Riving the classic tradition of a wedding day going away dress

When it comes to weddings, as with so many things in life, certain traditions, customs and practises fall out of vogue over the course of time. Some disappear entirely and are all but forgotten, others live on as quaint relics of the past in our memories, and a handful, though not terribly common any more, still exist on the fringes on the bell curve of popularity.

One sartorial wedding related tradition that falls into the latter camp is that of the classic going away suit, dress, outfit or ensemble. Once a star player in many a soon-to-be-wife's bridal trousseau, this outfit or garment was typically a white, cream, ivory or other light coloured suit or dress (usually with coordinating accessories, such as a hat, gloves, shoes and handbag) that the bride changed into at some point after the ceremony on her wedding day.

For some, it may have been before or during some point in the reception (I've heard of brides who have changed right before the last dance), for others it followed the reception ceremony as the bride and groom made their way out of the venue and to the car, tins cans tied to bumper, a just married sign plastered on the back, and off to their gorgeously romantic honeymoon.



{A newly married, smartly attired 1940s couple in their going away outfits. Could the bride look any more elegantly perfect? Image source.}


Speaking of honeymoons, it was actually the writing of the first two posts in this spring's ongoing four part series about vintage honeymoon destinations (so far we've traveled to sublimely romantic Italy and passionately warm and beautiful Hawaii; later this month we'll be jetting back to Europe for another exciting post-nuptial vintage getaway) that got me really thinking about this lovely yesteryear tradition and how very nice it would be if more brides revived it (one recent, incredibly well known modern bride seen spotting a going away dress was Kate Middleton, who wore a floating, just-above-knee dusty blue frock).

Typically be far less grand and flashy than the bride's wedding dress itself, the going away outfit was intended to be something that would travel well as the couple embarked on their honeymoon, or at the very least, off to their new life together and Mr. and Mrs., wherever that may have been. It was an attractive yet highly practical garment or ensemble that the bride would then have to wear throughout her life.

Of course not every yesteryear bride donned a going away ensemble, and they certainly weren't as commonplace during the years of WW2 when strict clothing and fabric restrictions were in full swing (in fact, many brides simply wore their best dress or suit, perhaps with a fresh dye job to help perk it up, for their wedding during the lean war years, because buying or finding a wedding dress to borrow simply wasn't feasible for them) as they had been in the decades prior and later in the 1950s and early 60s, but certainly far more yesterday ladies did so then their modern counterparts.

It's worth noting, that the going away outfit wasn't limited simply to the bride always either. In some cases (then as now), grooms also slipped into less formal attire, such as a two or three piece suit (instead of their wedding tuxedo, military uniform, morning suit, or other fancier style of suit) as their big day wound down and they got ready to head off by carriage, car, train, boat, or airplane for their exciting post-wedding vacation.



{Bracing themselves against a barrage of confetti, the lovely couple in the 1950s illustration make their way through their throng of wedding guests and out to their car, en route to their honeymoon destination, while both wearing going away outfits. Image source.}


As vintage fashion loving folks, if there's anyone who seems poised to be able to bring this stylish and endearingly lovely tradition back into play, if only on a slightly larger scale than it currently exists, it's us! With that thought in mind, for all the soon-to-be-wed ladies out there, I've rounded up a selection of 15 vintage and vintage appropriate suits, dresses, and accessories which would see your off from your wedding in unendingly elegant style.

{Ideal for if you're leaving your ceremony or after party once the sun has set, this cozy 1950s two-piece knit suit featuring a shawl collared jacket has wedding day sophistication written all over it. Fits up to a 36" bust in the jacket/25" waist in the skirt, $122.00 from etsy seller Living On Velvet.}




{There are few outfits around, especially wedding related ones, that this agelessly beautiful Tarina Tarantino Ivory Rose Carved Lucite Necklace wouldn't go beautifully with. (On sale at the time of writing for) $23.00 from Unique Vintage.}




{Quintessentially 1950s, this becoming Harry S. Epstein sand hued cotton-linen blend dress features a scoop neckline, fitted waist, short sleeves, wiggle skirt, matching belt and lovely coordinating cropped jacket. It is, to my mind, the picture perfect mid-century going away ensemble. its up to 33-34" bust/26" waist, $144.00 from etsy seller Dear Golden.}




{A wonderful blend of beauty and refined elegance, these grey pearl, cubic zirconia and silver tone metal earrings are an endearing way to symbolize the fact that you've just tied the knot. $21.80 from etsy seller CreBijoux.}




