It seems the vintage theme is everywhere lately. Why do you think it's so popular now?
This demographic is into green living—reuse, re-purpose, recycle. Undeniably it also has something to do with what they are watching—trailers for the Great Gatsby and Mad Men, Bomb Girls, Boardwalk Empire and Downton Abbey on TV are exposing more people to the vintage aesthetic.
I'm having a small wedding,
how can I set my table with a hint of the past?
A small wedding would be perfect for the mismatched look—everything from chairs to china, silver, lace and cloth napkins.
Can you recommend some easy ways to incorporate a taste of vintage without going overboard?
This season is all about lace and really with that, you can't go overboard! Lace curtains, doilies, lace tablecloths, layer on layer on layer. But if you really want to incorporate just a taste, think about one element of your decor—centrepieces of wildflowers in old coloured bottles or china teacups, enhancing your cake table with vintage cake plates and vintage kitchen utensils, or maybe just an elegant vintage sofa for photos.
I'm an antique junkie. What are some good things to keep my eye out for when it comes to finding the perfect wedding accents?
Keep an eye out for silver plates, milk glass, lace, industrial items which tie into the Art Deco (1920s) theme.
What were some of the most interesting weddings you've rented items to like? How did they use them?
I am a new business and was just getting started last summer so I am excited to see what all my couples will do this year. It helps to have a knack for seeing beyond what something is and visualizing what it could be used for. I have found that a lot of vintage brides are also DIY brides and already have some idea of what they are looking for. But sometimes you just have to see it to know you want it. I do have to mention that last year a bride's father built a wooden archway to support a stained-glass church window. That was pretty spectacular!
As a wedding photographer, collector and reality TV junkie, Valerie Fiddes noticed a trend towards vintage while watching an episode of Tori and Dean which featured an LA rental company---something she knew wasn’t offered locally. So, Something Borrowed Vintage Rentals was born. Rentals will fit in perfectly with today’s vintage, retro, shabby chic, steam punk or Victorian weddings. \n
