At any wedding the sole focus is always on the bride and groom, but let’s be honest, the parents of the bride always come up a close second. As much as it’s her big day, it’s a pretty momentous occasion for the mother of the bride too!

Sometimes I feel the mothers (on both sides) can feel a little constrained by their outfit choice. The general rules of a well cut suit in a pastel colour and a suitably formal hat can stifle women who are used to being a little more creative with their style. If your daughter or son have chosen a vintage theme for their wedding and you’ve been asked to dress accordingly, don’t feel apprehensive, there’s so many beautiful vintage pieces and looks out there to make choosing your outfit an absolute joy!

Embracing that elegant flapper style shouldn’t be a problem for many women as this look is widely revered, but if it’s not for you, don’t worry, there are lots of ways you can inject vintage glamour into your outfit!

I’ve sourced some of my favourite vintage looks for the mother of bride to give you some inspiration, feel free to keep the vintage touches I’ve outlined in these outfits in mind when you’re choosing your ensemble. Remember, vintage style allows you to be flexible, wear what makes you feel great and you can’t go wrong…

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A fresh edition to the John Charles 2013 bridal collection, this dress is beautifully cut to nip in the waist and the scalloped lace neckline and delicate floral pattern give the dress a great vintage feel. When capturing that vintage look with floral prints and and lace, I always suggest keeping accessories simple.

The beautiful Manhattan Crystal Bracelet is simple yet stunning and will add that vintage glamour to any outfit without looking overly fussy.

The idea of wearing a jacket the same pattern as their dress can be a little cliched for women who like to show their individuality through their style, so a beautiful feather shrug can be a perfect choice for achieving that vintage theme (and keeping the cold away in the process!)

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I absolutely love this flapper style dress for so many reasons! Firstly, the colour is beautiful for a spring/summer wedding, secondly it’s simple enough to appeal to women trying to capture vintage without going OTT and finally, it’s available at House of Fraser! A dress this simple will allow you to be creative with bold accessories and if a hat isn’t your style, I recommend a beautiful hair piece to complete your flapper look.

Feathers and crystals in combination are the essence of vintage and this Lana Feather Hair Clip is versatile enough to wear with all hairstyles.

I couldn’t fail to include a 50’s themed dress as this look is eternally popular and really shows off beautiful curves. This Look Darling Dress is a little pricey and as the mother of the bride you may wish to stay away from cream, but I just couldn’t resist including this beautiful dress for some 50’s inspiration! I love the gorgeous ribbon effect straps and the subtle pattern on the skirt. Lovely!

Peep toe shoes are a signature 50’s look too and these delicate Imogen Vintage Wedding Shoes are incredibly versatile with just enough height to combine glamour with comfort.

I hope you’re now feeling a little more confident when it comes to choosing that vintage outfit, if you have a specific era in mind, visit my inspiration page for even more tips on creating beautiful vintage style.

Kate x

When the dress of your dreams is safely hanging in your wardrobe, your beautiful vintage accessories have been lovingly picked and your aisle worthy shoes have been safely procured, it’s time to really focus on the finishing touches that complete your bridal look.

While some women are born with that natural ability to work wonders with a powder brush and an eyeshadow palette, others are new to lotions and potions that go beyond their everyday make-up kit. If you find more complex techniques a little intimidating, a make-up consultation with an experienced beautician weeks before the big day (leave plenty of time!) can help you find a look that suits you and your wedding theme.

Some brides ascribe to the ‘less is more principle’ for their wedding make- up and prefer to choose natural tones that compliment their colouring, but for those looking for something a little more bold, a vintage wedding is the perfect opportunity to break the mould!

One of the many things I love about vintage themed weddings is the flexibility to put your own personality into your day and this applies to your make-up too! I’ve chosen some of my favourite wedding make-up styles to give you some inspiration and rest assured, it can be as subtle or as strong as you like!

