2015 Top 10 Useful Vintage Wedding Decoration Ideas

Mismatched China Sets for Table Styling

• Why It Works: Mismatched vintage china was one of the most loved wedding trends in 2015 because it made tables feel personal, charming, and full of character. Instead of using identical plates and cups, couples leaned into mixed patterns and soft, timeless colors to create a warm, collected look that felt intentional rather than random.
• What To Use: A good vintage set usually includes floral plates, gold-rimmed saucers, delicate teacups, and pastel-toned dishware. Mixing these pieces gives the table a layered feel, especially when paired with neutral table linens and fresh flowers.
• Where To Find Them: Antique shops, estate sales, flea markets, and vintage wedding rental companies are great places to start. If you want the look without buying a full set, renting is usually the easiest option and helps keep everything consistent.

Antique Typewriters as Guestbook Stations

• Why Guests Love It: Typewriters were a standout vintage detail in 2015 because they made guest messages feel more meaningful. Instead of just signing a guestbook, guests got to type a note that felt thoughtful and unique, and the couple ended up with keepsakes that looked beautiful and nostalgic.
• How To Set It Up: Place the typewriter on a vintage side table near the entrance, the photo booth, or the reception lounge. Add a small sign inviting guests to type a note, and include paper that fits the theme, such as parchment-style sheets or lightly textured stationery.
• Extra Styling Tip: Add a small tray with envelopes, vintage pens, or wax seals next to the setup so the whole station looks styled and complete. Even if the typewriter does not work, it still looks amazing as a decorative centerpiece.

Lace Table Runners for a Soft Vintage Touch

• Why Lace Always Wins: Lace was a major design element in 2015 vintage weddings because it instantly made tables look romantic and soft. It also blended well with rustic materials like wood and burlap, which helped couples balance elegance with a relaxed, natural vibe.
• How To Use It: Lace runners worked best when layered on top of neutral linens like ivory, beige, or soft gray. They also looked great on farmhouse tables without tablecloths, where the lace added texture without covering up the wood grain.
• Color Options: Most couples stayed with classic white or ivory lace, although dusty rose, sage, and lavender lace runners became popular for themed weddings. When paired with candlelight, lace adds depth and detail without overwhelming the table.

Stacked Suitcases for Cards and Decor

• Why Suitcases Became a Favorite: Vintage suitcases were a popular 2015 wedding décor choice because they were useful and decorative at the same time. Couples used them as card holders, display risers, and decorative stacks that filled empty corners in a venue without needing extra floral pieces.
• How To Use Them: Place one suitcase open with a “Cards” sign inside and line it with lace or linen to match the theme. Stack multiple suitcases in different sizes near the gift table, dessert table, or guestbook area to add height and make the space look designed.
• What To Look For: Leather suitcases, brass locks, faded fabric linings, and worn edges usually look the most authentic. The goal is to find pieces with a lived-in look that feel like they belong to another era.

Mason Jars and Milk Bottles as Floral Vases

• Why They Still Work Today: Mason jars and milk bottles became iconic in 2015 vintage weddings because they were affordable and easy to style. They fit perfectly into rustic, garden, and farmhouse weddings while still giving off that nostalgic, old-time charm.
• Best Flowers To Use: Wildflowers, baby’s breath, small roses, and greenery work beautifully in these containers. The glass keeps the focus on the flowers, and the vintage look comes through when you add details like twine, lace wraps, or burlap accents.
• Where To Place Them: These vases work well as table centerpieces, aisle decorations, bar accents, and even restroom counter décor. When clustered in groups of three or five, they create a more layered centerpiece that feels full without needing large floral arrangements.

Old Window Frames and Doors as Backdrops

• Why They Stand Out: Vintage window frames and doors were a major décor highlight in 2015 because they created structure. They gave couples a large focal piece that could be used for photos, ceremonies, or signage without requiring a huge budget.
• Creative Ways To Use Them: Couples often used window panes to display seating charts, love quotes, or table assignments using white paint pens or calligraphy vinyl. Others hung twine across the frame to clip photos using mini clothespins, creating a sentimental photo display that doubled as décor.
• Styling Tip: Add trailing greenery, soft fabric drapes, or small floral clusters at the top corners for a romantic finish. Weathered wood and distressed paint make the piece feel authentic, so avoid overly polished frames if your goal is true vintage.

