Vintage Theme Bridal Shower Ideas

I know the vintage style was at its peak a few years ago, but these shabby chic details will never go out of style. What’s more, a fun trip to the thrift store, or grandma’s attic and you’ll find a treasure trove of unique items to use in the décor.

For this bridal shower theme I decided on a back yard setting where you can host a bridal luncheon. There’s plenty of design inspiration here, including a simple tablescape, a dessert table, and a notes table full of vintage touches.

To carry out the vintage theme to the max, invite your guests to dress in Nap dresses, or gingham prints, and put on a playlist of Big Band tunes.

_{*Post contains affiliate links. I earn commission from Amazon purchases.}

If you’re lucky enough to have a large tree, a gazebo, or other overhang, hang these DIY lamp shade frames. Set up the table underneath so it acts as a beautiful faux chandelier.

It’s easy to make:

1. Gently remove the shade fabric so you’re left with the wire form. Scissors or an exacta knife should work for this.
2. Spray paint the wire if necessary and let it dry.
3. Then add lace trim using a glue gun, or tie on ribbon and fabric strips to decorate it with vintage style.

Table Setting

You know what the best kept secret for a tablecloth is? A painters canvas drop cloth! For a minimal amount of money you can get a large canvas fabric that makes a great table covering for large or small tables. That’s what I used here, and you can see how great it looks when you need a light, neutral base.

A roll of jute upholstery webbing makes a great table runner and is budget friendly if you need to decorate several tables. A rustic vase in a glass and wire combo holds pretty flowers for the centerpiece.

These vintage style paper placemats frame each place setting. They’re also an economical way to add interest for a large crowd since they come in packs of 50. An alternative is to use large paper doilies under the plates.

I used clear glass plates so you can see the decorative pattern underneath. I’ve had these for years and purchased them from Dollar Tree for $1 each. A great investment for the home entertainer.

Tabletop Details

Wrap utensils in cloth napkins and tie with a strip of calico print fabric. The cut edges are very shabby chic!

Use 8-ounce canning jars to serve drinks in. Dress them up with lace trim and jute twine. A little dot of hot glue or Glue Dots keeps the lace in place.

Small tin boxes make lovely table favors when you fill them with color coordinated candies (Sixlets is what I used here). Tie on a tag with guests names and they double as place cards. You could also make these vintage style place cards if you want.

Blue hydrangeas are reminiscent of an heirloom garden (the planted bushes can live for decades) and make the perfect flowers for a centerpiece.

Another sweet personalized detail is the stamped silverware. You can buy vintage flatware or silverware for little money, and use a stamp kit to add the monogram of your guests or the bride and groom. It works well on spoons, knives, or the handles.

These make lovely favors for guests to take home. Just be aware that they’ll need to be rinsed or washed after the meal if you’re using them to eat with.

Dessert Table Decor

Decorate the table with a few vintage pieces mixed in with pieces that only LOOK vintage! The old window makes an interesting backdrop, and you can usually find them at thrift stores.

No need for fancy garlands in this party design. Swags of lace and pompom yarn do the trick, as well as jute twine with crocheted doilies draped over top – easy DIY styling tricks anyone can do!

Fill a flip top jar with a mix of old and new tin cookie cutters. Add rustic tin letters (I found these at Hobby Lobby) to represent the initials of the bride and groom.

The “old-fashioned” storage tins are actually new, but certainly look vintage. A blue or green tinted canning jar is the ideal vessel to hold a small flower arrangement.

Desserts

A dessert table for a vintage style shower should include homemade family recipes. Serve grandma’s famous chess pie, and aunt Sue’s signature chocolate bundt cake.

Finger food desserts round out the sweets display, using a tiered wire server. Chocolate cake pops and puff pastry palmiers work well here. These Nutella puff pastry bites are a fantastic alternative to the palmiers.

PARTY TIP: For another sweet gesture, provide the family recipes to your guests as a take-home gift.

Activities Table

Send the bride-to-be home with a wealth of good old-fashioned advice from family and friends. Set up a table where guests can write down some words of wisdom and hang them on a decorative display.

A frame inlayed with chicken wire is a terrific place to hang the notes using small clothespins. Go the extra mile and cover the edge of the clothespins in decorative washi tape to coordinate with the party.

A vintage mail holder holds blank note cards to write on. Two types of floral frogs can be used for something other than flowers. The glass style can hold pencils, while a metal spike style can hold small signs or place cards.

Round out the table with a vase of flowers and a framed sign, plus other items with a vintage look.

Menu

Serve a lunch that’s on theme with classic dishes that have stood the test of time. Make hot chicken salad casserole and creamy potato salad – double them for a crowd. They’re both family recipes past down over the decades.

The best deviled eggs with bacon also make a great addition. And an heirloom tomato salad is fresh and puts seasonal tomatoes front and center.

For drinks I suggest iced tea, or a pitcher of pomegranate peach lemonade.

More Bridal Shower Themes

If you love hosting showers at home with DIY details and vintage decor, you might like this kitchen theme “Recipe for Love” bridal shower. And there are more vintage-style decorations in this “Meant to Bee” theme, and this rustic-modern theme shower.

Are you planning a vintage bridal shower for someone? I guarantee they’ll appreciate all the charming details of this party. And remember, they can work for birthdays, baby showers, and mother’s day too!