The Vintage Red Lip

I love this look for its universal appeal. Most women can pull of a ruby red lip and combining a bold lip colour with natural eye make-up makes this look perfect for brides trying to capture a vintage theme and fresh faced radiance. If you’re not used to wearing red lips, a good rule is to opt for an ‘orangey’ shade if you have darker skin or a shade with a hint of blue if you’re fair. Complete this look with some peach blusher on the apples of your cheeks and subtle eye make- up.

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Screen Icon

Really going for that screen siren look takes a lot of confidence but if you’re brave enough, the results can be spectacular! Think Marilyn Monroe for inspiration for this look and remember, you can keep this theme even if you choose to tone it down a little. Unlike the previous look which focused on a natural palette and a bold lip, this look is wholly about strong make-up.

Well sculpted eyebrows are a sure sign of vintage style but before you get too enthusiastic with the tweezers, make sure your planned eyebrow shape suits your face! The screen icon look is defined by long fluttery lashes and I recommend you choose individual lash inserts to achieve this look as false eyelashes can be a little heavy (contact your beautician 48 hours prior to your treatment to have a patch test). Lining the eye with a soft black crayon and a feline flick is the ultimate way to achieve Hollywood glamour. Finish the look with a red, plum or deep pink lip and your screen style is complete.

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Natural

Associated more with traditional wedding styles, this look can be as simple or complicated as you see fit. You may choose to create a flawless base with a peachy blush, rosy pink lip and shimmery eyeshadow only, but highlighters and false lash inserts can also be added without spoiling the natural look.

I hope I’ve made bridal make-up options a little more clear for those of you baffled by the choice! Remember wearing what makes you feel comfortable on your day is always a guarantee of looking great, so experient to your hearts content, but know your look can also be beautifully simple!

Kate x

I feel that all too often women quickly become too focused on their figures from the moment that sparkling engagement ring gets slipped on their finger. I’m not talking about the financial figures either!

I may be going against the plans of brides everywhere here, but it’s not about desperately trying to lose a dress size two months before the big day, it’s about making the most of what you have. Any bride knows that finding an off-the-rack dress to fit can be nothing short of a miracle, but if you’re finding you’re struggling to find your dream dress, dressing for your figure can narrow down your options and give you some much needed direction.

Believe me, there is a dress out their for every shape and size and many bridal gown designers and boutiques are now catering for curvy ladies, taller ladies and perfectly formed petites. Getting your dress custom made is an option, of course but I’m confident with a little guidance you can find stockists to suit your figure and style.

I’ve contacted friends, brides- to-be and rooted around bridal forums to find the biggest issues women have with finding bridal wear (and dresses in general) to suit them. I think I’ve found some pretty handy tips to help women everywhere…

Petite

Of course, the major problem with petite ladies is finding a dress that doesn’t swamp a dainty frame, you may have always wanted a huge fairytale style skirt but find you get a little lost underneath such a bold style. Many petite brides with smaller busts also find some strapless styles can flatten their chests even more.

Of course, women with doll like proportions can wear a whole range of styles that suit them so although the above styles may be best avoided, there’s still plenty to choose from! Many gown designers and boutiques seem to agree that straight sheath style dresses look stunning on petites, and delicate ruffles around the bodice can give the illusion of a larger bust.

This elegant gown is beautifully simple with delicate detailing to accentuate a small bust.

If you can’t resist a high heel to give you some extra height, I strongly recommend you opt for a shoe with a strap for extra support and comfort. These stunning Martha Lace Wedding Shoes offer style and height.

Petites are also best choosing delicate jewellery to compliment their slender proportions. These beautiful Raffles Vintage Pearl Earrings will suit any bridal outfit.

Tall

They may be the envy of women everywhere, but tall ladies sometimes feel they have to make more of an effort to look feminine next to their shorter friends. While tall brides should avoid high necklines and long sleeves as this can give the impression the bride is even taller than she is, many boutiques believe the tall bride can look stunning in most styles. If you’re a tall bride and were hoping for long sleeves, you can achieve a similar ‘cover-up’ effect with a beautiful vintage bridal shrug.

