There’s just something about bygone eras that have us longing to recapture them. Whether it’s the romance, the chivalry, the sense of style and fashion or the elegant charm—there are so many reasons to consider a retro wedding theme. If you’re a quirky romantic and looking for a different way to exude elegance at your event, the first thing you should do is choose your decade.
Decade Decisions
1920’s
Jazz things up with a 1920s period party with dapper dudes in zoot suits, and dainty women with glamorous hairdos showing their sleek sense of style. Flapper dresses are a must for your bridesmaids, and if you can find a place that resembles a smoky speak easy to hold the reception, it would certainly be the cat’s meow. For a stylish getaway, hire a classic car to do the honors. Look for simple ways to highlight the roaring twenties in your décor by adding a few art deco pieces on the tables.
1930’s
Inspired by the Great Gatsby, you’ll find feathers, classic tailored suits and an easy elegant style in this era. Nothing overdone but everything in perfect balance can describe the look you should be going for. Think birdcage veils with a feather accent and side-sweeping hairdos. Learn how to swing dance, foxtrot or rumba so you can have a big band play at the reception amidst tables accented with ostrich feather centerpieces. Offer cocktails that would have been available in the 1930s such as the sidecar, the whiskey sour and the mint julep.
1940’s
Create the look of an upscale lounge at the reception with table lamps and candles. Our damask vellum shades can really help pull the look off beautifully. Use small tables that seat four instead of the large round tables that seat 10 for a more intimate look. Crystal is always elegant, so hang beaded strands from the ceiling for a different effect. But, keep it simple. World War II was going on during this time and most had to make do with a little—except for the Hollywood crew, of course! Cameo and black are a wonderful combination for this era.
1950’s
Get ready to juke and jive down the aisle in a 50’s inspired dress with petticoats and a sweetheart neckline. Chose a palette of pastels and pumps for the bridesmaids, and deck the gents out in pompadours and skinny suits. With this theme, you can have fun with vivid colors and lively music. It is the rock and roll era after all!
Timeless Touches
It’s amazing how much difference 10 years can make when choosing the theme for your flashback festivities. But, regardless of the decade you choose, there are a few ways to add a retro vibe to any celebration:
- Have your photos done in black and white instead of color
- Place wedding cameras on the tables to get pictures from a variety of vantage points (guests can capture the most amazing, unexpected things.)
- Simple classic elements like our chandelier coasters and candles transcend any era and always add a touch of style
- Music makes a big difference and can instantly set the mood for the day whether you go with a live band or download songs to you ipod
- A Polaroid guest book is a creative alternative that catches guests in the moment, and they can write their message below their picture
Groovy!
Happy Planning!
Does someone in your family (or his) have a few of your great-grandmother’s pieces? A victorian table set with an antique vase from a family collection makes the perfect wedding book table. Slip the pens into a vintage creamer for that extra-special touch!
Don’t match! Find different textures and color collections to add to your vintage feel, like this aged terra-cotta planter bursting, yet again, with heirloom blooms. Tier your delicious food by stacking up various levels of styrofoam tiers, then draping with more vintage-colored fabrics.
