Vintage Inspired Wedding in Hawaii

The Juliet cap veil worn by the bride in this glorious wedding photo shoot makes a statement of originality and elegance. We also love the dark teal colours featured throughout.

What to Look for in a Venue for a Vintage Inspired Wedding in Hawaii

Hawaii is known for its romantic scenic views whether you are enjoying the spectacular Kauai, Waikiki, or Maui. Loved by travelers and locals alike for the freshness and exoticness, the Hawaiian islands are a fabulous destination.

If you plan to celebrate your holy matrimony in this piece of paradise, like Bethany and Robert, you have our blessing! It is the perfect place that is romantic, and exotic coupled with that classic Hollywood charm, just what our couple of the day envisioned. For this vintage inspired wedding in Hawaii, think charming villas with large verandahs, all reminiscent of the 50s Hollywood glamour. Picture wispy net curtains and warm honey sand, with the Hawaiian sea lapping at your feet while you dance the night away with your partner for life!

Table Setting Style for a Vintage Inspired Wedding in Hawaii

Since our wedding venue involves picturesque beaches and famous gardens of Hawaii, the first and foremost thing is to arrange the tables facing the view. Imagine the famous Hawaiian sun setting in the background, exotic flowers in full bloom, and the bride and groom chanting their vows under a blooming arch!

The best part of having a wedding in Hawaii is that you have an endless supply of flowers native only to the island. And why not take advantage? Dress the tables and venue with vines, anthurium, and the stunning bird of paradise, its vibrant orange petals embody the raw hidden spirit of Hawaii.

Add pastel blues and emerald greens to the table and chairs to keep with the vintage theme. Opt for a simple yet elegant gauzy table runner and let the flowers do the talking.

Favours and Gifts for a Vintage Inspired Wedding in Hawaii

Favours and gifts for the guest at weddings can be small baskets filled with little knick-knacks. You can add local handmade jewellery as well.

Add little souvenirs the guests can take back home, a little something to remember your momentous day. Use silk as gift wrappings and big white bows; the definition of old Hollywood. For your female guests why not add blood-red lipstick? It will be a perfect gift for a vintage wedding.

If you want to go a step further, place feather boas on a table near the entrance. It will be the best way to channel your inner 50’s diva.

Wedding Photo Shoot Ideas for a Vintage Inspired Wedding in Hawaii

If a place was purely made for wedding photography, it would have been Hawaii! The stunning Hawaiian backdrop makes for the perfect photo shoot. Our bride and groom celebrated their joyous occasion in The Hawaii State of the Art Museum. The whitewashed walls, bay windows, and patios remind us of ‘A Roman Holiday’ perfectly.

Pose for the camera hand in hand with your gorgeous partner and delve into each other’s eyes! Add little secret-ish smiles and let the cameraman do his job. Let the mile-long veil flow behind you and pose under an arch. And don’t forget the bouquet, it’s the quintessential part of a vintage-themed wedding.

Colour Palettes for a Vintage Inspired Wedding in Hawaii

Since you are holding a wedding in Hawaii with a vintage theme in tow, you want it to be classy and chic. An outburst of vibrancy is not really necessary here; however, you can add little hints of bold colours, such as red, brown, or navy.

Pearly whites, nude pinks, and beige are also stunning colours to choose from. Keep the décor understated as well and use muted hues for tables and chairs.  

This palette will harmoniously merge with the Hawaii vintage theme and look classy. Using navy blue, white, black, red, and green but in darker shades, instead of sprightly colours, gives a nice look.

Bouquets and Boutonnieres for a Vintage Inspired Wedding in Hawaii

Whatever the theme of the wedding may be, wedding flowers cannot be forgotten. When we talk about vintage, cream and light colours come to mind. White roses and jasmine would be lovely in such a set-up. These are a must for vintage-themed weddings. You can also choose flowers that complement your decor but are in harmony with your colour palette.

The bride’s bouquet however is an exception. After all, it is her day! Choose an assortment that is to your liking. The floral accents on the tables, however, can be according to the decor. Use rich royal colours instead of flamboyant and bright tones. It is a vintage-themed wedding and rich royal colours are what we are striving for.

Wedding Invitations for a Vintage Inspired Wedding in Hawaii

What goes well with the golden colour? A darker hue of teal green! That rich green, together with gold will look perfect for your wedding invitations. Royal teal green stock upon which your invitation message is printed and golden envelopes that will hold them.

You can use various patterns on the envelope to make them look even more intriguing. A pattern of pineapples perhaps? They would look cute and uphold the Hawaii wedding theme.

Wedding Cake Ideas for a Vintage Inspired Wedding in Hawaii

Since we are doing a vintage themed wedding, the cake should definitely be in a colour that reflects this. A  hue like that of coffee or toffee would be perfect. Consider a coffee coloured cake with gold and beige embellishments.

