The Old Money Wedding Style Explained: How to Get the Look You See on Pinterest & Instagram
If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or TikTok lately, you’ve seen it: weddings that look like they’ve been in the family for generations. We’re talking hand-written vows under centuries-old oaks, champagne towers, candlelit halls, and design that whispers a luxurious level of beauty without ever needing to shout.
Image From: Lori Waltenbury, Venue: Shangri-La Toronto
Old money weddings are definitely all the rage these days. And while the aesthetic feels rooted in tradition, it’s far from outdated. It’s why Pinterest searches for “old money wedding aesthetic” and “quiet luxury wedding” have skyrocketed; this style strikes a beautiful balance between a luxury celebration and a wedding that feels truly intimate and personal.
Old money weddings are subtle and, most importantly, the epitome of intentional design.
Here at Claudia and Co., we love crafting weddings for our couples that feel deeply personal. If you’re dreaming of an old money wedding, we’re excited to share our tips and tricks, from what to look for in a venue to choosing a florist who can bring this look to life.
One of our beautiful couples, Alicia and Mark, opted for a modern, luxury take on the old money wedding style, and we were thrilled to bring their vision to life. As we walk through today’s full guide on how to craft an old money-inspired wedding, we’ll be sharing highlights from their day, elements we absolutely loved and how you can incorporate similar touches into your own celebration.
When we first met Alicia and Mark, we discovered their shared love for fashion and editorial design. Throughout their wedding, we wove in those passions, like Alicia’s custom ostrich feather gown paired with chic golden Prada heels. Every design choice we made reflected the old money aesthetic while perfectly capturing their personalities. The result? An evening that felt striking, fashion-forward, and timeless, all while leaving guests completely in awe.
So, How to Get the Look (Even Without a Family Estate)
So, let’s get into the details, because you’re probably here to figure out how to actually create your own old money wedding and which elements we recommend for your big day to truly bring everything together.
First, let’s clarify what you don’t need: you don’t need generational wealth to create a wedding that feels like it. Old money weddings are about recreating that timeless, inherited feeling without, well… making it feel like you’re trying to recreate it. Funny how that works, right?
Pick 2–3 Investment Areas. (Venue + photography? Attire + catering?)
Image From: Lori Waltenbury, Venue: Shangri-La Toronto, Acrylic Chairs: Element_Event_Solutions
To truly capture the old money wedding style, you need to invest in the right places. Think of it this way: to create a wedding that feels genuinely luxurious, choose a few key areas where you’re willing to dedicate a larger portion of your budget.
Why does this matter? Because for you and your guests to feel as though you’ve been transported to an old money estate, certain elements need to go beyond the basics. Some details should feel elevated and deeply intentional.
For example, you might prioritize your venue and photography, or perhaps catering and attire. While every aspect of your wedding is important, defining a few “wow factor” investments will instantly elevate the experience and bring that effortless old money charm to life.
Keep Your Colour Palette Simple. 3–4 neutral shades create cohesion.
This is another area that requires special attention if you want to achieve the old money vibe. Weddings with lots of color can be absolutely gorgeous, but for this aesthetic, we need to think quieter and more refined—typically 3–4 intentional, neutral shades that create instant cohesion.
This palette will immediately evoke that old money elegance. Add in subtle gold accents, and you and your partner (with the help of your wedding planner) will be well on your way to creating the beautiful, timeless look we all know and love.
Image From: Lori Waltenbury, Venue: Shangri-La Toronto
Bring In Layered Textures. Think linen napkins & wooden chargers.
Image From: Lori Waltenbury, Venue: Shangri-La Toronto
The more you can layer this aesthetic, the better. Take some time to define what you love and value in this category, then make intentional choices, like incorporating elegant napkins, textured chargers, and soft candlelight, to elevate the overall feel of your wedding.
This is not the place to downplay the details. Anywhere you can create a subtle moment of beauty is worth considering. A light touch of gold on your tablescapes or simply detailed charger plates can make all the difference in achieving that old money elegance.
Book Live Musicians. A pianist or string quartet elevates any space.
Want an easy tip to get your wedding closer to that old money vibe? Invest in live musicians for any part of your celebration. Whether it’s classical music during your reception or a string quartet walking you down the aisle, live music instantly elevates the atmosphere and sets the tone for a timeless experience.
