My sister in law wants to do a vintage themed baby shower for my niece and has asked me to make a cake.  I have been looking at "vintage" cakes and I am still not sure what it is.  Does vintage just mean softer colors or is there something else to it.  Any help for vintage baby shower cakes would be appreciated.  Thanks

I would ask your SIL for pictures of the invites she plans to use, decoration inspiration, etc. I'm not sure what would define 'vintage' either.

"Vintage" is just an industry buzz word for frilly, ruffle-y, lace-y, pink/peach, super girly designs and details incorporating "vintage" things like bird cages, old bicycles, steamer trunks, etc.  

Just have her make you a Pinterest!

I think vintage themes is something that was in style more than 30 years ago, I could be wrong. From what I have seen when decorating there is a lot of wooden stands and frames and chalkboards used. 

Here is a link to one of Amy Atlas vintage party for a boy, her blog will give you some ideas. HTH.

http://blog.amyatlas.com/2012/04/27/ice-cream-guest-dessert-feature/

http://blog.amyatlas.com/2012/09/17/ice-cream-stand-guest-dessert-feature/

AI did a baby shower cake that was themed around vintage toys and books. I have the pic loaded up in my photos. It was for a boy, so I did an old fashioned teddy bear, wooden blocks, truck, ball, and elements from the book. The very hungry Catepillar. Other things I could have added was a wagon, ball and jacks, jump rope, rattle, jack in the box... You get the idea

Thanks for the responses, at least I have an idea now.

RedlnLove, I would love to  ask SIL for invites but  she never has anything  planned to far in advance,  Invites will be at the last minute.

FromScratchFS,  I Love the idea of just really girly designs.  I will have to look through the galleries and get some ideas.

Sweettooth101,  The websites were fantastic you gave me. I will try to come up with some ideas like that and run it by SIL.

AThis is a Google's search on vantage baby cakes.

www.google.com/search?q=vintage+baby+shower+cake+ideas&sa=X&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ei=DxF2UYeZIoSWrgH64YGoAQ&ved=0CC0QsAQ&biw=360&bih=567

AThis is a really cute cake it could be changed to be for girl or if they don't know the gender it could be made in a neutral color.

www.google.com/search?q=vintage+baby+shower+cake+ideas&sa=X&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ei=DxF2UYeZIoSWrgH64YGoAQ&ved=0CC0QsAQ&biw=180&bih=283&sei=LBV2Ua23L4bfqgHO44DoCw#biv=i%7C110%3Bd%7CUqBS3u8OiyllWM%3A

lorieleann,  your cakes are beautiful.  Thank you, they give me some ideas.

Kazita, I never remember to google stuff so thanks for the reminder.

Typically when I see cakes or cupcakes termed "vintage," they are colored with muted pastels and decorated with girly things like strands of fondant pearls, silver or gold dragees or baubles, brooches, and ruffles.  I have seen the birdcage theme as well.  I am really not sure who or how that design was coined vintage, since that term covers a variety of meanings.  I would absolutely get an invitation or look at some of the party decorations to see what's going on there.