Of course, if you are around the same height as your fiance, you may want to wear pumps instead of heels to avoid overshadowing him. The obvious advantage of this is endless comfort! Tall women can look especially stunning in ballgown (see below) and fishtail style dresses, but as mentioned, the dress rail is your oyster.

Think no heels or low heels with these Maisie Low Wedding Shoes and taller ladies can generally get away with bolder accessories like this Shannon Bridal Cuff.

Apple shaped

As any bride will testify, finding a gown the perfect length, size and style is no easy task. In fact, most brides will have to go through at least two fittings before the dress is altered to their exact measurements (will a little breathing room of course!) If a curvier bride is looking for a dress above a size 16, this can make the hunt for that dream dress all the more difficult.

If any brides out there are struggling to find a dress to fit, never fear! It’s a common occurrence to have every dress in the shop either too tight, too long or far too small, and there are now many fantastic wedding dress boutiques that specialise in the curvy bride.

This gorgeous gown from the Sincerity Plus Collection is beautiful I’m sure you’ll agree. The lovely crossed fabric on the bodice combined with the v neckline and chunky shoulder straps perfectly suits a bride with a larger bust and a tummy area she may wish to disguise. The skirt is also a fantastic cut for balancing a curvier lady without swamping your frame.

Complete this look with a beautiful vintage headpiece that’s delicate enough not to direct attention away from your gown and some low heel wedding shoes to ensure you stay comfortable all day.

Paradise Pearl Side Tiara

Isabella Wedding Shoes

Get in touch on facebook and twitter and let me know your tips on finding that perfect dress.

I hope my guide has helped you come closer to your dream dress, or at least given you a few hints as to what suits your shape.

Kate x

As I write this latest post, I’m feeling pleasantly nostalgic as one of my oldest friends has just got engaged to her (I say childhood, but more like teen-hood) sweetheart! I’m thrilled for them and as they’ve already set the date for a church wedding in summer 2014, I’ve been a font of vintage wedding knowledge recently!

Planning a wedding is tricky and as I’ve learnt from my bride-to-be friend Emma, the little things that we in the wedding industry call our bread and butter are completely alien to folk not versed in the intricacies of wedding planning.

Take save the date cards for example, how much notice do you give your guests? Do you allow children or ‘plus ones’? Opt for buffet or sit-down meal? With so much to plan it can all look a little intimidating for a newly engaged couple, especially those who are thinking about a vintage themed wedding but don’t know where to begin.

One of the things I love about a vintage wedding is that beautiful effects can be achieved quite simply and cheaply. Faded coloured bunting instantly injects that post-war celebratory feel and lace tablecloths, beautiful floral china and wild flowers or roses in a simple glass jar can transform a venue.

But as much as the little details matter, securing your dream venue, choosing that perfect reception meal and arriving in a car fit for your big day is the undoubtedly the primary focus. To save you getting lost in a vintage fog, here are a few of my tips for ensuring vintage glamour is already in abundance at your wedding before you even begin to choose your beautiful vintage bridal wear.

If the venues booked, your guests are invited and you have the means to get to the show, what else can possibly go wrong?

Vintage Venues

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Opting for an Art Deco inspired venue is a good choice if you’re looking for an indoor wedding steeped in vintage glamour and there’s some beautiful buildings available that are more than happy to welcome wedding parties. The beautiful Daffodil in Cheltenham is one of the most opulent and authentic Art Deco venues I’ve come across, with the building being purposely built in 1922 as a picture palace. The modern day owners have ensured the style of the roaring era lives on with a jazz band and kissing seats giving the Daffodil a romantic and elegant feel.

As I mentioned though, creating that perfect vintage theme can (almost) be done on a shoestring and a summer wedding marquee can be easily transformed with authentic table decorations, pastel shades and copious flowers.

A Vintage Feast

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A vintage tea party is a great way to create an informal meal with a special twist. Placing a beautiful china cake stand in the centre of each table (or per certain number of guests) full of delicate sandwiches, scones and tiny strawberry and cream tarts will look beautiful with vintage inspired floral china. You may wish to serve tea, but much more likely champagne (I know which I’d choose!) so I would recommend serving your tipple of choice in a traditional cup and saucer or alternatively a classic champagne flute.

