Post # 1
Member
2588 posts
Sugar bee
I’m looking for some inspiration for vintage decor (mostly centerpieces), but am a bit stumped. My Maid/Matron of Honor and I are going thrift-store hopping tomorrow to see what we can find, but I’d love some ideas! I like the idea of old soda bottles, but don’t want it to look too cheap/campy.
Our colors are plum, dark green, and ivory. I thought of doing flowers, but our budget is small so that’s out, and I’d prefer not to use silks on the tables. The tables, btw, are really long and narrow — 30″ by 8′ (a weird measurement, I know).
Any ideas? 🙂
Post # 3
Member
112 posts
Blushing bee
Our tables are the same width (maybe even slightly less!), but 16″ long.
Our centerpieces are going to be set on burlap table runners and are going to be a single row of vintage ball jar candles, milk bottle vases, vintage soda bottles as bud vases and birch candles. The bud vases will each have a single white carnation in them, and the milk bottles will have branches. I have some smooth black stones and moss balls to scatter along in between them.
Our theme is more rustic/vintage/woodsy. Our colors are chocolate & moss with touches of purple.
Post # 4
Member
2588 posts
Sugar bee
I love-love-love milk bottle vases! So kitschy and fun. I’ll look for some cheap ones while we’re out tomorrow…just out of curiousity, where did you find your tablecloths (if you’re using any)? I’m having one B of a time finding some that are the right dimensions.
Post # 5
Member
47430 posts
Honey Beekeeper
The thing to remember about the 40’s is that it was War time and everything was simple, the mantra of the day was “Make Do and Mend”.
It was a time of big band music and dancing :
Mirrored ball over the dance floor.
Saxophone and other instruments as decor- centerpieces- on the card table etc
Bubble machine
Tall vase with single rose and a pair of long white gloves draped alongside
Use a miniature music stand with some old sheet music with a musical instrument like a saxophone or trumpet leaning against it
Gardenias, calla lilies and ostrich feathers were popular
these ideas as well: Feathers, Boas, black and white hollywood pictures
vintage typerwriters
http://greenweddingshoes.com/real-wedding-catie-bens-vintage-inspired-backyard-wedding/
A very different 1940’s theme centerpiece is made using vintage suitcases.
Simply use the small case and decorate with vintage stickers, or travel destination stickers to the outside.
Or you can use it as the base for your flower arrangement (place a vase inside it that will hold the flowers).
Post # 6
Member
14492 posts
Honey Beekeeper
I am kind of having the same feel. I am using vintage silver bowls for my centerpieces and mismatched vintage china for table settings. To give the tables some height, I am using large candlesticks I bought at the 90% off sale at Hobby Lobby.
Post # 7
Member
112 posts
Blushing bee
I found out yesterday that our venues “white tablecloths” are actually that thin plastic sheet stuff on a roll. Pure disappointment. Were scrambling now trying to find tablecloths to rent, or a good price on fabric so I can make some. Because, you know, everyone needs another giant DIY 4 weeks before the wedding… 
I’m hoping my dad comes home with the milk bottles this morning – can’t wait!! They are in my grandmothers basement, and have been for MANY years, so I’ve got some cleaning to do!