Just a few years back, the ‘something old’ in the familiar wedding day adage might have meant, at most, a family choker sparkling above the neckline of a brand new, budget-busting dress. But in the last few months, a sea of change has taken place, with more and more brides choosing to reject the new and instead rediscover the charms of pre-owned, preloved pieces with a history of their own.
We spoke to three brides who have had very different vintage weddings, to give you a little inspiration to get planning that perfect day. So, if you're planning a vintage wedding of your own, here’s our pick of key suppliers to help you get started...
Vintage hairdressers and hair stylists
Nina’s Hair Parlour
Whether you’re after a beehive or a Marcel wave, Nina’s salon in Alfies Antique Market, London is the place for a retro do. The vintage hair and make-up specialists can doll you up in any look from 1900 to the 1980s. 020 7723 1911; ninashairparlour.com
Florists to create vintage-inspired weddings bouquets
Poppy Greens
Inspired by afternoon tea with her great auntie Vera, Lesley Baker arranges herbs and cottage garden plants grown in her Somerset garden in old florists’ buckets, tubs and baths, using wild hedgerow foliage to add a rustic touch. She also supplies vintage china, linen, silverware and cakes. 01458 860500; poppygreens.co.uk
The Traditional Flower Company
On a beautiful Staffordshire farm, Sam Ellson grows seasonal old-fashioned flowers and herbs that she displays in vintage crockery and glassware for traditional English country wedding style. She also hires out teaware, cutlery, bunting and tablecloths. 0800 756 5403; traditionalflower.co.uk
Scarlet and Violet
Vic Brotherson displays eclectic mixes of flowers in milk churns, old bottles and vintage jugs and teapots, using cow parsley and other wild flowers. 020 8969 9446; scarletandviolet.com
Vintage wedding marquees and styling
LPM Bohemia
This Kent-based company supplies traditional canvas pole marquees, faded vintage military and tiffin tents for a village fete look, Indian and exotic styles, teepees and yurts, plus themed interior styling. 0870 770 7185; lpmbohemia.com
Grace and Tailor
Lampshades hanging from the ceiling by ribbon, flowers in jars on an old stepladder, a seating plan in an old suitcase and Champagne cooling in enamel bowls – Grace and Tailor approach interior styling with their inimitable quirky style. 0844 847 0230; graceandtailor.co.uk
Crescent Moon
For vintage sparkle, great chandeliers hanging from the marquee and candelabra, Justine Corrie and Simon Gerrard will style your reception, decorating any space with canopies, lighting, furniture and accessories. 0800 083 8480; crescent-moon.co.uk
Where to hire vintage china and props for weddings and parties
A Most Curious Party
Rebecca Hoh-Hale began collecting vintage ware for her own wedding and, when she couldn’t stop, started hiring items for other events, catering for Victoriana, English country fetes, 1940s and Mad Hatter parties. Her collection of tableware, props and decorations include a Marie Antoinette-style dressing table mirror, paper and fabric hanging lanterns, vintage posters and prints, and even a stuffed beaver! 07852 150285; amostcuriousparty.co.uk
Utterly Sexy Café
Utterly Sexy Café hires out 30s, 40s and 50s china along with edible art, flowers, foliage, butterflies, birds and lights. It also offers canapés and kitsch and vintage rose wedding cakes, plus original 1950s white canvas marquees, musicians and photographers. 01747 870812; utterlysexycafe.co.uk
National Theatre
Whether you want a gramophone, lanterns or period chairs, the National Theatre has an extensive collection of costumes, furniture and props that are available for hire. 020 7735 4774; nationaltheatre.org.uk
Best vintage music & entertainment for hire
Shellac Sisters
Four glamorous retrochicks, Jane, Jenny, Theo and Virginia, dress in all things vintage and play 78rpm records on 1920s wind-up gramophones. From big band swing and music hall to flapper favourites and jumping jives, they’re sure to fill the dance floor. shellacsisters.co.uk
London Swing Dance Society
Learn to dance the Lindy Hop, Charleston or Balboa in a class run by the London Swing Dance Society. 01895 613703; swingdanceuk.com
