Tennessee Vintage Wedding Look
At our wedding venue nestled in the Tennessee forest, we’ve seen every style under the sun boho, modern, minimal, rustic. But there’s one look that never goes out of style: vintage.
Whether you’re into the glamour of the 1920s, the elegance of the 1950s, or the free-spirited charm of the 1970s, a vintage wedding look brings romance, nostalgia, and personality to your big day. And the best part? It’s not about being “theme-y.” It’s about layering in the right details to make your day feel like a beautiful throwback while still being totally “you.”
So if you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels timeless, romantic, and full of character, here’s our guide on how to create the perfect vintage wedding look.
1. Start With the Setting
You don’t have to get married in a historic mansion to have a vintage wedding but the venue does set the tone.
Outdoor venues with natural charm (like ours!) are perfect because they give you a neutral backdrop to layer in vintage elements. Think:
A wooden barn with antique chandeliers or café lights
Lakeside ceremonies with lace-draped arbors
Courtyards and porches with mismatched vintage seating
Fields or wooded areas with pew seating and nostalgic décor
The more natural and textured the space, the easier it is to weave in vintage touches that feel organic.
2. Get Inspired by an Era You Love
“Vintage” can mean a lot of things, so narrowing it down to an era you love can help guide your choices.
Here are a few popular vintage wedding aesthetics:
1920s Art Deco Glam: Gold, black, pearls, feathers, jazz vibes
1950s Classic Romance: Tea-length dresses, red lips, birdcage veils
1960s Mod Chic: Clean lines, bold colors, geometric accents
1970s Boho Vibes: Lace, flower crowns, amber glass, vintage rugs
You don’t need to go all in just pick the elements that feel right to you and use them as inspiration throughout the day.
3. Go Timeless With Your Dress
Nothing sets the vintage tone more than the wedding day attire.
For the Bride:
Look for lace, illusion sleeves, high necklines, or tea-length gowns for an old-school romantic vibe.
Consider heirloom jewelry, a pearl veil, or even a vintage fur stole if it’s chilly out.
Vintage accessories (like brooches or antique hairpieces) go a long way.
Don’t forget: There are amazing shops that specialize in vintage or vintage-inspired bridal looks Etsy, BHLDN, and indie designers are great places to start.
For the Groom:
Go for a three-piece suit, a classic tux, or even a velvet jacket if you’re feeling bold.
Accessories like pocket watches, vintage cufflinks, or patterned bow ties can add a fun throwback detail without being too costume-y.
4. Use Color to Your Advantage
The color palette you choose will go a long way in creating that vintage look. Instead of bright, modern hues, lean into muted tones, rich shades, and soft pastels.
Some of our favorite vintage-inspired color combinations:
Dusty rose + sage green + gold
Champagne + ivory + deep burgundy
Peach + mint + copper
Mustard yellow + rust + forest green
Mixing in these tones through your florals, linens, and attire creates a cohesive look that feels nostalgic and warm.
5. Layer in Vintage Rentals and Decor
Here’s where the fun starts. The stuff the tables, seating, signage, and styling can really bring that vintage feeling to life.
Ask your venue or local rental companies about:
Mismatched china or colored glassware
Velvet or tufted lounge furniture
Gold flatware or antique serving trays
Wooden tables, vintage chairs, or church pews
Old doors, window panes, or suitcases for decor
You don’t need to overdo it. Just a few carefully placed items like a vintage bar cart or an antique mirror for your seating chart can elevate your whole aesthetic.
Venue tip: We offer vintage lounge sets, antique signage, and furniture upgrades that pair beautifully with woodland and lakefront settings. Ask us what’s available in-house to save time and money!
6. Curate a Romantic Ceremony Space
Want a ceremony that feels timeless? Think soft, meaningful, and full of character.
Some ideas:
Use candlesticks or lanterns down the aisle
Create a ceremony backdrop with lace curtains, old doors, or arched florals
Add rugs or vintage pews for seating
Include family heirlooms like quilts, photos, or handkerchiefs as part of the decor
We’ve seen couples tie the knot under antique arbors, say vows by the lake with lace draped between two trees, and even repurpose a grandparent’s table as their altar. It’s all about infusing meaning.
7. Don’t Forget the Paper Goods
Your invitations and signage are the first and last thing guests see and a perfect place to infuse some vintage flair.
Ideas to consider:
Letterpress invitations with vintage fonts and deckled edges
Old book pages repurposed as escort cards or menus
Typewriter-style fonts for signage
A wax seal on your invites or thank-you notes
Framed chalkboards or antique mirrors for seating charts or bar menus
Little touches add up and help set the tone from the moment the envelope is opened.
8. Finish With Old-School Entertainment and Details
A vintage wedding look isn’t just about how it looks it’s about how it feels.
Consider a live jazz band, vinyl DJ, or string quartet for that retro sound.
Offer a classic cocktail menu with drinks like Manhattans, sidecars, or French 75s.
Set up a photo booth with antique props, or rent a Polaroid camera station.
Include a guestbook typewriter or ask guests to write notes on vintage postcards.
And of course make sure your photographer understands your style. Ask for shots that feel timeless, soft, and a little cinematic. Film photography or digital edits with a vintage tone can really enhance the mood.
Final Thoughts from the Venue
We love vintage weddings around here, partly because they feel romantic and stylish, but mostly because they’re rooted in story. Whether you’re honoring your grandparents, reusing pieces from your own childhood, or just in love with all things antique, a vintage wedding tells a tale that’s personal and full of heart.
It’s not about recreating the past. It’s about blending your own love story with pieces of history and making something new.
So take your time collecting the details that matter to you. Ask your venue what’s available in-house. And don’t be afraid to get creative some of the most charming weddings we’ve hosted started with a single velvet loveseat or a lace dress handed down from mom.
Thinking of a Vintage Wedding in the Woods?
Our Tennessee venue offers barn charm, wooded ceremony spots, lake views, and even vintage furniture rentals to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re planning a full throwback affair or just want to sprinkle in a little timeless elegance, we’d love to help you design a day that feels like you.
Come tour the venue, and let’s talk velvet couches and lace-draped arbors. Tour here! Find us on facebook, instagram, pinterest, and tiktok for more wedding planning tips! We think you’ll feel the magic the moment you arrive.