Let’s just be honest: we’re all a little obsessed with Sofia Richie and Hailey Bieber’s wedding aesthetics, right? You’ve been scrolling Instagram for the 48th time today, only to find yet another perfectly minimalist wedding photo of Sofia Richie, looking like she’s straight out of a Ralph Lauren catalogue. And you’re like, “Wait, how do I get that old money aesthetic?!” while you stare at your bank account and wonder if buying that latte was really necessary.
Well, Good news! You can achieve this look without the trust fund. It’s all about the right details, thoughtful choices, and a bit of clever sourcing. Lucky for you, we at Tavern Creative have all the tools to help you make it happen.
What Is the Old Money Aesthetic?
Think “Downton Abbey”, but with less drama and fewer scandalous affairs. The old money aesthetic is all about understated elegance, and luxury that whispers rather than shouts. It’s classic and refined, filled with subtle details that say, “We’ve had this in the family for years” - even if you just bought it on Etsy.
It is all about timeless elegance with a soft, muted colour palette—think ivory, sage greens, dusty blues, and delicate champagne tones. Rich fabrics like linen, silk, and velvet bring a sense of luxury, while rustic touches such as weathered wood and stone add depth and character, balanced by hints of polished brass for a refined finish. The true beauty lies in the details: vintage candelabras casting a gentle glow and antique books artfully placed within the centrepieces, creating an atmosphere of effortless sophistication and romance.
Now, let’s get down to the important stuff. How can you pull this off without setting fire to your wedding budget?
1. Invitations That Set the Tone
Nothing says ‘old money’ quite like the right wedding invitation. It’s your guests’ first clue that your wedding will be a stylish affair, not a rave in a marquee. Tavern Creative’s wedding invitations are the perfect place to start. Whether you’reafter a minimalist design or something more ornate, we can tailor your invitations to your exact vision without breaking the bank. Our team works with you to adapt every detail, from the colour scheme to the design, making sure your stationery reflects your style—whatever your preferred palette may be. Love soft pastels? No problem. Dreaming of rich, bold hues? We’ve got you covered. The flexibility to customise every aspect means that your invitations will look like they belong to a different era but still feel completely you.
A classic old-money look often includes simple, elegant typography (none of that Comic Sans nonsense) on high-quality paper. Think thick, textured card that feels like it could survive a few generations. If you’ve been lucky enough to secure a stately home, castle, or manor house as your venue, then you’ve already nailed the vibe. But even if your wedding is at a local hall, the right decor and details will transport your guests to a world of timeless sophistication. One trick we adore is including minimalistic illustrations of your venue. At Tavern Creative, we offer bespoke venue illustrations that bring personalisation and charm without being overly fussy. And let’s be honest, no one enjoys a complicated wedding.
For an extra touch of vintage luxury, we also offer wax seals. Yes, proper vintage wax seals! It’s like your wedding invitation travelled through time from an era when people still wrote love letters and didn’t ghost anyone. A wax seal adds a touch of old-world elegance that will have your guests thinking they’ve just been invited to the wedding of the century without the added pound sign.
2. Stately Home Illusion
If you’ve spent any time stalking the Biebers wedding, you’ve probably found yourself eyeing up historic and vintage venues and wondering, “How do I host my wedding at a grand estate without actually having to marry into nobility?”Well, the good news is, you don’t need to break into a National Trust property to get that classic, old-money feel.
You can absolutely achieve the “country estate” vibe by choosing a venue that oozes history, charm, and timeless elegance—without the price tag that comes with a Duke’s family seat.
If you want something a bit more “rustic chic” while still channelling the old-money aesthetic, English barns or converted churches are the perfect middle ground. These venues give you that classic charm without the intimidating price tag (and they usually come with a bit more flexibility for decorating). Boutique hotels are a great way to capture that luxurious, old-money feeling while keeping things manageable. Look for places that offer a mix of period architecture, tasteful interiors, and enough charm to convince everyone your great-uncle once owned a castle. Cliveden House in Berkshire, The Pig in Hampshire and Lime Wood, New Forest all offer the perfect blend of luxury and class at an accessible price. If you’re working with a smaller budget but still want to channel your inner Viscountess, don’t underestimate the power of a charming old pub or historic tavern. The George in Rye, East Sussex – A beautifully restored 16th-century coaching inn with beams, fireplaces, and all the charm you could ask for. It’s like getting married in a perfectly preserved piece of history, with all the cosiness of a pub. The Gun, Docklands, London – Overlooking the Thames with a history that includes hosting Lord Nelson (talk about old money vibes), The Gun offers a taste of London’s history without the hefty price tag. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from Bridgerton. Many of these places have been around for centuries and ooze personality, history, and enough “quirk” to make them feel special. Add some string lights, hire a string quartet, and suddenly you’ve got a venue fit for a mini-royal bash. However, Even if you go with a local village hall or a more modest venue, you can still make it look like an exclusive country estate wedding. Opt for clean, elegant decor—white linens, lots of greenery, and soft lighting. So, whether you go full-on stately home or find a charming, budget-friendly option, the key is in the decor details.