Remember, your guests come for you and your partner, but they stay for the feeling, the vibe they’ll remember long after the night ends. Incorporating live music is such a simple yet powerful way to create that lasting impression.
Use Heirloom And Vintage Accents. Borrow jewelry & antique décor.
Image From: Lori Waltenbury, Venue: Shangri-La Toronto
If this aligns with your vision, a wonderful way to enhance those old money vibes is by incorporating heirloom and vintage accents. Ask your family if they have pieces that exude effortless beauty, and thoughtfully place them on your welcome table, dinner tables, or throughout your ceremony and reception.
No piece is too small; each one contributes to that regal, intentional atmosphere that makes this style so memorable.
Avoid Trendy Signage. Choose custom calligraphy or painted designs.
When it comes to choosing your signage, try to avoid anything overly trendy or that feels low quality. Instead, aim for elegance in every detail, even something as simple as the welcome sign guests see when they first walk in or the stationery you use for your save-the-dates. Thoughtful, elevated design choices in these small moments make a big difference in achieving that old money aesthetic.
Establish an Elegant Dress Code. Guide guests toward the old money look.
Image From: Lori Waltenbury, Venue: Shangri-La Toronto
A very underrated but incredibly effective way to enhance an old money wedding look is by sending out guest dress guidelines. This allows you to extend your colour palette beyond the décor and into what your guests wear, creating a beautifully cohesive atmosphere.
It’s becoming more and more common for couples to include these guidelines in their save-the-dates or invitations, and we are absolutely here for it! This way, the designs and details you’ve spent months curating won’t be visually disrupted by bold or clashing colours. Instead, your guests will blend seamlessly into the neutral aesthetic of your old money celebration.
What You Can Skip In Your Old Money Wedding (If You Can!)
Sometimes a wedding style isn’t just about what you include, but also about what you choose to leave out. If you’re a die-hard old money wedding fan, here are a few things you can confidently skip:
1. Instagram-Only Details
If a decor element feels overly “cutesy” or just for social media, swap it for something simpler and more refined. Old money style is about understated elegance, not trends.
2. Too Much Colour
As mentioned before, restraint is key. A muted, layered colour palette exudes taste and sophistication. Think neutrals, soft pastels, and classic hues that won’t age.
3. Extra Reception Entertainment
Fire dancers, photo booths, or overly modern DJ setups can clash with the old money aesthetic. If your wedding leans into a heritage-inspired fantasy, keep entertainment elegant and understated.
Bringing It All Together
Sometimes the most beautiful weddings come from deep reflection on style and intentions, choosing carefully what to include and what to leave out, from the ceremony to the reception. If you’re committed to an old money wedding, you’re setting the stage for something truly unforgettable. This style is the epitome of what a modern luxury wedding should be.
That’s where the planning truly comes in. Old money weddings are about intention, where every choice, venue, vendor, and design works together to create an experience that feels deeply personal. It’s a process that requires vision, expertise, and a dedication to crafting moments.
At Claudia and Co., our full planning package includes venue selection, vendor recommendations, and a design experience that brings your wedding to life from start to finish.
We take on a limited number of clients each year to keep things personal and truly custom. If you’re planning a 2025/2026 or 2027 wedding (if you're ahead of schedule!), now’s the time to start dreaming it up.
We’d love to meet you.
TL:DR
TLDR: How to Get the Old Money Wedding Look
Invest in 2–3 key areas: Focus your budget where it matters most (venue, photography, attire, or catering).
Stick to a simple palette: 3–4 neutral shades with subtle gold accents create that timeless, refined feel.
Layer textures: Think linen napkins, wooden chargers, soft candlelight, and detailed tablescapes.
Incorporate live music: A pianist or string quartet instantly elevates the atmosphere.
Use heirloom and vintage pieces: Borrow jewelry, antique décor, or family keepsakes for a personal touch.
Choose elevated signage: Opt for custom calligraphy or painted designs over trendy signs.
Set a dress code: Guide guests toward a cohesive, elegant look that complements your palette.
The result: a wedding that feels intentional, elevated, and effortlessly timeless.
At Claudia and Co., we specialize in luxury weddings that stand the test of time, celebrations that people will talk about for years to come. If you’re looking for a wedding planner who can bring your dream wedding to life, let’s connect!