Vintage-style weddings are all the rage these days, bringing back classic details and timeless elegance. What better way to celebrate the bride-to-be than with a wedding shower that captures the nostalgia and charm of vintage? Read on for tips and inspiration to throw a beautiful vintage-style wedding shower.

Select a Venue with Vintage Charm

Look for venues with exposed brick, hardwood floors, high ceilings and large windows to channel an old-world feel. Historic buildings like lofts, barns and ballrooms make ideal backdrops. For more intimate showers, consider hosting at home and decorating with antique furniture, patterned rugs and vintage accents.

Some vintage-style venue ideas:

  • Tea room or café
  • Rustic farmhouse
  • Boutique hotel lobby
  • Restaurant with vintage décor
  • Rented loft or ballroom space

Decorate with Vintage Details

Aim to transport guests back in time with your décor. Raid flea markets, antique stores and even grandma’s attic for vintage treasures. Mismatched fine china on tiered cake stands makes a sweet centerpiece. Display party favors in antique silver trays and crystal bowls.

Vintage wedding shower ideas:

  • Tea cups and saucers as table settings
  • Vintage books and postcards as accents
  • Framed black and white photos
  • Vintage luggage to hold gifts
  • Vintage chandeliers and table lamps
  • Birdcages to display place cards
  • Antique mirrors and silver trays

Mix modern elements like fresh florals and greenery to keep the décor feeling fresh rather than dusty.

Plan a Vintage Wedding Shower Menu

Plan a menu that fits the timeless theme. Think delicate finger sandwiches, miniature quiches, tea sandwiches and macarons. Serve mint juleps, French 75s or peach bellinis in coupe glasses. Adorn the dessert table with miniature cakes, meringues and petit fours.

Vintage-inspired food and drink ideas:

  • Cucumber or watercress tea sandwiches
  • Deviled eggs
  • Mini quiche
  • Lemon bars or petit fours
  • Fresh fruit tarts
  • Macarons
  • Mini cupcakes or cake pops
  • Iced tea, lemonade or classic cocktails

For a sweet favor, package cookies or other baked treats in cellophane bags tied with ribbon.

Plan Vintage-Inspired Activities

Incorporate old-fashioned activities to bring out the theme. Consider a Mad Libs style bride questionnaire, nostalgic games like telephone, or a candy bar for guests to fill small bags. Give out sun hats and decorative parasols to really set the scene for a garden party style affair.

Some vintage shower activity ideas:

  • Guests bring recipes for bride
  • Advice cards for the bride
  • Vintage photo booth
  • Croquet or lawn games
  • High tea
  • Make a wedding dress out of toilet paper
  • Flower crown making station

Give Vintage Favors

Allow guests to take home a memento of the special day. Monogrammed handkerchiefs, paper fans and trinket boxes make thoughtful gifts. Package cookies, candies or bath salts in cello bags or jars with ribbon. For a useful favor, give seed packets, candles or potted plants.

Vintage-style wedding shower favor ideas:

  • Seed packets
  • Mini bottles of bubbly
  • Paper fans
  • Scented soaps or candles
  • Cookies or macarons
  • Personalized hankies or makeup bags
  • Mini picture frames
  • Vintage-style compact mirrors

Channeling vintage style for a wedding shower sets the perfect tone to celebrate the bride. With the right venue, décor, menu and activities, you can throw a wedding shower that looks straight out of another era. Just be sure to incorporate modern comforts and convenience so the event doesn’t go too far back in time! The bride and guests are sure to feel transported to a more romantic and picturesque past.

Frequently Asked Questions About Throwing a Vintage Style Wedding Shower

What are some budget-friendly vintage decorations?

Some budget-friendly vintage decor ideas include using old books, postcards or photographs you already have, picking wildflowers for arrangements, borrowing antiques from family or friends, and thrifting items like lace tablecloths, tea cups and jewelry trays.

What if the venue doesn’t have a vintage look?

If your venue is more modern, bring in vintage touches with décor. Use vintage tablecloths, distressed wood signage, nostalgic music, mason jar centerpieces, and bouquet arrangements in vintage vases or teapots. Vintage lighting like string lights also helps set the mood.

What food can I serve at a vintage tea party shower?

Great food for a vintage tea party shower includes finger sandwiches (cucumber, egg salad, smoked salmon), scones, tea cookies, macarons, mini tarts, petit fours, tea cakes, crustless sandwiches, fruit skewers and mini cupcakes. Serve with tea, lemonade or champagne cocktails.

What are some fun vintage shower games?

Fun vintage shower game ideas include guess the bride trivia, a Newlywed Game style quiz,bridal bingo, a recipe card station, wedding dress toilet paper game, left right story game, purse scavenger hunt, or wedding jeopardy.

Should I give out favors? What kind?

Favors are a nice touch. Vintage favor ideas include seed packets, scented soap, candles or lotion, cookie packs, small plants or flowers, monogrammed handkerchiefs, paper fans, and personalized trinket boxes.

Conclusion

Hosting a vintage style wedding shower is a beautiful way to celebrate the bride before her big day. Pay attention to all the charming details, from the venue to décor to menu to attire. Incorporate nostalgic games and favors for the full vintage effect. With creativity and thoughtful touches, you can throw a wedding shower the bride will always remember. Just be sure to sprinkle in some modern comforts as well!