We Love This Hip Rooftop Wedding in NYC at One of the Coolest Venues in Town (+ Insider Tips!)
TOTALLY ROCKIN’ DIY VINYL RECORD INSPIRED WEDDING + Tips for Planning Your Vinyl Wedding Theme
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Peggy and Shawn planned their offbeat fall wedding in just 7 months. With a strict timeline to adhere to, the couple knew they were going to have to be especially organised.
Peggy found the Weatherby Community Center listed on a local website for budget weddings and it was exactly what the couple had been looking for.
“We were looking for an affordable venue that wasn’t too large and where we had full creative license.” She began.
“The theme was kind-of all over the place. We wanted to focus on our mutual love of music and how going to live shows was what really brought us together, so there were a lot of vinyl records incorporated into the decorations. We also collect vinyl together – so this fit really well. I also really love dinosaurs! When we found the book, “A Lovely Love Story,” it was like it was meant to be (people thought the book was actually written for us). So we added dinosaurs into the theme. The whole vibe was bright, happy, retro, and totally ‘us’. Nothing about our wedding was traditional – and it was perfect.”
“Both myself and Shawn work in tech and have hectic work schedules – so going out and shopping or finding suppliers was not really on the cards. I did all of the procurement of supplies and vendors through digital channels and websites. The only people we met in person was the photographer, the caterer, the venue manager, and the DJ. I did all the research online beforehand and they only met with people I intended to hire. It saved a lot of time.” She told us.
“Almost everything was DIY. I did all the decorations, wedding favors, bridesmaid jewelry, etc. Pinterest was a lifesaver. Inspiration also came from sites like Off Beat Bride and Bespoke Bride. I also bought ‘A Practical Wedding Planner: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating the Wedding You Want with the Budget You’ve Got (without Losing Your Mind in the Process).’ It really helped us to put together a general timeline and figure out the basics.” She explained.
“There was also a lot of googling going on. The biggest life saver was our DJ. Carrie helped us do the timeline for the wedding and reception. She kept things running like a well-oiled machine!”
Peggy was pretty convinced that nothing on the day would come together.
“I was still writing my vows while people were being seated for the ceremony.” She laughed.
“I hadn’t slept much the week of the wedding so I was very glad when my parents, sister, family, and bridesmaids arrived a couple of days before the wedding to help get my life together. If we were going to do it again – we probably wouldn’t have a wedding planner – but I would definitely be better about asking for help and not taking on the whole thing by myself.”
“My best advice would be to give any bride that is doing DIY to not get “shiny object syndrome.” This became a problem the more time I spent on Pinterest and wedding sites. Stay focused on the important projects and the end goal. EVERYTHING looks so cool and there are so many neat ideas – but you can’t do them all. Narrow it down to your favorites and be realistic. 🙂 Also – have fun and make sure that what you do reflects back on you. It feels so good when people tell me, “your wedding was the most fun wedding I have ever been to” – and I get told that quite often. If I had planned a wedding to please others – it would never have been that fun.”
Venue: Weatherby Community Center I Caterer: BC Bistro I Photographer: eGolden Moments Photography I DJ: Carrieoke Productions I Dress: Cocomelody I Invitations: Minted I Save the Date Magnets: New and Blue I Bridesmaid Dresses: Unique Vintage I Table Linens: Tablecloths Factory I Birdcage Veil: Etsy I Groom and Groomsmen’s ties & pocket squares: Tom Ford I Wedding Party Shoes: Converse I
Tips and Ideas for Planning a Vinyl Wedding Theme
If you’re on the hunt for a wedding theme that’s fun, nostalgic, and undeniably cool, then let me introduce you to the magic of a vinyl wedding. Whether you’re an old-school vinyl record enthusiast or simply want to channel retro vibes into your big day, this theme offers endless creative possibilities to make your wedding stand out. Think vintage aesthetics, music galore, and a touch of rock-and-roll romance—your guests won’t forget it.
The Appeal of a Vinyl Wedding
A vinyl wedding is more than just a nod to music; it’s about creating a vibe that’s personal, stylish, and infused with memories. Vinyl records have a certain warmth—not just in the way they sound, but in what they represent. They’re timeless, nostalgic, and, let’s be honest, way cooler than a Spotify playlist (though we love those, too). Incorporating vinyl into your wedding is like playing your personal greatest hits album, except the audience is full of your favorite people.
Imagine this: your guests arriving at a venue decked out with vintage records strung as garlands, tables named after iconic albums, and your first dance set to the crackle of a classic on the turntable. It’s an atmosphere that feels romantic and authentic, and let’s not forget—a vinyl wedding is practically begging to go viral on Instagram.
Ideas to Bring Your Vinyl Wedding to Life
- Invitations Inspired by Records: Set the tone right from the start with invitations designed to look like mini vinyl records. Include clever wording like “Our Greatest Hit” or “Spinning Into Forever” to keep the theme consistent.
