Vintage Wedding Inspo That’s As Classic As Apple Pie

summer wedding ideas

As the season shifts and we start to think about wedding ideas that don’t involve the beach, one of my favorite wedding themes is what I like to call Apple Pie and Bows. It’s an Americana throwback that’s as classic as, well, apple pie. Plus, bows are majorly trending right now, which means what’s old is definitely new again!

summer wedding ideas

Imagine this: A vintage-inspired wedding with a pink and red wedding color palette, 50s-style details such as bows and even a cardigan to keep the bride cozy on a fall evening, and a sweet nod to carrying your books home after school with the reception decor. Here are a few of our favorite wedding ideas for an Apple Pie and Bows theme:

1. Books and Books!

Vintage books, tied with delicate bows, serve as centerpieces that add a literary nod to your day. Handwritten love quotes on bookmarks can also double as place settings while sticking to the theme. These hand-pressed, velvet table numbers finish off the vintage book store look.

vintage wedding inspo bows

2. Bows Everywhere

Bows are everywhere right now! From chair sashes and napkin ties to mason jars and mini pies, they add playful, vintage wedding inspiration tto every detail. One of the easiest places to incorporate bows is on your invitations, Save the Dates, and other paper accessories (like these adorable bow vellum wraps). Adding ribbon into your wedding paper whenever you can to hint at what’s to come.

Bow Save the Date by Paper Sun Studio
Antique Ribbon Invitation by Olivia Kanaley Inman

3. Vintage Games

Give your guests a little retro fun with a croquet setup during cocktail hour and a giant Connect Four game in the yard!

summer wedding ideas
summer wedding ideas
croque set
Croquet set via Minted

4. Apple Pie Bar

When it comes to vintage wedding inspiration, you can’t forget about the food! Create a pie bar with mini pies and toppings, or go for apple pie pops—which let you dance and eat your dessert, too!

summer wedding ideas

5. Tie One On with a Twist of Apple!

A spiked apple cider or punch keeps the apple theme going. Try these fall-inspired wedding cocktails. And don’t forget the bar sign highlighting your favorite drinks!

fall apple cocktail
bar sign
Arch Bar sign from Minted

6. Tie the Knot in Style

Bridesmaids in soft cardigans paired with simple bows in their hair strike the perfect balance between cozy and timeless. And for the bride, don’t be afraid to go bold with a bow-tied halter dress or an even bigger bow statement. And let’s not forget the groom! Think suspenders and bow ties, or bring the attention even further down with colorful blue laces!

summer wedding ideas
summer wedding ideas
summer wedding ideas
summer wedding ideas
summer wedding ideas

7. Sweet Wedding Favors

Jars of apple pie filling or mini pies tied with—you guessed it—a bow, are sweet takeaways your guests will love.

summer wedding ideas
baker's twine
Baker’s Twine from Minted
summer wedding ideas

Bows are having a major moment, and incorporating them throughout your wedding creates a cohesive, stylish look that’s fun and nostalgic!

Vendor Credits: Photographer: Heather Mayer Photography | Beauty: Angela Marguarite Salon & Boutique | Event Planner: EVENTful Moments | Floral Designer: Flora D’ Amore by Stadium Flowers | Reception Venue: Lord Hill Farms | Bakery: Snohomish Pie Company

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  1. says: Hether Mayer

    Thank you for sharing this inspired wedding that we had the pleasure of photographing. 🙂