Today we have a guest blogger, Ryan Larson from Savoir Flair Weddings in Los Angeles, California. She has been featured in numerous publications for her great eye and wedding planning skills. She plans everything from destination weddings to weddings here in Los Angeles. Her creativity stems from a number of inspirations, one of them being the vintage look and feel so we asked her for some tips on creating vintage elements for your wedding.

Vintage is always in style. I love vintage elements in weddings. I always say “nostalgia warms a room up like nothing else.” You can incorporate a lot of vintage pieces and sensibilities or a little. Here are some favorite and some new ideas:

Courtesy of: Shannon Lee Images

1. Bicycles conjure images of the past – It would be darling to have a photo of all the groomsmen on bicycles for an outside summer wedding.

2. Champagne hayride – Take your guests on a hayride during cocktail hour but bring the cocktails with. Juxtaposing rustic with elegance always feels special.

3. Chandeliers - Hang big groupings of chandeliers over a long feast table seating the wedding party, bride, and groom. I love a grouping of different chandeliers rather than having them spaced throughout and having them match. Chandeliers are a perfect way to mix and max without things looking too shabby chic.

4. Centerpieces - Peacock feather , milkglass, and antiqued silver centerpieces. These “make your own centerpieces” can be built onsite with no fresh flowers. Use a mix match of milkglass and silver pieces that are in need of a good cleaning. Resist the urge to clean them! Fill the vases and such with peacock feathers and maybe a vintage brooch or two. Voila! Art deco tabletop!

5. Lace – Make crocheted lace program covers. Or provide crocheted lace gloves for the ladies.

6. Dance cards – As they did in 19th Century Vienna at the lavish balls, have dance cards printed for each of the ladies with the order of dances laid out so the gentleman may ask the ladies for a dance.

7. Hats – Invite ladies to wear hats to your outside ceremony.

8. Mix it up – Mix matched china with antique pieces. Scour antique shops and yard sales for plates with a vintage flair and incorporate them on the big day.

9. Generational Inspiration – Ask your mother (or grandmother) for an invitation from her wedding. Have them recreated by a trusted graphic designer with your own information. Or recreate your moms wedding cake or bouquet as an homage to your past generation.

10. Rollerskate – Rent roller skates from a nearby skate shop and create your own outdoor roller rink on the dance-floor during cocktail hour.