Framed Signs with Vintage Flair

• Why Frames Elevate Everything: Ornate picture frames were widely used in 2015 because they made even simple signs look upscale. Whether you used them for menus, welcome notes, or directions, they added a formal vintage touch that still felt warm and approachable.
• How To Use Them: Insert chalkboard backing into the frame for reusable signage, or place printed paper signs inside for a cleaner look. Many couples used easels to display frames at the ceremony entrance, near the bar, or by the guestbook station.
• Color Matching Tip: Spray painting thrifted frames in gold, bronze, or antique white helped keep the décor consistent. Even when frames were different shapes, the same color made them feel like they belonged together.

Candle Lanterns and Candelabras for Ambiance

• Why Lighting Matters: In 2015, vintage weddings were all about mood, and candlelight delivered that instantly. Lanterns and candelabras made venues feel warm and intimate, especially during evening ceremonies or receptions.
• Where To Place Lanterns: Lanterns looked beautiful lining aisles, placed at the base of ceremony arches, or positioned along outdoor pathways. Hanging lanterns from shepherd hooks or tree branches gave outdoor receptions a dreamy glow.
• How To Use Candelabras: Candelabras became statement pieces on head tables and dining tables, especially when paired with greenery and soft florals. Wrought iron, brass, and distressed finishes worked best for vintage themes. LED tapers also worked well for venues that required flame-free setups.

Books and Typewritten Quotes for a Literary Feel

• Why Books Added Meaning: Vintage book décor was popular in 2015 because it felt personal. Stacked books added height to table centerpieces, while typewritten quotes added emotional value without being overly dramatic.
• How To Use Books: Couples often stacked hardcover books under floral arrangements, candles, or small décor pieces. Some used open books as display platforms, creating a romantic vintage look that still felt clean and tasteful.
• How To Add Quotes: Printing classic love quotes in a typewriter-style font brought the theme together. These quotes were often framed, placed on tables, or used as small signs near lounge seating. Old book pages also became garlands and table scatter, especially for weddings with a classic or academic feel.

Decorative Birdcages for Floral Arrangements

• Why Birdcages Worked So Well: Birdcages became a signature vintage wedding decoration in 2015 because they looked romantic and whimsical. They offered a creative way to display flowers, candles, and soft lighting without using traditional vases.
• How Couples Styled Them: Many filled birdcages with trailing greenery, blush roses, baby’s breath, and string lights. Others placed pillar candles inside for a warm glow. Birdcages were also used as aisle markers, hanging décor, or statement centerpieces.
• Best Finishes To Choose: White, brass, antique gold, or distressed pastel birdcages typically worked best. After the wedding, couples also reused them as home décor, making them a practical decorative investment.

Conclusion

Vintage wedding decoration ideas from 2015 brought warmth, charm, and personality into every venue. Each detail, from delicate lace runners to antique typewriters and mismatched china, made weddings feel more meaningful and less cookie-cutter. These décor choices worked so well because they told a story through textures, materials, and nostalgic pieces. Even today, couples still use these same ideas because they add character without feeling overly trendy. When we choose vintage décor with intention and balance it with clean styling, the wedding space feels timeless, inviting, and unforgettable.

Key Takeaway: Vintage wedding décor works best when we focus on meaningful, practical pieces that add warmth and character. When we combine items like lace, antique frames, books, lanterns, and mismatched china, the venue feels personal and timeless while still looking polished and well-styled.

FAQs

Where can we find affordable vintage wedding decorations?

Thrift stores, flea markets, estate sales, and online marketplaces like Etsy or Facebook Marketplace are great options. Many couples also borrow vintage décor from family members, which adds sentimental value while saving money.

What florals match vintage wedding décor best?

Soft and romantic flowers like garden roses, peonies, ranunculus, baby’s breath, and eucalyptus pair well with vintage containers like mason jars, birdcages, and teacups. Muted colors such as blush, ivory, dusty blue, and sage usually fit best.

How can we use vintage décor without making the wedding look outdated?

Balance makes the difference. Pair vintage décor with modern elements such as clean signage, fresh floral arrangements, and a consistent color palette. Keeping the layout uncluttered also helps the décor feel styled rather than overly themed.

Can we rent vintage decorations instead of buying them?

Yes, many wedding rental companies offer vintage décor collections including china, lanterns, frames, furniture, and props. Renting is a good option when you want consistency without needing storage afterward.

Is DIY vintage wedding décor a good idea?

Yes, vintage décor is one of the easiest styles to DIY. Repurposing frames, distressing wood pieces, wrapping jars in lace, and creating simple signage are all manageable projects that add personality without requiring professional-level skills.