A vintage tea party is also a great idea if your guests will need a snack later on the evening after a sit down meal that was served several hours earlier.

For couples who have their hearts set on a sit down meal, you can really go to town on the dishes you wish to serve and treat your guests to a real education! Remember from the 1920’s through to the 1950’s rationing was in place and even if you want to ensure the finest, freshest ingredients are served at your wedding, you may want include joke references to items made with ‘powdered eggs’ on your menus!

If you think this will wholly put your guests off their appetites, think a range of cocktails to delight your guests (cocktails were very popular in the 1920’s as they were used to mask poor quality alcohol). When looking for 3 course inspiration, a number of vintage cookbooks are available and liaising with your venue or caterers should ensure your menu is perfectly crafted.

Arriving in Style

Image Credit: Rollers Wedding Cars, Manchester

Luckily vintage chauffeur driven cars are in abundance, with many wedding car companies specialising in just that! I just love a cream or off white coloured Rolls Royce, but lovely muted greens, rich burgundy and black and white vintage cars also look stunning. In my search for the most spectacular car, I came across companies aplenty all with gleaming motors, dapper chauffeurs and deliriously happy couples singing their praises. So, never fear newlyweds-to-be, get there early and hiring your perfect car should be a simple process.

I hope a few of my simple tips have given you some inspiration and opened your eyes to all the ways you can achieve a vintage wedding theme away from your stunning bridal wear.

Get in touch with any beautiful vintage wedding venues you’d like to share!

Love

Kate x

We’re less than two weeks away from Valentine’s Day, the most romantic day of the year (provided you aren’t getting married this year!) and while some couples will have their plans already laid out, restaurants booked and presents bought, other  couples – sidelined by the stresses of going back to work and post-Christmas blues – may have forgotten about it completely!

Luckily I haven’t, so I’ve delved into my collection of vintage wedding accessories and picked out some of the pieces that I think would make for beautiful Valentine’s gifts. ‘Hang on, Kate’, I hear you say. ‘Wedding accessories? For Valentine’s Day? But I’m not getting married! Plus I don’t have that kind of money.’

Well, hypothetical reader, you needn’t worry; the accessories I’ve chosen aren’t just great for weddings but also make for gorgeous accompaniments to a formal outfit or a particularly upmarket night out! I’ve also made sure to focus on budget-friendly pieces that represent both beauty and value; the perfect Valentine’s gift then!

So with those worries out of the way, here are five of the pieces from my collection that I think would make wonderful Valentine’s gifts. All you need to do is pick one and present it to your beloved before you take her out to that fancy restaurant you’ve been talking about for months – you did remember to book it, right?

Caulfield Crystal Stud Earrings by Stephanie Browne – £60

Stephanie Browne specialises in gorgeous wedding jewellery encrusted with Swarovski crystals that leave jaws hitting the floor as the bride makes her way down the aisle. However, I think these understated stud earrings would be ideal for just about any formal occasion, including attending a wedding as a guest! Combining Swarovski crystals with a loop of smaller twinkling crystals, these earrings are stunning yet understated. At £60, they have a stunning price tag too!

Waterlily Necklace by Ivory & Co – £85.00

Wedding necklaces are usually designed to make a big statement, drawing the kind of attention you won’t necessarily want to draw in your average evening ensemble. This necklace from Ivory & Co’s Waterlily collection, though, makes the perfect compromise, combining old Hollywood glamour, crystals and gorgeous detailing with an understated feel, not to mention an understated price of £85.00!

Pearl Flower Wave Brooch by Ivory & Co – £20

Fancy buying your betrothed something different? This unusual yet gorgeous brooch by Ivory & Co could be right up your street. This vintage brooch is ideal for just about any formal occasion and is a real showstealer, with diamonds, unique floral and wave detailing and a pearl centrepiece. It’s also crafted from anti-tarnish rodium meaning it’ll look fantastic long beyond Valentine’s Day.

