Much needed advice for my Vintage wedding

rirvi335

I have so many ideas as well as issues running through my head, and with so little experience with planning in general I feel like I don't know where to start. My fiance and I haven't even been able to set a date for financial reasons- which doesn't help my attempted planning in the least.

But to start out, I'm not even sure where to hold my wedding. What kind of ceremony location reflects vintage? And what if it's during the fall? Ideas of an outdoor wedding aren't so ideal. I've searched for random chapels, wedding halls, but I just can't find anything I like.

Like any other bride, I'm looking for low-cost, but don't want any of my wedding to seem cheap. Anyone have any advice they'd like to give?

MobKaz

I think the first thing you need to do is get an idea of how many guests you will be inviting to the wedding.  That will dictate almost all other variables of your wedding. 

Your guest list will determine your budget.  Your guest list will also determine your venue.  If your list is small, you will have to look at venues that do not have rigid "minimum" guidelines.  If your list is large, that too, may limit some of the smaller, chapel-esque visions you currently have.

Get your guest and budget numbers in order first, and the other decisions will fall a bit more easily.

The ladies on this board can be incredibly helpful and knowledgeable.  If you include details in your posts, they will be able to offer very specific and helpful advice.  Good luck!

Sassenach1743

I am also having a vintage inspired wedding! 

And like PP has said, I too started by drafting a preliminary guest list with my FI to see what kind of wedding we wanted to have (e.g. intimate affair or large gala, etc.) Then, once I had a rough estimation I began looking for venues. Neither my FI or I wanted to marry in a church or temple (he is Christian and I am Jewish) so I started looking for places that were neutral (e.g. hotels, event halls, museums, libraries, even restaurants). I was lucky enough to find a historically renovated mansion (built in the late 1800's) that is now used as a special event venue. This place is perfect! It's intimate (only serves one event per day at a capacity of 100 persons or less). They will host our ceremony (either indoors or outdoors on the premesise) as well as our cocktail hour and reception... It was a major find! 

So just keep looking! I promise you will find something that can work. Even if it's a private residence (for a small intimate wedding). I see that you are located in the Chicago suburbs, I am sure there are plenty of hidden gems in your area or even Chicago proper, as that part of the country has much history. Don't give up! 

Once you find your venue then you can select your date, based on their availability... and I say this to help you avoid having your heart set on a particular day and it possibly not being available. Just suggest a time of year, you mentioned fall... then let your chosen venue (or venue options, if you find two or three to choose from) dictate your acutal date. And remember, the further out the easier it may be to get what you want. So take your time.

And as far as vintage details, browse the internet or watch films set in the time period that you are thinking you like best. For me it was Age of Innocence... there are lovely dinner party scenes that show all the details, amazing inspiration! Or if you are thinking Gatsby (20's/ 30's), or maybe old Hollywood (40's/ 50's), there is also retro (60's/ 70's)... So many options! Just start looking and you will eventually find your favorite vintage style. 

You sound like you have ideas brewing already, just write them out and organize them to see what works... and remember, if you go small (to accomodate your finances) you may be able to select a few lavish details that would otherwise not be affordable if you had a lot of guests (i.e. higher end menu or bar options, more flowers, live music vs. a dj, -all things to consider).

Hope this helps! Have Fun!

MobKaz

"So just keep looking! I promise you will find something that can work. Even if it's a private residence (for a small intimate wedding). I see that you are located in the Chicago suburbs, I am sure there are plenty of hidden gems in your area or even Chicago proper, as that part of the country has much history. Don't give up!"

You may also want to post this on the Illinois/Chicago board.  Those ladies know just about every venue imaginable!  Be sure to specify if you are looking within the city limits ($$$), or in one of the surrounding burbs.  I am familiar with many venues in the NW suburban/Lake County area.

Also bear in mind, that certain dates, months, as well as Friday night and Sunday dates, will offer additional discounts that can make a BIG difference when setting a date.  This not only applies to venue costs, but extraneous vendors as well!