Vintage Tea Party Wedding
We thought this inspirational photo shoot would work well for both wedding ideas and bridal shower ideas. We’ll go for the wedding angle today though, because we love the bride’s gown and totally agree it could work on her wedding day. The wedding cake and floral teacups could inspire a fantastic theme as well!
Details for a Vintage Tea Party Wedding
Mention tea party and what comes to mind is "Alice in Wonderland." Abound with timeless romance and an elegant flair, The Day's Design editorial serves up a flavourful list of ideas for planning a vintage tea party-inspired wedding. It feels like we've gone down a rabbit hole to a realm where all things are elegantly juxtaposed with a whimsical charm.
Any bride-to-be can't help but become enamoured by the old world touches displayed by the dainty teacups, lace, and floral motifs. The pearls, gloves, and splashes of pink highlight the theme as a tastefully girlie event. Every aspect harmoniously complements the other, and the result is a refreshingly delightful wedding idea.
What to Look for in a Venue for a Vintage Tea Party Wedding
The Day's Design used the Felt Mansion in Michigan as the backdrop of the editorial, and it serves as inspiration when choosing a wedding venue for a vintage tea party inspired ceremony. While you'd expect a garden location to work as the perfect setting for a tea party-themed wedding, the spread proves that the occasion can equally come to life within an indoor space.
In general, historical mansions that are open to the public for events, traditional tea houses, and tea rooms found at cafes or other large venues are suitable venues for such an occasion. Most of these locations come with the benefit of built-in charms, table service, and expert tea recommendations.
Reception Decor for a Vintage Tea Party Wedding
There's a sense of fantasy and magic that's exuded by the floral wallpaper, dainty details, and antique accents seen in the editorial. A combination of romantic and vintage wedding decor springs the tea party theme to life. It's far from a wedding style that should have matching decor pieces, and instead, it's a theme that embraces the shabby chic style.
Floral accents, lace, and pastels highlight the timeless and whimsical aspects of tea party-themed nuptials. A tea party themed wedding is also an occasion that allows you to be as fancy as you'd like and by all means, go the luxury route when selecting decor pieces.
Wedding Dresses & Accessories for a Vintage Tea Party Wedding
What better way to incorporate "something borrowed" into vintage tea party-themed nuptials than by wearing a wedding dress handed down to you? It could be your mother's former gown recreated to suit your style and adjusted for a better fit. Still, a gorgeous dress like the Firefly Vintage outfit used for the editorial is befitting for the occasion.
The pearl necklace and bracelets are not only elegant choices but they further enhance the dainty aspect of the tea party theme. To top it off, the white glove and fascinator complete the look. The editorial also used a white faux shrug which is a wonderful outerwear option for winter weddings.
Bridesmaid Dresses for a Vintage Tea Party Wedding
Pastel hues are the ideal choices for the bridal party members, given the vintage tea party aspect. In general, a semi-formal look suits the occasion and it's also another opportunity to highlight the theme's mismatched glamor. Select dresses in varying lengths and styles for the bridesmaids look much like what's seen in the Bradley James spread.
You can also simply maintain the mismatched aspect of the dress colours. It's also a lovely touch how the editorial tied the bridesmaids' looks with the bride's ensemble through the accessories. They also spot pearl necklaces and bracelets as well as faux fur shrugs in varying designs.
Bouquets & Boutonnieres for a Vintage Tea Party Wedding
Flowers are the highlight of a vintage tea party-themed wedding, and the timeless floral motif is also reminiscent of the Victorian era. Elegant wedding bouquets put together using white and pink roses as well as lush greenery capture the timeless aesthetic. The same arrangement works for the centrepieces, and the dusty hues of the wedding flowers exude a romantic and antique feel.
Showing that details always steal the show, the editorial used orange ribbons to hold the posies together and it ties into the overall theme. A similar arrangement would also work for the buttonholes with feathers added to the arrangement.
Food for a Vintage Tea Party Wedding
Traditional tea parties gather a group of people to share delectable savoury goodies and delightfully sweet treats. The wedding menu for a vintage tea party reception isn't any different, and you'll want to pay homage by including classic favourites. That includes sumptuous savoury chutneys, sweet jams, and decadent selections of cheeses.