Manhattan Crystal Bracelet by Ivory & Co – £60

Rounding off our trilogy of Ivory & Co goodies (they really are brilliant, aren’t they?) is the delightful Manhattan Crystal Bracelet, a dazzling 40s-influenced alternative to a certain prominent bracelet also popular on Valentine’s Day. This bracelet is a fraction of the cost but – I’d argue – twice as beautiful and unique. Versatile, unique, loaded with crystals; what more could a girl ask for?

Venice Wedding Earrings by Justine M Couture – £95

And last, but definitely not least, are the delectable Venice Wedding Earrings by Justine M Couture. These 50s-inspired earrings, although wedding earrings by name, are versatile by nature and make for a perfect Valentine’s gift. They can be worn for just about any formal occasion and best of all, non-fans of wrapping, they come in a beautiful presentation box. Just take a look!

Well, there you have it, five of my suggestions for Valentine’s gifts. I hope they help! You could, of course, also take a look around my entire collection – I’m sure you’ll find something to love!

Forgive my indulgence, but with snow on the ground and the days still short my mind can’t help but wander to lands of warmth and paradise. Of course, gorgeous vintage wedding accessories are still my calling and I’m not planning on departing our fair shores for a little winter sun any time soon.

But a girl can dream and if you’re lucky enough to be planning your honeymoon right now, I hope you’re having all the fun that choosing that perfect romantic retreat entails.

While those beautiful pristine beach destinations are often a popular choice for newlyweds, the world is quite literally your oyster when organising your dream trip! It’s all too easy to be constrained by traditional choices, but let your honeymoon reflect your personality. Frankly if a trip to the Arctic floats your boat, I say go for it.

So wander off the beaten track and discover something a little different with these unusual, but no less spectacular destinations.

Discoveries in Paradise

As beautiful as popular honeymoon destinations such as the Caribbean are, some couples want to meander down the road less travelled and experience coastal paradise somewhere a little different. You may have heard about Pamalican Island in the Philippines, but if you haven’t I recommend you take a look at this stunning retreat. It’s ticks both boxes for spectacular beauty and unspoilt luxury.

Adrenaline Seekers

If you and your betrothed are the type of brave souls who love scaling mountains and riding waves, then I’m sure adventure destinations are calling out to you! Luckily, some of the most enchanting corners of the globe manage to offer accommodation that incorporates luxury and thrills (not that your honeymoon won’t be full of them anyway).

While diving the Great Barrier Reef or snowboarding in Canada sounds pretty exciting, my top pick of the adventurous honeymoons has to go to the wild African safari excursion. The great thing about a safari honeymoon is that often the packages are designed to allow you to experience different locations. From Tanzania one day to Zanzibar the next with a sprinkling of coast in there too, it’s the perfect choice for couples who don’t like to sit still for long!

Mahlatini offer bespoke honeymoon packages for couples looking for the experience of a lifetime, if you’re planning a safari honeymoon get in touch with your tips on planning that perfect trip!

Luxury on a Budget

Many couples worry that they will have to scrimp on luxury if they want to stick to a tight budget, but that needn’t be the case! While a 3 week trip to Mauritius will certainly cost you a good chunk of your hard earned pennies, for the savvy couple there’s numerous ways of achieving your dream trip without going into the red.

Many travel agencies, such as Travel Counsellors, offer a scheme where you guests can give a monetary gift towards the cost of your honeymoon by simply logging into your personal gift account. It’s simple, secure and allows your guests to contribute a truly special gift. Oh, and you get the honeymoon of your dreams instead of a questionable vase!

If you’re a bit of an Anglophile, there are numerous companies specialising in romantic getaways with reasonable rates. Holidaying at home might not be for everyone but dispel all your memories of rainy campsites because the British holiday scene has gone glam! Canopy and Stars (isn’t that romantic?) have some of the quaintest and quirkiest accommodation outside of Harry Potter on their books.

From old gypsy caravans in Cornwall to woodland eco pods in Wales, these guys practically wrote the book on new romantic getaways. Did I mention they also have tree houses? With prices as low as £56 per night for two people (and no huge travel costs don’t forget), luxury doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Who now wants to go on holiday?

