Rustic, vintage, bohemian weddings – options for your special day
Many couples are now opting for low key informal ceremonies rather than traditional church weddings. The number of venues with licences especially in London means there are so many different, cool options for an alternative event. This trend could be interpreted as a rebellion against their parents’ formal weddings. But cost is also an issue for couples today with many preferring to get on the property ladder with their money rather than spend it on one lavish day.
Rustic, vintage and bohemian weddings are not one and the same so what is the difference between these regularly used terms to describe wedding styles?
A rustic wedding is typified by weathered, time worn pieces in a casual setting, and often set in an old barn. For some city dwellers, this is a way to break away from the crowds, pollution and noise of everyday life. If this appeals to you make it personal with found pieces and DIY.
Don’t buy into the commercial trends of chipped enamel, distressed signs and rusty metal – as these tend to be imitation rustic. Pick wild flowers and arrange casually, make your own invitations and keep the food simple. These wedding dresses tend to be soft lace and floaty fabrics in soft colours. Fresh flower wreaths worn with flowing hair complete the romantic look.
A vintage wedding is more refined with furnishings from the early 1900’s to 1950’s – painted French chairs, chandeliers and gilded sconces setting the scene. A vintage wedding will normally be held in a period property often with lovely gardens where the ceremony can take place in a folly or gazebo. Beautiful vintage china and cutlery will be set for the wedding breakfast. These can be hired from companies either as a complete set or mix and match pieces – alternatively some brides scour charity shops and antique markets and put together their own collections.
Whichever option you choose it will add to your budget as venues are unlikely to provide this. Afternoon tea can also be incorporated into a vintage wedding. Vintage brides often opt for 1950’s style ballerina length dresses or long dresses with more structure than a rustic bride. Veils and hair jewellery are popular with this look.
Bohemian weddings are more about a couple’s personality and life style. And as people that opt for this style tend to be artists, hippies and eco-friendly it will also be all about recycling. These couples do not conform in their everyday life yet still want to join the institution of marriage. Venues in places like Shoreditch and Bermondsey where traditionally artists live are so popular now they are almost becoming main stream.
The bride will keep her dress simple and maybe colourful and will probably have taken inspiration from the Most Curious Wedding Show held in the Truman’s Brewery in Brick Lane – or she will have bought it from a charity shop where a discerning eye can pay dividends.
Whichever style you choose for your special day try and make it about you, reflect your personality – and don’t look at too many wedding magazines.
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