arrangements for a boho 1970s celebration. Then, you can choose a wedding invitation suite that suits your aesthetic.
Finally, think about transportation. Classic cars, horse-drawn carriages or even a vintage bus can make a big statement and tie your theme together. With so many options, the key is to choose elements that resonate with your vision while creating a clear and memorable experience for your guests.
For inspiration on tying everything together, check out our How to Plan Your Wedding guide.
Finding the right vintage wedding invitation ideas for you
Vintage wedding invitations not only set the tone for your wedding but also reflect your unique style and vision. They represent the timeless elegance, charm and sentimentality that make your wedding truly special. Each era has its distinct style, from the grandeur of the Gilded Age to the bold aesthetics of the 1980s and beyond. By choosing the right vintage-inspired design, you can create a wedding theme that evokes nostalgia while still feeling fresh and personal.
Explore VistaPrint’s wide range of customizable designs to find the perfect match for your special day.
FAQs about vintage wedding invitations
How do I pick the right vintage style for my wedding theme?
Choosing the right vintage style depends on the overall aesthetic of your wedding. If you’re drawn to elegance and opulence, the Gilded Age or Art Deco styles might be perfect for you. For a more bohemian or rustic feel, 1970s or 1930s designs with floral and hand-drawn elements would be a good match. Think about the colors, typography and decorative elements that work with your vision, and use them as a guide when selecting your invitations.
What types of paper and printing methods give the best vintage appearance?
For an authentic vintage look, choose textured papers like cotton, linen or handmade parchment-style stock. Printing methods like foil stamping can boost the nostalgic feel by adding depth and detail. Embossing and painted edges can also create a timeless aesthetic that draws inspiration from historical invitation styles.
How can I combine detailed, historical design features with easy readability and usability today?
While vintage invitations often feature ornate fonts and elaborate embellishments, it’s important to balance style with readability. Pair decorative script fonts with clean, serif typefaces for key details like dates and addresses. Use contrasting colors so your text stands out, and avoid excessive flourishes that could make the invitation hard to read.
What difficulties could I encounter when recreating vintage designs, and how can I solve them?
One challenge is finding high-quality materials and printing methods that match historical aesthetics. Some techniques, like hand-engraving, can be expensive. So consider digital alternatives that create a similar effect. Another issue is with intricate designs and how they translate to modern printing. Working with a professional designer or choosing VistaPrint’s customizable templates can help you achieve an authentic look without compromising on your aesthetic.
How can I add personal touches, like monograms or drawings, to a vintage design while still keeping it authentic?
Personalization can improve the look of a vintage invitation while keeping an authentic feel. Hand-drawn illustrations or calligraphy, family crests or vintage-style monograms can be incorporated using subtle embossing or foil stamping. This can add a bespoke touch while staying true to your chosen era.
