Choose looks from the 1920s through the 1950s.  Avoid pairing up two styles that are both easily recognized by their era such as a flapper dress with a tiara.

The 1970s, although not as popular an era to replicate is the perfect "era inspiration" for the natural, free spirited, bohemian bride.

The one area in which you can always bring in a modern element is your shoes.  Unless you are going for a "flapper" or "flower-child" look, a gorgeous pair of sexy heels will always look great.

Don't go too over the top vintage unless the whole inspiration or theme of your wedding is vintage.  You don't want to look out of place at your own wedding.

Even if you don't want to incorporate any vintage elements into your wedding ceremony or reception, try to tie in the vintage feel with your bridesmaids.  Choose a vintage inspired style of dress and/or hair, makeup and accessories.

1920s

• Flapper Style

• Headbands Worn Across the Forehead

• Pearls, Lace and Beading

• Linen, Rayon and Wool

• Cap and Broche Hats

• Shorter Skirts

• Straight, Drop Waist

• Dresses

• Stockings

• Bob Haircut

• Finger-Waved Hairstyles Worn Close to the Head

• Thin Eyebrows and Kohl Rimmed Eyes

• Cupid's Bow Lips in Dark Colors

• Flavored Lip Gloss was Invented

• Mostly Neutral Fashion Colors: Sand, Cream, Black and Navy

• Shoes were Low Heeled Mary Janes with or Without Ornamentation

   

  Famous 1920s Style Icons:

  Clara Bow

  Mary Pickford

  Lillian Gish

  Louise Brooks

  Marion Davies

1930s

• Headbands Worn on Top of Head

• Art Deco Accessories

• Feathers of All Colors including Peacock

• Many Styles of Hats

• More Fitted Styles

• Longer Mid Calf Length Skirts

• V-Neck Styles

• Lace, Ruffles and Ties

• Backless Dresses
  Fur Stoles, Capes, Wraps, Accessories and Trimmings

• Short Finger-Waved Hair but Combed out Farther Away from Head as 1920s

• False Eyelashes

• Brighter and More Intricate Fabrics Appeared

• Shoes were a Combination of 20s Mary Janes and 40s Platform Pumps in the Shape of the Toe and the Height of the Heel

Famous 1930s Style Icons:

Greta Garbo

Jean Harlow

Carole Lombard

Marlene Dietrich

Bette Davis

May West

Joan Crawford

1940s

• Teardrop and Chandelier Earrings

• More Tailored Suits and Dresses or Long Flowing Silk Dresses

• Longer hemlines

• Wide and Sharp Shoulders

• Empire Waist

• Bolero Jackets

• Shoulder Length or Pompadour Hairstyles

• Bright Green, Blue and Turquoise

• Flowers and Ribbons in Hair

• All White Clothing Trend

• Gloves

• Fur and Feathers Still Very Popular

• Jewelry Styles Depict Items in Real Life: Bugs, Birds, Flowers, Trees, Fans and Bows

• Broaches

• Bakelite and Plastic Jewelry in Bright Colors

• Sequins and Netting in Accessories including the "Bird Cage" Veil

• Swing Skirts

• Makeup Was More Dramatic including Scarlet Lips, Liner on Top of Eyes and Thick, Dark Brows

• High Heel Platform Pumps with Ankle Straps, Rounded or Open Toes

   

  Famous 1940s Style Icons:

  Vivien Leigh

  Rita Hayworth

  Lana Turner

  Veronica Lake

  Betty Grable

  Lauren Bacall

  Katherine Hepburn

1950s

• Pill Box Hats and Bird Cage Veils

• Dresses Just Below Knee

• Bows

• Lots of Classic Diamonds and Pearls for Both Day and Night

• Introduction of the True Princess Bride Dripping in Jewels

• Tiaras

• Full, Puffy Bridal Veils

• A- Line Styles

• Sleek Hairstyles including Chignons and Ponytails or Big Bouffant Hairstyles

• Sleek and Simple Headbands

• Sheer Fabrics Like Organza and Chiffon

• Faux Fur Stoles

• Poodle Skirts and Streamlined Skirts were Both Popular

• Classic Femininity in Makeup including Shimmery Neutral Colors

• Bangs

• Rockabilly

• Smooth Sleek Updos

• Flowers, Stripes, Spots and Abstract Shapes

Famous 1950s Style Icons:

Marilyn Monroe

Grace Kelly

Audrey Hepburn

Sophia Loren

Bridgette Bardot

Elizabeth Taylor

1960s

• Mini Skirts

• Twiggy Popular

• Babydoll Dress

• “Mod Styles”

• Animal Prints

• Big Fake Lashes

• Thick Eyeliner

• Bright Colors

• Elvis Presley Married in 1967

• Big, Messy, Sexy Hair

• Bouffant Hairstyles

• Pixie Hair Cuts

• Updos

• Go Go boots

• Bikinis

• Capris

• Stilettos

• Skinny Jeans and Pants

• Minimal, Very Natural Hair and Makeup with Black Liner in Mod Faze

• A-Line Dresses

• Gauchos

Famous 1960s Style Icons:

Barbara Eden

Patty Duke

Raquel Welch

Annette Funicello

Doris Day

Barbara Streisand

Jane Fonda

1970s

• Disco

• Annie Hall

• Hippie Chic

• Bohemian

• Flower Child

• Paisley

• Bell Bottoms

• Tie Dye

• Bright Colors

• Very Natural Minimal Makeup

• Big Floppy Hats

• Crochet

• Leather

• Fringe

• Belts

• Beads

• Embroidery

• Wide Collars

• Braids

• Hair Flowers

• Floral Prints

• Ethnic Wear

• Headbands

Famous 1970s Style Icons:

Farah Fawcet

Faye Dunaway

Jacqueline Smith

Kate Jackson

Cheryl Ladd

Candice Bergen

Diane Keaton