Picking a wedding theme can be daunting, and even if you have narrowed your style down to vintage, this is still just the beginning. With careful consideration, creative ideas, and inspiration from the past, you and your partner can design an authentic vintage wedding that will be remembered for decades to come. From the decorations to the attire and everything in between, the experts at Rose Hill Flowers will guide you through the necessary steps to planning a retro wedding that will be unique and special to you.
How to Find Inspiration for Your Vintage Wedding
Photos from past decades are sure to fill you with genuine inspiration for your retro wedding theme. Flipping through your parents’ or grandparents’ wedding albums can give you a great idea of what a real mid-century wedding looked like. While it can help you find the perfect look for your vintage wedding, you may also find decor pieces that your family has held on to from their weddings that you can incorporate into yours.
Another tip is to dive into retro magazines, books, TV shows, and other pop culture archives from your favorite decades. Vintage wedding magazines and books can be excellent sources of information and inspiration since they can provide you with insight into vintage wedding styles, as well as a wealth of ideas to bring your wedding to life. If you feel like you’ve hit a wall or are overwhelmed, tune in to a wedding episode of Happy Days, The Brady Bunch, M*A*S*H, or another hit from the past. From timeless garden weddings of the 1960s and 1970s to floral-filled indoor soirees, you’ll find color palettes, furniture, stonework, greenery, attire, and more that you can incorporate into your big day.
Narrowing Down Your Retro Wedding Theme
Any retro wedding theme is fun and charming, but how do you narrow it down to the perfect decade? First, decide what vintage elements you want to incorporate. For example, are you going for a country chic look with rustic-inspired decor from the 1970s? Or would you prefer a hip and groovy feel with mod accents from the 1960s? Once you have an idea of the vibe you want to create, you can start shopping for the right decor and accessories to bring your vision to life.
Next, choose a color palette. Do you want to stay true to classic colors like the pastel tones of the 1950s, or choose something more vibrant or electric from the 1980s? Think about the overall mood and tone of your wedding, and select a few colors to bring cohesion to your decade.
Finally, decide what kind of retro wedding decor pieces you want to focus on. Do you want to incorporate antique furniture, fine china, and other heirlooms? Or would you instead focus on more minor details, such as vintage-inspired cake toppers and table settings? Consider your budget when making these decisions, especially if you are searching for modern-day items with vintage flair.
The Importance of Thrifting
Thrift shopping for your wedding is always an exciting way to bring a unique style to your special day through genuine items. Whether you are looking for vintage decor, tableware, attire, or accessories, there are many places to find the perfect items for your wedding. Before heading out to your local thrift shops, do your research. Figure out what sort of retro pieces you’re looking for and where to best find them. Consider checking out thrift shops, antique stores, flea markets, and second-hand online stores. While shopping, be open to new ideas that hadn’t crossed your mind. Don’t be afraid to be bold and creative, and don’t limit yourself to what you see on Pinterest.
Popular Wedding Flowers Through the Decades
Trendy Blooms of the 1950s
In the 1950s, wedding flowers were vital to the ceremony and reception. From Rock N’ Roll glam to elegant and refined, popular wedding blooms in the 1950s included white orchids, gardenias, and bouvardia. With a focus on pastel colors and classic shapes, these timeless blooms of the 1950s were just as romantic as the weddings themselves.
Trendy Blooms of the 1960s
The 1960s was a time of significant change, including wedding trends. The most popular flowers for weddings in the 1960s were chrysanthemums, carnations, alstroemeria, and daisies. These blooms bring a youthful and “far out” look to any retro wedding theme that focuses on the era of peace, love, and happiness.
Trendy Blooms of the 1970s
When it came to funky and bohemian weddings in the 1970s, flowers played a significant role in the decor. Popular wedding blooms for the decade included anemones, poppies, daisies, sunflowers, and of course, wildflowers. Couples often used yellow and pink hues throughout their wedding venue to create either a rustic-style or disco feel. Either way, these weddings were “totally outta sight.”
Trendy Blooms of the 1980s
The 1980s was a decade of big hair and bright colors, and it was no different when it came to weddings. Popular wedding flowers of the 1980s included roses, stargazer lilies, and lilacs. These bold and bright blooms mirrored the vibrancy of the decade and were often combined with a spray of gypsophila, or ‘babies breath,’ for a touch of texture. Neon and electric color was also key in achieving that memorable and eye-catching 1980s wedding look.
As you continue planning a fun, retro, mid-century wedding, one of the best tips we have to offer is to consult the professionals here at Rose Hill Flowers. Our design team has the knowledge and experience to help you create a seamless, authentic vintage style for your special day. Between selecting the right flowers and matching the perfect décor to your chosen decade, your one-of-a-kind wedding will be nothing less than flawless.