Together with the intricate details, small petite flowers popping from the sides would look beautiful. You can ask the baker to use colours that blend with the colour palette you selected. Add the crisscross pattern and edible pearls. Use colours that give off old vibes and they make the cake look as if it were inspired by the late 1900s.

Plus, Hawaii calls for flowers, so the cake must have some flower garnishing.

Reception Decor for a Vintage Inspired Wedding in Hawaii

Set amidst amazing cream-coloured buildings in Hawaii, the reception of your wedding will indeed be mesmerising. The tables can be set in the centre. The arrangement can be both in a circular pattern or a simple classic straight formation. One big table where all the guests get to sit together is a good option. However, if you think otherwise and want to opt for round seating then that would look amazing too.

Plus, the area left for the reception dance should also be spacious since the wedding dance can’t be compromised.

Flowers are also essential to the reception decor. Bouquets can also be set on the tabletops in the centre of circular tables and ottoman style sofas placed beside walls with beads encrusted in them. Remember the 50s?

Wedding Dresses and Accessories for a Vintage Inspired Wedding in Hawaii

Take inspiration from the light wedding dress and Juliet cap veil we see on our bride. If you have another look in mind, perhaps go vintage. Remember the dress Audrey Hepburn wore in Funny Face? The stunning tea-length dress that was covered with frilly tulle? It became the iconic wedding dress that defined the 1950s and old Hollywood glamour. Well, here is your recipe for the perfect vintage wedding dress. Add a bouquet full of plain white roses or add a little bit of baby’s breath, and you are ready to walk down the aisle.

Think tulle, an enormous flowy skirt with lace details paired with classic white pumps, and the Hollywood vintage waves as the hairdo. To make the look complete, add the soft lip colour as seen on our bride and you are ready to manifest the vintage wedding album photos. Just add your groom to the photos and voila!

Ku’u lei: vintage inspired wedding in hawaii

After almost a year in the making the Ku’u Lei (My Beloved) Shoots are finally here! Conceptualized, styled, and photographed by Chelsea of Bit of Ivory Photography and Orchestrated Stylized Shoots, today’s wedding inspiration editorial melds Downton Abbey glamour with the Hawaiian Islands to create a flawless vintage tropical look.

To bring our vision to life a soft palette of butter yellow, blush pinks, ivory, gold, emerald-green, and tea was used along with lots of vintage details to represent Downton Abbey – and a pineapple motif to pull in Hawaii.

The Hawaii State Art Museum served as the venue and it brought that touch of Old World glamour and is a wonderful alternative to the typical Hawaii beach wedding.

One of the things I admire most about Bit of Ivory Photography is her insistence on using real couples for her shoots.  It was such a treat to not only help plan this shoot, but also model for it with some of my friends!

The bridal gown from Chaviano Couture was an absolute dream to wear along with Danani Handmade’s Juliet cap veil. The khaki colour of the wedding dress underneath the exquisite lace reminded me of a light tea stain hue, which couldn’t have been more perfect for the theme.

Passion Roots designed the most incredible bouquets and centrepiece seamlessly blending a chic tropical style with English glamour and the groom’s boutonniere (which mimics a Hawaiian lei) is one of the most unique things I’ve ever seen!

A Cake Life absolutely nailed the vintage tropics look with an amazing pale yellow cake. The detailing on it spoke to a long-time Hawaiian tradition of quilting and it looked incredible next to the invitation suite and tabletop paper goods designed by Peter Loves Jane. The little pineapple motifs are so cute!

An ivory tablecloth, gold chargers, and cracked green glassware pulled together the reception table along with gold Chiavari chairs from Accel Party Rentals that were used around the table and during the ceremony.

I’d like to give a big Mahalo to all of the incredible vendors who made this dream come to life. Your creativity and style never ceases to amaze me!

Be sure to tune in all week for more from the Ku’u Lei shoots.

Credits: Concept Design & Photography: Chelsea LaVere of Bit of Ivory Photography // Local & Publication Partner: Burnett’s Boards // Event Coordination: Moana Events // Logistics Coordination: Orchestrated Stylized Shoots // Venue: Hawai’i State Art Museum // Floral Design: Passion Roots // Stationary: Peter Loves Jane // Cake: A Cake Life // Bridal Gown: Chaviano Couture // Lace Bolero: Pure English Couture Bridal // Rentals: Accel Party Rentals // Makeup: Heather Bell Makeup Artistry (hsaffery(at)hotmail.com) // Hair: Star Allison // Bridal Veil & Bridesmaid Necklace: Danani Handmade // Groomswear: Celebrity Tuxedos // Topiaries: Curate // Model:  Sara Burnett, Bridesmaid – Melanie.