The watchword: Shabby

You know those flea markets? Junk dealers proudly display items that, at first glance, seem destined for the scrap heap and yet… in an age when going back to tradition, honoring raw materials, and rejecting excess and waste is all the rage, calling something “shabby” means viewing a worn-out object from an entirely fresh perspective. It’s about reinterpreting, restoring, and repurposing it—adapting it to modern needs without erasing its story; bringing it back to life and, whenever possible, giving it a touch of elegance.

Shabby Chic is more than a style description—it’s a philosophy often applied to weddings. Whether you choose a barn, an agriturismo, or a villa just outside the city, the key is to hold the ceremony outdoors. In the open air, the bucolic setting of a wedding takes on a sense of freedom and authenticity that’s hard to achieve indoors. And as always, no detail should be overlooked.

Treat furnishings as if they were that antique piece from grandma’s house—because they just might be. For a rustic effect, favor rounded shapes and subtle inlays. Color-wise, warm shades of beige and ivory are perfect, but don’t shy away from a vintage twist. Embrace pastel or “dusty” hues—blush pink, champagne, decapé green, aquamarine, antique rose, peach, lavender… after all, it’s a celebration of nature.

If Gaia is your muse, skip corsets that fight your breath. Opt for a gown with smooth, flowing lines—perhaps cut just under the bust—with a neoclassical spirit, hand-embroidered and not strictly white… in short, the most romantic of romantic dresses. Keep your hair soft and one-sided, and tuck real flowers into your locks—the same ones you’ve chosen for your bouquet.

Speaking of bouquets: imagine pink peonies tied with a ribbon matching your dress, or a simple bunch of lavender. Roses, camellias, hydrangeas… they all work beautifully alongside baby’s breath. Remember, every element is complementary—aim for harmony. Let flowers peek from old rubber boots, spill out of watering cans, cascade down gazebo trellises, or nestle in ceramic jars.

Ribbons, lace, embroidery—let these be the stars of your invitations, all handcrafted on antique paper with floral prints. The same goes for wedding favors: think vintage birdcages, distressed tin jars, or hand-painted containers. For sugared almonds, unleash your imagination—boozy ones filled with whisky, sambuca, or limoncello, or fruity variations—the possibilities are endless. Label each with a little tasting tag and… have fun! The whole celebration should be a continuous invitation to joy.

Candles and wrought-iron lanterns draped with wildflowers and garlands will speak volumes in your reception space—especially if it’s outdoors. Dress tables in linen cloths and accent them with wicker accessories. Serve dishes on ceramic plates that look like they’ve been borrowed from a treasured china cabinet, only brought out for special occasions.

Arrive at the church on a freshly repainted Lambretta. Cruise up in a horse-drawn carriage or, why not, in a VW camper van or a convertible Beetle. Anything with a rustic vibe is more than welcome. One tiny caveat: consider how your hairstyle will fare… but if you’re bold, the breeze that tousles your locks won’t stop you.