Old Money Wedding Decor: Understated Luxury That’s Never Going Out of Style
If you're anything like me, your Pinterest board probably started off as a mess of boho tents, disco balls, and baby’s breath arches... and then somewhere along the line, you fell hard for the old money wedding aesthetic.
And honestly? Same.
There’s just something about it—understated florals, classic cars, candlelit tables, and grand entrances—that gives “timeless” in the best way possible. It’s not flashy. It’s not trendy. And that’s the whole point.
If that’s the vibe you’re going for, keep reading because I’ve got tips (from experience), inspiration, and some low-key planning tools that helped me keep it all together.
So What Is “Old Money” Wedding Decor, Exactly?
Picture this: A muted palette. Clean, structured florals. A crystal chandelier or two. Velvet ribbon on your bouquet. Champagne coupes. No neon signs, no TikTok trends. Just rich, elegant simplicity that doesn’t scream—it whispers.
The old money look is less about spending big, and more about curating well.
Here’s how to bring that feeling into your day.
Step One: Create a Vision (and Stick to It)
I know, easier said than done. But it helps to choose 2–3 words that define your aesthetic and use them to guide every decision. For me, it was: timeless, polished, intentional.
Then, I started building a mood board—something like the one in the pin above. Once I had that, everything else started falling into place. My venue, stationery, table settings… even my dress.
If you want a way to organize this vision in a way that’s actually shareable with your planner, bridal party, or florist, the Elegant Edition of the Wedding Day Binder was a lifesaver. I uploaded color swatches, timeline drafts, contact info—everything. I didn’t realize how helpful it would be until the rehearsal dinner when everyone was asking, “So… where do we go?” And I could literally flip to the page and show them.
Florals, Lighting & Layouts (The Big Three)
1. Florals
Stick to one or two blooms and a TON of intentional greenery. Think white roses, ranunculus, garden roses, or anemones. Keep them tight, structured, and avoid anything too wild or whimsical.
2. Lighting
Candles > string lights. Seriously. Tall taper candles, chandeliers, and a few strategically placed votives make the whole space feel luxe without needing extra florals or decor.
3. Table Settings
This is where your color palette comes to life. Don’t overdo it—go for neutral linens, classic flatware, crystal glassware, and maybe a single bloom at each place setting.
If you’re planning your layout yourself (or even with a partial-service planner), I highly recommend the layout pages inside the wedding binder. They let me sketch out exactly how I wanted the ceremony and dinner spaces set up, which made delegating day-of soooo much easier.A Note on Photography (You’ll Want a Shot List)
Old money weddings don’t usually involve sparkler exits or confetti cannons—but you will want to make sure you capture all the richness of the day: the candles flickering, the champagne toast, your dress flowing down those historic stone steps.
If you don’t already have one, grab a Wedding Shot List Template and share it with your photographer. I used it to make sure we got all the must-have editorial-style shots—plus some sentimental ones like my grandparents holding hands during dinner (still makes me cry when I see it).
You Don’t Need to Be a Wedding Pro to Pull This Off
I didn’t hire a full planner. Just a day-of coordinator, a helpful maid of honor, and some solid tools. The Wedding Planner was great during the engagement months when I was figuring out what needed to happen when—and the wedding binder took over once we got closer to the actual day.
It helped me feel like I had my sht together*, even when I didn’t.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to get married in a chateau or spend six figures to have a wedding that feels elegant, timeless, and intentional. You just need a clear vision, a bit of organization, and the confidence to say no to trends that don’t feel like you.
So if you're drawn to chandeliers, classic silhouettes, and the kind of florals that look like they belong in a black-and-white movie—this aesthetic is for you.
And if you’re looking for help along the way? Start with the wedding planner, organize it all in the wedding binder, and hand your photographer the shot list. You’ll feel calm, in control, and still very much the bride.
