Sometimes all a bride really wants is to celebrate her family’s past and celebrate her love for elements of old-age. She wants pretty, flirty and feminine. And she wants everyone to understand that vintage is very much an artistic means. If you’re inspired by Aubrey Hepburn, French lace or cameos hanging from the nape of your neck … then you just might be a Vintage Bride.

The perfect vintage dress is nothing without the perfect vintage-esque accessories. From earrings to bracelets all the way down to the garter and heels, a bride needs to know how to accessorize and emphasize her old-age spirit without looking like a Halloween costume gone wrong or just another 21^st century bride. We’ll allow Etsy to be our main source of inspiration and hopefully you’ll find the perfect piece to finish out your big-day’s ensemble.

firexbrat via photo pin cc

Scroll through the decades to find some great picks to style your wedding gown … starting in the 20’s and working our way to the 80’s.

1920’s inspired accessories

Feathers in the hair and some sparkly chandeliers earrings would be a perfect fit for a 20’s bride, especially for those embodying the flapper spirit. Beaded headbands and long strands of pearls will easily create that 1920’s feel. And all you need to do now is practice doing the Charleston! Grab something fun for your garter, like this one with a flapper-girl button, an all beaded evening bag and some strappy heels to dance in.

1940’s inspired accessories

Shorter or birdcage veils, bridal caps and crystal hair picks are the perfect toppers to a flutter-sleeved 40’s bride.  Remember this decade had a lot of Victorian inspiration, so anything with those intricate details and rich lines are a perfect fit. Small dangle earrings and big brooch cameos on garters are also great options for brides needing some extra vintage flair pumped into their 1940’s celebration. Also, the above blue garter would be a great solution to your ‘Something Blue’ and your ‘Something New.’ Try to find some oxford heels and a beaded envelope clutch to finish off the look.

 

1950’s inspired accessories

Dainty bows on garters and bags, pearl earrings, birdcage veils topped off with ribbon and little white gloves are all fit for a 50’s bride. Those short full veils and sleek satin headbands are also great choices to top off that tea-length poof inspired by the innocence and youth of the decade. And if you really want to pay homage to the 1950’s, we suggest you wear an ivory pair of kitten heels with bows… they’re just too adorable not to!

1960’s inspired accessories

Mod, posh, chic and sophisticated are all used to describe 60’s bridal style. Pillbox caps with veils attached, lace, big button earrings and ribbon headbands are all signature Audrey styles … and Audrey is signature 60’s style. Think of this decade like you would the 50’s …. Just with a more grown up version of the dainty, clean lines that the innocent girls were wearing a few years before. Women were becoming a bit bolder in their choices, like the extra lacey finishing on garters and adding more sparkle to their shoes. Finish off the look with a dainty blue clutch purse.

1970’s inspired accessories

The favourite decade has to be the 70’s. It’s when fashion made a complete turn into a more natural and ethereal mood. Longer, lighter veils, floral headpieces and lengthier necklaces were all a part of the new boho movement. Try a flowery, organic garter, some eco-friendly ballet flats (or go barefoot!) and add a woven purse for your bohemian-style celebration.

1980’s inspired accessories

The 80’s knew how to make a statement, and you can do the same thing with your accessories. You just have to remember bursts of colour are the key! An enlarged ruffled headpiece, polka-dotted veils, multi-colour shoes and chunky necklaces (if you’re really daring add pops of colour!); they all scream the 1980’s. You may even want to try a funky, sequenced garter, statement earrings and a fun purse for the reception!