{Ideally suited to a fall, winter or early spring wedding, this 1950s cream hued wide brim fur and sequence hat would look smashing with a skirt suit or tailored dress. $64.00 from etsy seller Denisebrain.}




{Cross something old, something new (to you), and something blue all of your list in one fell swoop with these immensely lovely 1950s Van Raalte sheer white gloves featuring delicate blue stitching on the wrists. $15.00 from etsy seller CleaninHouse.}




{This splendidly pretty, sweetly alluring three-quarter length sleeve Monte Carlo swing dress in sateen ivory from Heartbreaker brings your feminine figure to the forefront, while remaining wholly sophisticated and wedding day appropriate the whole time. Available in modern ladies sizes small to 2XL, $156.00 from Unique Vintage.}




{Cute, sweet and as pretty as a spring day, these round toe ivory lace pumps featuring darling handmade looking appliqué flowers with tiny clear crystal centers and would be perfect for a 1950s or 60s inspired going away outfit in particular. Available in modern ladies sizes 4 to 11, $62.99 from Amazon.}




{Coloured the same shade as the feathers of the birds so often associated with weddings, this lovely, form fitting dove grey dress featuring a sweetheart neckline would really work well if you're headed someplace warm for your honeymoon. Available in modern ladies sizes XS to 2XL from, $162.00 from Stop Staring Clothing.}




{Boasting tons of heirloom jewelry meets shabby chic appeal, this lovely multi-strand pearl, gold tone and fabric appliqué necklace would look glorious over a sheath dress or peaking out from beneath a suit jacket. (Currently on sale at the time of writing for) $14.00 from Unique Vintage.}




{Ravishingly beautiful and classy as the day is long, this stunning tea hued Chantilly lace Dusted Violette Dress channels a marvelous 1950s-60s feel and would the kind of piece you'd unequivocally reach for time and time again after your honeymoon was long over. Available in modern ladies sizes 2 to 20, $299.95 from Victorian Trading Co.}




{Weave a gentle touch of ladylike hue into your going away outfit with this enchanting 1950s pink velour hat bedecked with matching ostrich feathers. $48.00 from etsy seller My Vintage Hat Shop.}




{Tuck your post-wedding ceremony essentials (hankie, wallet, gloves, lipstick, compact, etc) into this fabulously lovely 1950s ivory beaded handbag featured an eye-catching floral design that suits a bride's going away attire so very well. $42.00 from etsy seller Vintage Chinchilla.}




{Exuding class and timeless elegance copiously, the curve hugging, cap sleeved Helena Dress from Stop Staring Clothing, which retails for $158.00 and is available in modern ladies sizes XS to 3X, is made of tan stretch cotton with a subtle, gorgeous floral print on it and would be a fabulous choice for your send off attire post-wedding ceremony.}




{Immensely pretty Minitoo Round Toe High Heel Ribbon Mary Jane Pumps that instantly call to mind similar shoe styles from the 1920s, 30s and 40s and would be a breeze to dance in with their 3.55" heels, if opt to change into your going away outfit before your reception is over. Available in modern ladies sizes 5 to 13, $55.99 from Amazon.}

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When selecting your going away dress, suit or outfit, a key point to keep in mind are that you want it to be clearly different from your wedding dress. They can certainly hail from the same era and have general similarities, but ideally they should stand apart from one another, typically with the wedding dress being the far more formal/fancy of the two.

If you are planning to head off on your honeymoon immediately after your ceremony or the following day, select a going away look that works best for the climate and weather of the destination you'll be arriving in (or at the very least, which will work well for the travel involved between the two points). Lace, linen, matte silk, rayon, taffeta, lighter weight tweeds, crepe wool, and cotton all make for especially well suited fabrics for this kind of outfit.



{Trunks at the ready, a young bride is aided by her bridesmaids - and a real maid to boot as well - in putting the finishing touches on her going away outfit, which features a beige skirt suit and fur stole, before she and her new husband embark on their romantic honeymoon. Every element of her ensemble would work perfectly in her everyday wardrobe, which is something to bear in mind for when compiling your own going away wedding day look. Image source.}



Keep your going away dress or ensemble understated, sophisticated, feminine and beautiful. Think light neutrals and other pale hues, a below-the-knee to mid-calf skirt length, relatively conservative styling, matching accessories, simple jewelry (such as cameos, pearls, diamonds, silver, white gold, platinum, yellow or rose gold pieces with in classic styles), and attractive, but easy to walk in, shoes (a comfortable 2"-3.5" pump/court shoe or kitten heel would be ideal for a long flight or cruise, as would a chic pair of softly hued ballet flats).