Kate x

So much do so little time! Planning a wedding, as exciting as it can be, is no easy task and most newly engaged couples struggle to know where to even begin! We’ve got a fantastic guest post this week though from the lovely Nikki at Knots & Kisses wedding stationery to help you navigate one of the most important aspects of the planning process, inviting your guests!

Introducing Nikki to the Queens and Bowl blog…

I’m not a fan of the word etiquette when it comes to weddings! I firmly believe you should be able to have the wedding you want regardless of tradition.

However, ordering Wedding Stationery can be a bit of a minefield, and it’s useful to know a few hints & tips to make ordering your Wedding Stationery that little bit easier ….

When to Send Your Stationery

Generally the advice is to send your wedding invitations to your guests approximately 3 months before the date of your wedding. This can however depend on your wedding … you may be having a wedding abroad and in this case you will need to send out your invitations much further in advance as your guests may need to book flights etc. If you’d like your guests to know the date of your wedding much further in advance I’d advise sending out Save the Date cards. This can give your guests advance warning so they don’t book holidays that clash with your wedding and can book time off work if needed.

The stunning Vintage Travel range, perfect for a vintage inspired wedding!

When to Order Your Stationery

This can depend on your stationer, but I generally advise my clients to start the booking process at least 2 months prior to the date you need to receive your invitations. This is especially necessary if you are ordering handmade stationery, as it allows time for proofs to be sent and changes to be made. You also need to take into account many stationers will only be able to take on so many orders a month so it may be worth putting a deposit down much earlier to secure the services of the stationer you really want. Also allow extra time if you require a bespoke service as you need to allow a little bit longer for the design process.

Rose Cottage, effortlessly traditional.

R.S.V.P’s

I often have to advise couples on their RSVP dates, as sometimes they will put a date which is far too close to the wedding.
You need to allow time to chase up stragglers! No matter how well you think you know your guests there will always be a few who will reply to you weeks after your RSVP date… or not at all! Also take into account the date your caterers and venue will need to know final numbers by, and if you are ordering reception stationery allow a month for this to be made.

Children

You may love to have children at your wedding, but there are many couples out there who could think of nothing worse! There are ways of wording this on your stationery so you don’t end up offending any of your guests who are parents! Generally I advise not having a short sharp line stating “Children Not Allowed” … the text I usually use is something like … “We would love you to enjoy a day off and so respectfully ask that there are no children at our wedding”.

Candy Stripe in Aqua and Mocha, good enough to eat!

Extra Information

I’d always advise a separate information card to be included with your stationery. These days there is often so much extra information you would like to let your guests know about your day. This can include directions, maps, guest information, food requests or even asking your guests to bring something with them to your wedding. A lot of my stationery ranges include an information card and RSVP card as a pack price, which can save you some money.

Wording

When it comes to wording, I personally don’t think the rules are as strict as they used to be, but generally invitation wording will be either Formal or Informal.
Formal invitations are generally for weddings being hosted by the parents of the couple and will be addressed as such

… “Mr. & Mrs. G Robinson request the pleasure of the company of Mr. & Mrs. Joe Bloggs at the marriage of their daughter Jessica Anne to Mr. James Smith ….”.

Many couples, however, now host their own weddings and so an informal wording is more appropriate

… “Jessica & James would love the pleasure of the company of Jane & Joe Bloggs at their wedding …”.

I personally feel these days anything goes! Be as informal or as humorous as you want depending on the style of your wedding!

Final advice … Have fun with your wedding stationery and remember to order a few extra just in case!

Roll out the red carpet; it’s the awards season! With the Golden Globes done for another year and the BAFTAs and Oscars just around the corner, we’re well into the swing of the awards season and some of the dresses (the most important part of any awards ceremony, naturally)  on show have already been breathtaking.

Although most of us won’t be able to afford the kind of gowns our favourite stars sport (sadly!), the annual gathering of the great and good of Hollywood is a great place to find some inspiration for your own bridal outfit, whether you’re getting married or simply a guest.

