Ask Maggie: Vintage China

RWC Reader: I am planning a vintage style rustic wedding and I have fallen in love with the weddings that I have seen that use different vintage china. Can you help me figure out the best way to go about getting dishes like this for my wedding?

First off, I too am in love with the weddings that feature different types of vintage china for place-settings but understand it is not an easy task to take on. There are several ways to go about collecting vintage china for your wedding and one way is as easy as placing a phone call. Below are a few of my tips for finding and adding vintage china to your wedding day decor.

1. Start At Home – See what you have in your attic, basement and china cabinet. Many patterns now have a vintage look to them but are not exactly vintage. You might have something hiding someplace that could get you closer to your wedding day look.

2. Ask Family & Friends – send out the word to your family and friends that you are looking for vintage china for your wedding. You will be amazed at what your might be able to come up. You might be lucky enough to be able to cobble together enough for cocktail hour or even for the entire dinner. If you go this route I urge you take a picture of each of the china sets and label each one with how many pieces you got and who they came from, this will make it easier when you have to returen all of the plates.

3. Shop Local – Starting with your local fea markets, tag sales, Good Will, thrift and consignment shops you should be able to find a large quantity of china sets that when all mixed and matched together make a great look. Most of these “shops” should not cost you much but I suggest starting early in the wedding process as it could take months to find enough plates, cups and settings for all your guests.

4. Shop Online – There is nothing wrong with finding china on sites like ebay and esty or turning to larger online stores like Ikea & World Market. Not all of these places sell vintage but many times you might be able to find the vintage look at a great price.

5. The Rental Option – If you are anything like me than and you like to be able to check things off your “To Do” list than I suggest calling a rental company and getting a quote to rent china for your wedding. There are rental companies popping up all over the country that specialize in vintage china and place-settings and can not only rent you the china but also help you mix and match pieces so that your table looks 100% amazing. I suggest checking out my friends at Something Borrowed in Connecticut and Vintage Table Co. in Los Angles.

All photos and place settings are courtesy of Something Borrowed