One idea I came up with years ago, though it's not traditional, that I think would be absolutely lovely, would be to select a going away dress or outfit in your wedding colours (assuming they're ones you'd typically wear). In doing so, you could keep the spirit of your wedding day going even stronger all the way to your honeymoon destination, new home, or wherever you and your sweetheart are headed after the ceremony.

Whereas most wedding dresses are commonly only worn once by (especially by modern brides), in all likelihood, your going away dress or suit is something that will then be folded into rotation in your usual everyday wardrobe. As such, feel free to spend a little more on it then you might if you were only going to sport it one time. The pieces in this classic ensemble will likely serve you very well for a long time to come in your exciting new life as a married, wonderfully stylish woman.

Let's go on a vintage honeymoon to Italy

It might surprise you to know that Tony and I did not go on a honeymoon. We spent our wedding night at a prominent local hotel, but that was the extent of our post-nuptial holidaying. The reasons for such stemmed primarily from a matter of budget as well as that we'd soon be flying back to Ireland (where Tony was living and working at the time, and where we would go on to live for the first two years of our life together) from Penticton where our small wedding was held, and the cost involved with that took precedence over a vacation, as lovely as one certainly would have been.

I have no bitterness or negative feelings about not having a honeymoon (or a more elaborate wedding; we had a casual civil ceremony with just a few close family members present that was held at my mom and step-dad's house). My wedding and the days that ensued right after might not have been as I'd envisioned them when I was a little girl, but that didn't matter. What mattered - what will always matter - is that I got to stare into the eyes of my soul mate, recite my vows, and marry the man I love more than life itself.

That doesn't mean however, that I'm not a big fan of honeymoons (and traditional weddings), because I most certainly am - and who knows, maybe one day we'll take a belated honeymoon someplace magical. There's no absolute hard and fast rule that says it has to fall right after you tie the knot.

For most people though, that is when a honeymoon takes place, and with spring officially here now, and thus the return of wedding season, I thought it would be tons of fun to launch a four part series (with one post to appear throughout each of the four months of spring) dedicated to a quartet of different much loved, endlessly appealing classic honeymoon destinations across the world.



{While this charming young couple may have been helping to swell Edmonton's ranks back in the 1940s, I'd venture to guess that they - like most newlyweds of the 19th, 20th, and now 21st centuries – likely took at least a small trip someplace away from home for a few days (or longer) after swapping vows. Image source.}




The tradition of a honeymoon period stretches back for centuries, and has its roots in the days when couples often shared their first truly private moments together after being married. In some cases, where arranged marriages were involved, a honeymoon may even have been the first time aside from the wedding when the new bride and groom got to know each other point blank.

In Western culture the honeymoon largely came into popularity during the early 1800s, when well-to-do British couples would embark on a "bridal tour" (or voyage à la façon anglaise, in French), which was a trip in which the new couple set off to visit friends and relatives who hadn't been present at their wedding itself.

As time went on, fewer and fewer couples held onto this aspect of post-wedding day travel, however many - more so than ever - embraced the idea of taking a special trip to celebrate their new life together, and by the early 1900s, most newlyweds who had the financial means were embarking on a journey someplace away from home (Italy and the French Riviera were two of the most popular honeymoon destinations for those in Britain and France during the late Victorian and Edwardian years).

A couples’ choice of honeymoon destinations is virtually limitless today, though various spots that gained popularity over the course of the past century remain traditional favourites with many, and it is four of those that this series will focus on, starting with none other than the aforementioned Italy.



{That's right, for our inaugural vintage honeymoon destination, we've booked passage for none other than the sublimely inviting, timelessly gorgeous country of Italy. Image source.}



While this ancient and sweepingly beautiful land just happens to be where my darling husband hails from, I've not had the immense pleasure of setting foot there myself yet (one day, I truly hope), and this look at Italy will be one from the perspective of a fan, not of an actual traveler who has been there.

Boasting an endless array of old world charm, more history than you can shake a cannoli at, breathtaking landscapes and cities alike, scrumptious food to please every palette, sun-kissed beaches (or, if you prefer, fantastic ski hills in the north), and a people and culture that are impossible not to love, it is easy as (pizza) pie to see why Italy has been a honeymoon mainstay for two centuries.