With that in mind, I’ve compiled a few inspiring looks from award ceremonies past and present. Most of these looks are inspired by vintage fashion, so they’re perfect for getting a few style ideas for your bridal ensemble!

Anne Hathaway, 2013 Golden Globes

First up is Anne Hathaway at the 2013 Golden Globes in this gorgeous Chanel number, complete with vintage-style accessories!

Anne’s look could serve as inspiration for any bride-to-be, although I’d maybe consider adding some more statement bridal jewellery (such as a vintage wedding necklace) for a big day instead of Anne’s sparse use of accessories, limited to vintage-style bracelets and earrings. Still, a beautiful look!

Reese Witherspoon, 2006 Oscars

Reese Witherspoon won an Oscar in 2006 for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in the movie ‘Walk The Line’; many would argue that she also deserved an award for her choice of gown, a stunning vintage Dior gown from 1955!

This look is a perfect example of ‘less is more’. Reese has complemented her bold statement dress (and what a dress it is!) with just a pair of earrings. That’s not to say they aren’t gorgeous earrings, however; in fact, they look remarkably similar to one of the pairs of vintage wedding earrings in my own collection, the Allure crystal earrings by Stephanie Browne! If they aren’t for you, don’t worry; any cascading crystal earrings would do just fine!

Oh, and if you want a similar dress to Reese’s for your big day, be prepared to fight for it. Apparently, Reese had to work hard to convince the owner of the Paris vintage dress shop in which she found the dress to give it to her as it had once belonged to a princess!

Audrey Hepburn, 1954 Oscars

No post on award ceremony gowns would be complete without the queen of screen style herself, Audrey Hepburn and her now-iconic Givenchy dress from 1954. This gorgeous white floral dress was voted as the 2nd most iconic dress of all time by The Daily Telegraph and the greatest Oscar dress of all time by Time magazine – worth taking inspiration from then!

Kim Basinger, 1998 Oscars

Kim Basinger wore this outfit to the 1998 Oscars, where she was awarded the ‘Best Supporting Actress’ award for her role in ‘L.A Confidential’, although her hairstyle is more 1958 than 1998! This gorgeous vintage hairstyle is classy yet contemporary and completes an ensemble that Grace Kelly would have been proud of!

I’m sure there are plenty of gorgeous outfits I’ve missed out of this post, but to listing them all would probably take until next year’s award season! I hope this list has inspired you, and don’t forget to take a look around the blog and at my collection for more vintage wedding inspiration and ideas!

Kate x

When planning your perfect vintage wedding, falling into the abyss of stunning dresses, opulent venues and of course gorgeous vintage accessories can render even the most practical bride blind to her husband’s finery.

Alas it’s true, with all the frantic planning it can be easy to focus on only one thing. Dresses, dresses and more dresses! Although a vintage wedding helpfully narrows down your choice of suitable gowns, the variety can still be overwhelming. Unfortunately, your fiancé will be feeling the same pressure, navigating the vintage era as a groom is no doubt tough, after all the emphasis usually centred on the flapper girls with their embellished head pieces and art deco accessories.

Looking the ultimate dapper vintage groom is less of a challenge than you might think however, yes really! A beautifully cut black suit is timeless and with just a few finishing touches can ooze vintage style. Although different decades exhibit different trends, the differences are only subtle and easily replicated.

Whether you’re going for that Gatsby look or 50’s glamour, a few simple tips can help your betrothed on the way to Fred Astaire elegance. First things first, the suit!

The good news is a good black suit is such a classic that your groom will have the freedom to choose a modern tailored suit without worrying too much about the stylistic constraints. As long as the look is show stopping, the vintage touch can come later. While tail coats can be popular grooms wear, and would often be worn for formal evening occasions in the early 1920’s, after the mid 20’s they were increasingly viewed as old fashioned and short jackets took over. For a 1920’s style wedding this really allows you to choose whatever cut you desire as both long and short jackets had their place within the roaring decade. However, if your theme is 30’s, 40’s or 50’s, a shorter suit jacket will be more authentic.