- Record Player Guest Book: Skip the traditional guest book and have your guests sign an actual vinyl record or album cover. Frame it afterward as a keepsake to hang in your home.
Watch this video for a lovely vinyl record guest book:
- Vinyl Decor: Use old records as table chargers or centerpieces. For a DIY touch, transform vinyl into cake stands, wall décor, or even custom seating charts with guests’ names written in metallic paint. Not only is this super creative, but it’s also sustainable.
- Music-Themed Wedding Favors: Give your guests something to remember the day by, like personalized vinyl coasters or USB drives shaped like records loaded with your wedding playlist. It’s a great way to share the soundtrack of your love story.
- Custom Vinyl for the Wedding: Here’s the ultimate flex: create a custom vinyl record with your wedding vows, first dance song, or a collection of your favorite tunes as a couple. This is perfect for sentimental keepsakes or even for spinning during the reception.
Watch this awesome video of a wedding that offered vinyl records as favors:
Our Experience: Vinyl Weddings We Loved
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of covering some incredible vinyl-inspired weddings. One that stands out is Jess and Dan’s record shop reception. They rented out a cozy, vintage record store as their venue, where the aisles of albums doubled as the dance floor. Instead of traditional wedding favors, they handed out records with custom labels featuring their wedding date. The vibe was intimate, quirky, and so perfectly them.
Another favorite was Claire and Tom’s outdoor garden wedding, where vinyl took center stage in the decor. They had a record player spinning classic jazz tunes during cocktail hour and vinyl garlands strung between trees. The highlight? Their cake topper—a mini turntable with edible records. It was whimsical, romantic, and totally swoon-worthy.
Pros and Cons of a Vinyl Wedding
Like any wedding theme, a vinyl wedding has its perks and challenges. Let’s spin the pros and cons.
Pros:
- Personalization: It’s a unique theme that reflects your personality as a couple, especially if you’re music lovers.
- Instagram-Worthy: From vintage decor to creative photo ops, your guests will be snapping and sharing all night.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Thrift stores are goldmines for old records that can be upcycled into stunning decor pieces.
Cons:
- Weather Woes: If you’re using vinyl decor outdoors, be wary of melting in the sun or damage from rain.
- Logistics: Transporting fragile records or vintage equipment like turntables requires extra care.
- Niche Appeal: Not everyone shares your love for vinyl, so you’ll need to balance the theme with broader elements to keep all guests happy.
Symbolism Behind Vinyl at Weddings
There’s something deeply symbolic about incorporating vinyl into your wedding. Vinyl records are enduring—they’ve stood the test of time, just like your love will. They’re imperfect yet beautiful, with every crackle and pop adding to their charm. In a way, they’re a perfect metaphor for marriage: it’s not about being flawless but about embracing the unique story that’s yours to share.
Tips for Planning Your Vinyl Wedding
- Start Early: Vinyl records are having a bit of a renaissance, which means you’re not the only one on the hunt for them. Start thrifting or shopping online early to snag the best finds.
- Mix Modern and Vintage: Pair retro vinyl elements with modern touches like neon signs or sleek, minimalist table settings. The contrast will make the theme feel fresh rather than kitschy.
- Prioritize Sound Quality: If you’re using actual records for your music, invest in a good turntable and sound system. Nothing kills the vibe faster than scratchy audio during your first dance.
- Incorporate Your Love Story: Choose records or album covers that have meaning to you as a couple. Maybe it’s the album you played on your first road trip or the song that was playing when you first met. These personal touches make the day even more special.
Sources for Vinyl Wedding Inspiration
If you’re feeling inspired and ready to spin your wedding into something unforgettable, check out these resources for even more ideas:
- Pinterest Boards: A treasure trove of DIY vinyl wedding ideas. https://www.pinterest.com
- Etsy: Great for custom vinyl wedding decor and personalized records. https://www.etsy.com
- Wedding Blogs: Like this one from Bespoke Bride for endless inspiration! https://www.bespoke-bride.com
Final Thoughts
A vinyl wedding is more than a theme; it’s a celebration of music, nostalgia, and the journey you’ve been on as a couple. Whether you’re going all-out with retro vibes or just adding subtle vinyl accents, this theme offers endless possibilities to make your big day truly one-of-a-kind. And let’s face it: who doesn’t want their wedding to feel like the ultimate greatest hits album? With a little creativity, some DIY magic, and a great playlist, your vinyl wedding will have everyone talking—and dancing—for years to come. Let the music play!
So many awesome colours in this wedding, love it!
I adore the colour on her dress! So unusual!
so bright and vibrant
This is a great DIY project that will help you preserve the memories of your wedding for years to come. It really helped us to put together a general timeline and figure out the basics DIY Vinyl record inspired wedding.