Get the party started by serving guests mimosas or champagnes. This isn’t the occasion to count calories, and you should serve a spread of traditional tea party dishes. That includes egg salads, finger sandwiches, and smoked salmon. Macaroons, a fruit cake, Victoria sponge cake, and jam cookies are some of the baked treats that should feature on the dessert table.
Wedding Invitations for a Vintage Tea Party Wedding
Cordially invite family and friends to experience your custom magical adventure with awe-inspiring wedding invitations. The editorial presents a simple yet sophisticated wedding stationery suite featuring pastel blue and pink hues as well as a charming floral motif. It's simple, classic, and undoubtedly something that guests will appreciate receiving.
Wedding invitation etiquette also dictates that you should inform guests about dress code requirements, if any, as well as other important details related to the big day. Also, send out RSVP cards and return addressed envelopes along with the wedding invites. It’s a traditional touch, which also ties in with the theme, and prompts guests to confirm their attendance.
Table Setting Style for a Vintage Tea Party Wedding
A luxury tea party should leave nothing to chance, and the table setting style is where the theme truly springs to life. Cover the dessert table with a lace tablecloth and place doilies underneath the sweet treats for a vintage-esque flair. As seen in the editorial, a floral-print tablecloth is an equally elegant choice.
Fresh blooms, mismatched china, and accents with frill details are the ideal decor pieces for the tablescape. Custom antique spoons with sentimental wedding engravings are also lovely additions to the table setting. Other inspiring elements include using teacups as mini-floral-themed place cards and setting the centrepieces in clear flower vases.
Favours & Gifts for a Vintage Tea Party Wedding
A vintage tea party is a classy and sweet affair, and that's the tone that the wedding favours and gifts should exude. Borrowing from the editorial for wedding gift inspiration, engraved antique teaspoon souvenirs are lovely options. Heart-shaped tea infusers, teapot-shaped ceramic spoon rest dishes, and mini teapot place card holders are great gift ideas.
Guests will also appreciate receiving distressed vintage lanterns and ceramic honey pots. Under the edible options, custom tea blends and heart-shaped sugar cubes are refreshing choices. Curate tea party-themed welcome gift bags including tealight holders, tealight candles, heart-shaped tea bags, and mini jars of honey.
Vintage Tea Party Bridal Shower
Conceptualized, styled, and designed by Shelby of The Day’s Design and photographed beautifully by Bradley James Photography, this vintage tea party styled shoot is overflowing with delightful feminine details and ideas that are perfect for a bridal shower or bachelorette party!
From Shelby of The Day’s Design – “It started with a love of teacups. One might even say I’m a little obsessed. They just make a place setting complete, inviting one to stay just a touch longer and have another sweet treat. And then I had the good fortune to tour the Felt Mansion and fell head over heels in love with the perfect pastel floral wallpaper and a vision began to take form. More of a fantasy really, I was dreaming about having a pretty party with scones and honey right there in that very room. This room was created to host a perfectly vintage and girlie event!
The girls were greeted with a jewellery bar and after they had adorned themselves with baubles, beads, and bows they were invited to sit in a spot of tea (and a sip of champagne!). It became an indoor garden party, but when they did venture out into the chilly November air faux fur shrugs were definitely in order.
The bride wore an authentic vintage tulle gown found on Etsy paired with a lace bolero and vintage gloves. The mismatched bridesmaids’ dresses were reminiscent of what any lady might find herself wearing an afternoon tea. These pretty pictures, captured oh-so perfectly by Bradley James Photography, were created to provide inspiration for weddings, showers or simply a Sunday brunch!”
Credits: Photography: Bradley James Photography // Event Design, Floral Design, Hair Accessories, & Styling: The Day’s Design // Bride’s Dress: Firefly Vintage // Paper Goods: Creative Montage // Cake: Elizabeth Stammen // Linens: La Tavola // Venue: The Felt Estate, Michigan.