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 Actresses:

  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 Dresse
  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 Actresses:

Greta Garbo

Jean Harlow

Carole Lombard

Marlene Dietrich

1940s

• More Elegant than the "Roaring 20s"

• Very Sexy Era

• Masculine Looks were very Popular

• More Tailored Suits and Dresses

• Longer hemlines

• Wide and Sharp Shoulders

• Shocking Pink Introduced

• Empire Waist

• Bolero Jackets

• Shoulder Length Hairstyles or Pompadour Styles

• Hair Nets called Snoods

• Nylon Stockings Introduced

• All White Clothing Trend

• Gloves were Almost Always Worn

• Fur and Feathers Still Very Popular

• Jewelry Styles Began to Depict Items in Real Life: Bugs, Birds, Flowers, Trees, Fans and Bows were Very Popular

• 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 and Thick, Dark Brows

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