Everyone’s idea of a “vintage” wedding is different, and none better than the other.  I remember when I went ring shopping with my now-husband I told every jeweler that I wanted a vintage/antique style ring. I couldn’t really explain it much further than that…but I knew I would know it when I saw it!!  ’Vintage’ is delicate and beautiful. It is sophisticated and unique. It appears to have history and is beautifully thought provoking.

If vintage is your style then I am sure your fiance is aware and will pick out your ring to match your liking.  Most Tacori rings have the pave diamonds and delicate designs that always represent this antique style.

Maybe you want a non-traditional engagement ring, sporting a colored gem as the centerpiece with the same intricate vintage detail.

Your vintage wedding will start with the perfect invitation that will let your guests know what they can look forward to.  These are a few from Etsy that I adore!  The fonts and designs used on the invites will set a theme for your big day.

Atmosphere is key at your wedding! I picture lots of candles and soft colors. Below is some inspiration I found at Project Wedding. What would your vintage wedding inspiration board look like?

Once your friends and family walk into your reception, their eyes will set on the centerpiece of the night- the cake. These cakes by Maki’s Cakes are perfect for the occasion!

To complete your vintage wedding search, you need to find your perfect gown. The Vintage Wedding Dress Company is a great avenue to help you find vintage pieces.  In the private Central London showroom, you will find a diverse selection from the Victorian era to the early 1970′s.  All of the dresses are cleaned and restored and can be tailored for you to a couture finish.

This 1920′s full lace, Harlow dress with a cowl back.

1940′s floral silk devore gown with silk sash.

1950′s full-length organza with a removable silk flower.

Every detail will contribute to your one-of-a-kind vintage wedding!

Source: The Vintage Wedding Dress Company, Maki’s Cakes, Etsy Vintage Invitations, Project Wedding, Etsy Jewelery

I have to begin this post with the most well known, ideal city bride there is, Sarah Jessica Parker – from Sex and the City.  She almost made it down the aisle in a lovely Vivienne Westwood design.  I have to point out my favorite detail from her attire is her hairpiece.  Although some critics might hate it, I think it is completely unexpected and makes her style stand out as her own.

In Hollywood it is easy to be over the top, throwing a stylish affair that everyone drools over.  My downtown Chicago lifestyle allows me to see it from a more realistic view, but just as city chic.  I love seeing brides embrace their roots and tie in details that highlight the city that they love!

Don’t be afraid to stop traffic on your big day…Reminds me a bit of the Abbey Road Beatles Picture!!

Whether you hail a taxi or take the el on a daily basis to work, why change your routine on your wedding day?

During your big city wedding do not forget to stop by the locations that make your city what it is, landmarks… favorite restaurants… or simply fabulous places you and your fiance have spent time at.

I adore this Garrett’s Popcorn Bar that was set up as a take home favor of the most stylish popcorn in Chicago for their guests. If your city is known for piled high hot dogs, deep dish pizzas, or cheesecake, whatever it is - serve it up at your wedding and give your friends and family a taste of what you and your husband love!

Celebrate your city and embrace what makes it unique !!

Sources: Jasmine Wong Photography, Bride.net, Rich Miller Photography, In Style,

What did you do with your wedding dress after your wedding? Is it still sitting in your closet waiting to get cleaned? Are you hoping one day your daughter will wear it, or are you just holding on to it for nostalgic reasons? Trash the Dress is a new trend where brides take pictures in the dirt, water, etc. “trashing their dresses.”  I the reasoning behind it is that you are telling your friends and family that you are in this marriage for good, and will never need to wear a wedding dress again. If you are willing to get a little dirty in your dress you can have some really spectacular pictures! The two pictures below are extreme, but so original I love the inspiration!

These water pictures are beautiful, their dresses spread out and seem weightless.

If you aren’t looking to trash your dress alone, get your new husband involved and have fun ruining your wedding clothes together!

I think it would be fun when all of your close group of friends are married to have a “Trash the Dress” party and all chip in on a top photographer to take pictures trashing your dresses together!

Many photographers are really beginning to embrace these trash the dress photo sessions.  They allow you to really dig deep and pull out your personality and creativity! Check with your photographer, even if they have never had a trash the dress session before, maybe he or she will do it for a discount to help build their portfolio.  You never know until you ask

What are your thoughts on trashing your wedding dress? Would you be willing to wear it into the ocean?

Sources: Wed Pix, Indigo Charlotte, The Knot

As you are planing your wedding you will eventually need to plan your grand exit.  Many venues recently have restricted the use of rice and flower petals due to the extensive clean up after, or a possibility of harming animals!  Many couples have found creative ways to still have an exciting exit with birdseed, bubbles and sparklers, my favorite obviously being the sparklers!

At night these sparklers create such a dramatic effect leaving you with breathtaking pictures!  I suggest informing your photographer that you plan on using sparklers for your exit so they can come prepared with the proper night gear and flash that they need to get the best possible picture.  A great idea to help save money in your budget is to also use these as your favors!  I would suggest tying up five or so sparklers with a cute lighter and leaving it at each place setting.  After they use the one for your exit, they can take the rest home with the lighter!

Make sure you plan the exit in a large enough area to fit all of your guests comfortably with still leaving a wide enough aisle for you and your dress to make it safely through the sparks!  Although sparklers are simple fireworks you still have to be careful while celebrating that you aren’t waving the sparkler around when you are close to other guests!  These are still potentially dangerous so make sure kids are watched while using them and you keep them away from all flammable materials!  When your reception venue tells you they don’t allow rice or rose petals get creative…and consider using sparklers to celebrate you big day!!

Sources: The Knot, Dallas Brides, Sparkle

After the wedding is planned. your last invitation has been sent out, and the final program printed, your focus moves to the one thing that you can not change… the weather!!  There are so many superstitions told about rain on your wedding day: rain is lucky; the rainier the day, the more children you will have; the Italian saying “Sposa bagnata, sposa fortunata“, which means that a wet bride is a lucky bride!  It might be lucky if it rains on your wedding day, but I think most brides will take their chances and pray for no rain!

My outlook on rain is that it is one of the few things you have no control over, so don’t let it stress you out.  I admit: I was one of the many brides who checked the weather once a day, every day, two weeks prior to the wedding (OK, so maybe it was three times a day).  But considering it stormed all morning on my wedding day and cleared up to be hot and humid for the ceremony- I learned my lesson well!

There are two things that can help prepare you for rain on your wedding day: an adorable umbrella and unique rainboots.  My opinion is, if it is going to rain, you might as well remember it with great pictures!! Here are a few examples of how brides kept a positive attitude on their rainy wedding day!!

The red umbrella creates a picture-perfect opportunity on a rainy day!

Why let the rain ruin your day? Just soak it up!!

Don’t let it figuratively rain on your day!  Always remember, when the day is over, you will be married and on your way to your honeymoon—hopefully somewhere sunny and warm!!!

To help you plan for rain, check out these two great sites:

I love the umbrellas at Bella Umbrella and the rain boots at What a Pair.

You have one day for your wedding…don’t let a little water make it anything less than unforgettable!!

Sources: Adrienne Maples Photography, Bride Net, Elizabeth Anne Designs