There is so much to do and see in fact in Italy, that this post does not center on just one city, such as Rome, Venice or Florence, instead it highlights some of the places that couples headed to this Mediterranean slice of heaven may wish to see throughout the country. While putting together your itinerary for gorgeous Italia, as the locals call it, why not consider adding some, or all, of the following seven locations and activities to your list.

 

Savour the rich history and stellar architecture of Florence

Take a gondola ride in Venice

Pose for a picture with the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Let your inner foodie soar in Naples (home of some of, if not the, best best pizza in the world)

Swim and sunbath on the Amalfi Coast

Dress to the nines and go out for an evening of fine dinning, then to the opera or theater anywhere in the country

Go shopping at the famous The Porta Portese flea market in Rome

{To learn more about a specific image, please click on it to be taken to its respective source.}

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While the more northerly regions of Italy such as Trento-Alto Adige share certain geographical and culture similarities with neighbouring countries such as Switzerland, Austria, and France, as well as - in some areas - a nippier climate, especially during the winter, it's a fair bet to say that the bulk of the country is quite warm for most of the year.

As such, you'll want to pack with a toasty climate in mind (especially if you're visiting anytime between mid-spring and early fall). Think breezy sundresses, light weight separates, straw sun hats and handbags, comfortable wedge heels and/or sandals that you can easily walk in, a shawl or light jacket for evening, shorts, playsuits, capri pants, chiffon scarves (perfect for keeping hair that may have gone frizzy from any humidity quite literally under wraps), sunglasses, chic jewelry, a swimsuit or two if you're going to be anywhere near the ocean, lake or hotel pool, and of course plenty of sunscreen, too.

The following seven items would all be great choices to tuck into your suitcase as you jet off for the majestic shores of Italy.



{A wide brimmed hat is an absolute must in climates like Italy's where the sun rarely takes a day off. 1930s straw cartwheel hat with navy ribbon and millinery flowers (which, purely by coincidence, was made in Italy - you've got to love that!), $120.00 from etsy seller Sonnet and Bough.}



{Much like a hat - and perhaps even more so in some settings - a great pair of specs are a true must while in the Mediterranean. 1940s OPTIKS round lens sunglasses, $131.41 (at the time of writing) from etsy seller Tamta's.}



{When packing for a sizzling hot destination, it's always wise to think light, both in terms of weight and colours. This elegantly lovely 1940s sheer lace blouse hits the mark perfectly on both counts. Fits a 38-41" bust/undefined waist, $42.00 from etsy seller Dear Golden.}



{Skip sleeves, slather on oodles of sunscreen, and spend your days looking so gosh darn cute in vintage polka dots that buttons everywhere will be jealous. 1940s spaghetti strap sundress, fits up to a 34" bust, 26/27" waist, $128.00 from etsy seller Mel's Vanity.}



{You'll look as gorgeous as a cherry red Vespa when you scoot around Italy in these fantastic 1950s high waisted shorts. Fits up to a 31" waist/44" hips, $26.60 (sale price at the time of writing) from etsy seller Piccaso Muse.}



{Holidays often call for big bags - they're towels, maps, guide books, snacks, sunscreen, souvenirs, water bottles, sunglasses, and myriad other things to carry with you while on the go, so a substantial sized vintage tote like this 1940s/50s straw gem is a must while on your honeymoon. $72.00 from etsy seller Dark Bloom Vintage.}

{A country flanked by the seas practically begs to scene while sporting something with a jaunty nautical vibe to it, and these wonderfully well priced red and white wedge sandals fit the bill there perfectly. Available in modern ladies sizes 5.5 to 11 (as well as black and white, and blue and white, too), $19.87 from Amazon.}

 
While packing, remember of course to take your camera (and/or video camera) along, too. This is neither the time nor the place to be without a way of recording your exciting travels as a newly married couple.

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There have been hundreds, if not more, books written about travel to, as well as the history, culture and cuisine of, Italy over the years, and if you're headed in the direction of that exciting part of the world for your honeymoon, it may we well worth investing in a few to better acquaint yourself with this fantastic country before you arrive. The following is an alphabetically arranged assorted list of great titles that you may find especially helpful on that front.