3. Colour Palette – Less is More
When it comes to old money, it’s all about taste. Nothing too flashy or bright. Muted tones of ivory, cream, olive greens, and soft blues will give your wedding that timeless, serene feel. However, if your heart is set on something different (maybe a deep burgundy or a rich navy), we can make it work. At Tavern Creative we can adapt any colour palette you fancy for your stationery, menus, and even your illustrated venue pieces.
Pair your colours with luxurious fabrics like velvet table runners or silk napkins, and suddenly your wedding is looking very “old money” indeed – but without the “old money” price tag. Antique markets, charity shops, local fabric shops, and online retailers like Etsy are excellent places to find affordable fabrics. These sources often offer unique and vintage options that can help you achieve that old-money aesthetic without straining your budget. You can discover high-quality velvet, silk, and other luxurious materials at a fraction of the cost, perfect for table runners, napkins, and decor elements. Exploring these avenues not only saves money but also adds character and charm to your wedding.
4. The Dress Code
Let’s talk about the dress. “How do I achieve that level of sophistication without selling a kidney?” The key is to embrace a classic and minimal approach. Look for sleek lines, avoid fussy detailing, and consider adding a hint of vintage inspiration. Luxurious fabrics like satin or silk provide that coveted old money sheen, while a simple, understated veil lends an air of timeless grace.
But where to Save? Vintage bridal shops are a goldmine for seeking elegance without the exorbitant price tag. You’d be amazed at the number of stunning, barely-worn gowns waiting for a new home. Sites such as Vinted and ASOS offer a vast collection of preloved dresses at your fingertips for less than half of the price. Vintage dresses perfectly embody the old-money aesthetic, allowing you to channel a bygone era.
To complete the old-money aesthetic, encourage your guests to channel their inner aristocrat. Subtle nods to 1920s glamour or classic black-tie attire can elevate your entire celebration. Think tailored suits for the gents and elegant gowns for the ladies—this isn’t just a wedding; it’s a soirée that harkens back to a time when social events were about poise and sophistication. Include a note on your invitations suggesting dress codes that reflect the era. Whether it’s “vintage chic” or “classic black tie,” setting the tone beforehand helps everyone get into the spirit of the occasion.
5. Final Thoughts: Because old money is a vibe, not a bank balance
Achieving the old money aesthetic on a budget is all about faking it with class. It’s about embracing an elegant lifestyle that feels authentic, regardless of your bank balance. Start with a neutral colour palette—think soft creams, muted greens, and classic navy blues. These tones exude sophistication and create a calming atmosphere, perfect for any gathering.
Don’t underestimate the power of accessories. Dust off those pearls or vintage brooches that might be hiding in your jewellery box. Classic pieces can elevate your look and add that touch of timeless charm. A simple string of pearls or an elegant pair of vintage earrings can make even a basic outfit feel special and refined. The combination of beautiful illustrations and elegant wax seals will give your invites a polished touch, signalling to your guests that this is an affair to remember.
Consider the overall ambience you want to create. Use vintage china and soft candlelight to set a charming scene. Incorporate details like elegant table settings and fresh flowers to enhance the old-money vibe. Think about hiring a string quartet to provide live music—nothing adds to a sophisticated atmosphere quite like the sound of classical strings.
Remember, it’s not just about the decor; it’s about crafting an experience. Encourage guests to dress in vintage or formal attire to enhance the atmosphere and help everyone feel like they’ve stepped into a world of elegance and refinement. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can embody the charm and sophistication of old money—proving that style and grace can flourish without a lavish budget.
