Retro-themed weddings seem to be growing in popularity by the day (even celebrities are getting in on the act), and so demand for specialist vintage wedding photographers with relevant knowledge and experience is growing with it. While there's no substitute for rolling up your bloomers and testing the vintage waters yourself, it helps to be armed with some ideas so you don't feel like a bemused Marty McFly stepping out of the DeLorean for the first time when you dive into the shoot's planning stage. Here are some tips that will hopefully stand the test of time travel...
Polaroids are People-Pleasers!
If there's anything that makes a vintage-themed wedding more authentic, it's dead technology. Sure, if the wedding is '20's themed, then sourcing a camera from that era is probably out of the question, but Polaroids are still old-timey enough to delight the happy couple and wedding guests alike regardless of the wedding theme's decade.
The trick is to take people by surprise; start by taking Polaroids of people before and during the wedding service and if anyone asks, tell them they'll be in the official wedding photo album. Then, once the ceremony's over and you've snapped the bejesus out of the newlyweds, race on ahead to the reception venue and hang the Polaroids up in an attractive display so people can see pictures of themselves and their friends as they arrive. The delight on guests' faces will make the extra effort worthwhile.
Location, Location, Location
Sometimes the couple will have a location in mind for the post-service photos but often they'll be looking for guidance from the professional (that's you!). Here are a few thought-starters:
- Heritage-listed buildings - check with your local heritage association or tourist board for suitable places close to the wedding venue.
- Parks with bandstands - hell, you could even hire a couple of violinists to play while the couple embrace in matrimonial bliss!
- Old farmhouses and barns - these timeless buildings work for any era.
- Virtually any building with a weatherboard exterior - a touch of wear and tear on the wood is a bonus.
- Abandoned buildings - for the more adventurous couples, a disused school or hotel could provide an unbeatable backdrop by tying into the whole time-warp theme. It's not everyone's cup of tea though, so approach with caution!
Don't be afraid to think outside the box but be sure to scout the location ahead of time and for outdoor shoots, make sure you have an indoor fallback in case of inclement weather. Always remember that the couple's interests and opinions are what counts; no matter how in love you are with that old sandstone brewery down the street, it's no use pushing it as a location if the bride's strictly teetotal!
Props Mean Props
Once you have your location locked in, you may just need to throw in something extra to finish off that killer shot. Many companies specialise in hiring out retro gear from a huge range of eras, and you may even be lucky enough to stumble across a bicycle from the right decade (just make sure it fits in your car!). Try propping the bike up against a wall in the background with fresh flowers filling the basket but be mindful of choosing the right colours to complement the shot. If you plan to make a long-term commitment to shooting vintage weddings, maybe even scour local junk shops for a fixer-upper - the added bonus is you get to ride it around in your spare time!
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