-A History of Italian Cinema by Peter Bondanella

-A Month of Italy Rediscovering the Art of Vacation by Chris J. Brady

-Cinema Italiano: The Complete Guide from Classics to Cult by Howard Hughes

-DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Italy by DK

-Fashion at the Time of Fascism (edited) by Mario Lupano and Alessandra Vaccari

-Fodor's Essential Italy: Rome, Florence, Venice & the Top Spots in Between by Fodor

-Frommer's Italy Day by Day by Sylvie Hogg and Stephen Brewer

-Italian Cuisine: A Cultural History by Alberto Capatti and Massimo Montanari

-Italianissimo: The Quintessential Guide to What Italians Do Best by Louise Fili and Lise Apatoff

-Italian Slanguage: A Fun Visual Guide to Italian Terms and Phrases by Michael Ellis

-La Bella Lingua: My Love Affair with Italian, the World's Most Enchanting Language by Dianne Hales


-Larousse Pocket Dictionary: Italian-English Dictionary by Larousse

-Lonely Planet Italy's Best Trips by Paula Hardy, Robert Landon, and Duncan Garwood (this book features 38 exciting road trips around Italy)

-National Geographic Traveler: Italy, 4th Ed. by Tim Jepson

-100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go by Susan Van Allen 


-Rick Steves' Italian Phrase Book and Dictionary by Rick Steves


-Rome: A Cultural, Visual, and Personal History by Robert Hughes

-Seeking Sicily: A Cultural Journey Through Myth and Reality in the Heart of the Mediterranean by John Keahey

-Speak the Culture: Italy: Be Fluent in Italian Life and Culture by Andrew Whittaker

-Sprezzatura: 50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped the World by Peter D'Epiro and Mary Desmond Pinkowish

-The Delizia!: The Epic History of the Italians and Their Food by John Dickie

-The Finest Wines of Tuscany and Central Italy: A Regional and Village Guide to the Best Wines and Their Producers by Nicholas Belfrage and Hugh Johnson

-The Oxford Companion to Italian Food by Gillian Riley

-The Pursuit of Italy: A History of a Land, Its Regions, and Their Peoples by David Gilmour

-The Shakespeare Guide to Italy: Retracing the Bard's Unknown Travels by Richard Paul Roe

-Travel Italia: The Golden Age of Italian Travel Posters by Lorenzo Ottaviani

-Venice: A New History by Thomas F. Madden


-Vino Italiano: The Regional Wines of Italy by Joseph Bastianich and David Lynch 

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Italy truly is one of the most romantic, captivating, exquisitely pretty places this vast world of ours has to offer. From seas of vineyards churning out some of the best wine in the world to housing magnificent works of art, ancient runs and thriving modern metropolises alike, there is really no where else quite like, nor are there many that are as perfectly suited to providing couples with the dreamy sort of honeymoon most of us adore envisioning ourselves in.



{One can't help but wonder if the writer of this 1950s ad promoting travel to Italy had honeymooners in mind as they penned those inviting opening lines. Image source.}

 
As incredible as Italy is, if it's not your cup of tea (or would that be espresso?), but you're still looking for warmer grounds to take your first trip and a married couple to, fear not, we'll be heading to another sunny, gorgeous spot that calls the Pacific ocean home in the second installment of the vintage honeymoon series.

Be sure to tune in April to find out just where exactly we're headed to next!

Have home movies gone the way of the dinosaur?

✯ Day 337 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

A few days ago my husband and I were flicking through the channels (nothing - and I do mean nothing of interest - was on), when we stopped on America's Funniest Home Videos for a second. Though the episode was relatively new (I'd guess about five years old), I was struck by the fact the nearly all the footage shown had been taken ten to twenty-plus years ago.

This lead me to remark to Tony that I don't think people take as many home movies as they used to.

Now, of course, we take snap tons of videos - one need only be acquainted with Youtube to know that - but they're often short clips (very commonly captured, these days, with our cell phones), or they're of events (concerts, parades, sports games, parties, etc) that we want to remember, instead of the commonplace going-ons of day-to-day life.

I don't have any hard and fast statistics to back this thought up, it's merely a observation that came about from my own life. Though we have phones and cameras that can record video, my husband and I don't own a video camera. When I was growing up my parents have a big black camcorder that came out on birthdays, holidays and often just if one of us kids was doing something charming or funny.

Always on the shy side, I wasn't a fan of having the lens in my face, but today I'm very grateful for those home movies that still exist (on their chunky black video tapes). They show a version of me that seems a million miles away and yet is so easy to relate to and remember clearly.

I know that if I'm ever blessed with children one day, I'll definitely get a video camera so that they too can look back on both the ordinary and extraordinary moments in their young lives exactly as they were really lived.