In the 1920’s detachable collars and cuffs were popular with gentlemen and could be purchased separately in order to preserve the life of the shirt (considering collars and cuffs show the most wear). Therefore choosing a shirt a different colour from the collar and cuffs will help capture that vintage look perfectly. However although this style screams vintage, the look was often worn with a sack suit, an everyday suit with jacket and trousers in the same fabric, so for an evening reception you may feel a crisp white shirt is more suitable.

Toby Maguire wears different coloured collars and cuffs with his shirt in The Great Gatsby.
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Ostrich feather boutonnieres can look beautiful with a range of floral accompaniments and will perfectly compliment an ostrich feather shrug worn by the bride. Feathers can be an important component when creating that vintage look and a subtle decorative piece can really bring out your era. Tie bars also look stunning and can be used to match your vintage wedding jewellery, a simple silver bar with pearl detailing will create that ‘Mr and Mrs’ theme, but of course a bow tie also flaunts vintage elegance too.

A simple silk handkerchief in the left breast pocket instantly creates Gatsby glamour and is a tradition that has transcended the decades. A good tip is to coordinate your handkerchief with the wedding colours, a splash of colour here and there can transform a formal suit into a spectacular suit.

If you are opting for a 1940’s or 1950’s style wedding, just a few extra additions can help perfect the look of the era. As mentioned, a tail coat is less appropriate for a 40’s or 50’s wedding but other than that the world of suits is practically your oyster. A 1940’s wing collar worn by the whole groom party can instantly inject a vintage theme and the 1950’s allows for a little extra creativity! The 1950’s fashion scene was characterised by thinner lapels and coloured suits, so if his heart is set on a white suit, this may be the era for you! Just ensure if the suit is white it compliments your dress, i.e. off white should be universally worn by bride and groom.

Shoes can be simple, smart and leather, but two tone brogues can also inject your mans individual style and help create that classic vintage look.

I hope that these style tips will be of help to you and your beloved, groom wear can be tricky but a vintage theme can allow you to showcase your individual style without compromising on the elegance of your chosen era.

Happy shopping boys

Kate x

The roaring 1920’s signified so much more than that opulent and daring style flaunted by the flapper girls. This was an era in which women were empowered, liberated and allowed to show a little flesh once in a while!

This new found freedom influenced film and theatre to a huge extent with beautiful actresses embracing fashion and style to play risqué roles. With this in mind I thought I would capture a little of that screen elegance oozing from the most prolific female actresses of the day and show you how to capture the look for your vintage wedding.

Claudette Colbert

The French born actress rose to fame after making her debut Broadway performance in The Wild Wescotts and was widely described as fiercely ambitious, fighting against roles that had her typecast as menial characters. Although she had a career spanning an impressive six decades, the actress undoubtedly shone with her 1920’s and 30’s style.

Get the look:

An Ostrich feather shrug is the ultimate item in vintage layering, offering warmth and elegance without taking attention away from your gown.

Chandelier crystal earrings look stunning with short hair styles.

Gloria Swanson

Gloria Swanson stumbled into the film industry when she was visiting a movie studio and was picked out of the audience to play a bit player in the film The favour of Elvira and Farina and the Meal Ticket. Her fame snowballed from there with a collection of well acclaimed roles to her name such as Sadie Thompson (1928) and Sunset Boulevard (1950). Incidentally she also totalled up seven husbands on the way.

Get the look:

A beautiful tiara that covers the forehead instantly creates vintage glamour.

Layering pearls and crystals is crucial when capturing the opulence of the twenties.

Joan Crawford and Dorothy Sebastian in Our Dancing Daughters

Our Dancing Daughters was one of the silent films so popular in the era. The talented actresses and their show stopping style successfully managed to say a thousand words with just the aid of background music.

Get the Look:

A chunky yet delicate bracelet can make a sleeveless dress.

A classic string of pearls suits everyone.

I hope these screen icons have inspired you and given you some tips on styling vintage pieces, don’t forget I also have an inspiration page to help you get the right look for your decade!

Kate x