I think that it's very important to capture home movies. A still photograph is a remarkable - and priceless - thing, but ultimately it can only ever represent one moment, one frame from a person's life. Moving video nabs seconds, minutes, even hours sometimes and allows you to relive those moments again and again whenever you like. They're a fascinating glimpse of history that becomes a gift for future generations.

And what a gift today's video clip is! Shot on classic 8mm film that was converted to a DVD and then uploaded to Youtube, this vintage home movie shows the wedding day (and a few snippets of their life in the years afterwards) of a lovely young couple.

On their faces we see emotions and smiles that could have come from our own most special times, yet live forever in the era of that this black and white footage hails from.

 

I adore the happiness, the excitement, the fashions, the moment, and the fact that this invaluable piece of the past still exists. Though no further information is provided about the couple (not even their names) beyond what you see here, I think that there is a volume of knowledge to gain from this video.

Though there may never be anyway to know, I like to think that this couple and their children went on to live a happy, purposeful, terrific life together and that they took many, many more home movies over the years.

What are your thoughts on this topic, my dears, for all of the instant-video-capturing technology at our disposal, do we still take as many home movies as we used to?

Ahhhh, to be a vintage spring bride

✯ Day 119 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

It's been one of *those* months, my lovelies - oh, who am I kidding, it's been one of *those* years. Has - knock wood! - anything truly catastrophic happened? No, thank goodness, but plenty of small to moderate sized events, health problems, and worries have cropped up that have put something of a damper on what was supposed to be (and, to be fair, still could be if things took a turn for the better) a more positive years than 2010.

Still, no sense in bemoaning what you can't change, and I'm trying to improve those things that I can, so with any luck 2011 can still pull itself out of the fire at some point! In the meantime though, on days when regardless of the weather, it feels like those pesky grey clouds are hanging a little low, I like to a.) count my blessings and b.) find some purely beautiful vintage images to look as a means of helping to elevate my spirits.

Thanks to one of my absolute favourite Flickr streams of all time, that of the Charm and Poise, I was able to indulge in just the splash of vintage escapism I needed this morning, care of some absolutely gorgeous vintage bridal magazine covers that are to be found there.

 

 

One glance at the Spring 1955 cover of The Bride's Magazine above (as well as the others to be found in Charm and Poise's delightful Here comes the vintage bride set) and my fretful mind is whisked off to a near utopic paradise where brides are swathed in endless yards of whisper-blush pink tulle and all the world smells of gigantic English roses in bloom.

There is a copious dose of beauty, a great deal of appeal, and so very much that seems to have popped straight out of the pages of a fairy tale to love about this beguiling vintage bridal magazine cover. It's setting is more serene than nearly any wedding could likely ever be, its bride the absolute picture of soon-to-be wedded bliss.

This is the sort of image that sets vintage wedding loving hearts aflutter - and surely must stand to inspire those lucky gals who are planning their own nuptials at this very minute (who amongst us wouldn't all but die to wear that stunningly lovely dress?!).

After a few moments of letting my mind daydream about what it would have been like to be a bride in the spring of 1955 (complete with iconic single strand pearl necklace and regally elegant bouquet of white blooms), I really do feel as though things are looking up a bit today. Proof positive that few things can set the world right like a wonderful wedding! :)

These ultra darling vintage inspired invitations make me want to throw a bridal shower right now!

✯ Day 80 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

While we may only be one day into spring, I know that many of you out there are already deeply immersed in planning your upcoming spring and summer vintage weddings. Though my spin down the aisle happened six and a half years ago and I'm happy as a clam in my marriage, I can't help but be perpetually drawn to beautiful wedding items and imagery.

Given that many couples plan their nuptials for May through August, that means oodles of brides are still in need of a bridal shower at this early spring stage. Fear not bridesmaids, maids-of-honour and other folks in charge of planning a shower, I've found just about the cutest, most delightfully vintage bridal shower initiations of all time.

 

Loralee Lewis is without a doubt on of my favourite etsy paper goods designers. Her creations are at once exquisitely old school and yet still charming fresh and innovative. Case in point, these mammothly cute bridal shower tea party invites.

Two gleefully smiling teacups - paired with a scrumptiously pretty vintage font - are the stars of these darling invites (Loralee can customize them for other events, too, if you'd like the same design for, say, a birthday party, garden party, or baby shower).

Available at the very reasonable price of $34.00 for twenty custom printed (with your event's details) bridal shower invitations and matching envelopes, from Loralee Lewis on etsy, these sweetly pretty cards are the sort of beautifully charming gems that would definitely set the perfect tone for any vintage themed wedding.