Retro Wedding Aesthetic and Inspiration for 2024

Retro weddings are going to be big this year! The ’60s and ’70s are inspiring couples for their big day. Vintage-inspired fashion, nostalgic music, fun contrasting colors, patterns and disco themes will have your guests feeling like they’ve walked into a time capsule. If this is calling your name, read on for all of the retro wedding aesthetic inspiration for 2024!

Choose Your Era

Before you pick out a dress, decor, music, etc., you need to figure out which era you want to inspire your wedding. Any past era or decade will work, but make sure to focus on one specific time period to make it genuine. Do your research. Look at everything from fashion to hairstyles, cars driven and anything else that might be helpful. The more you know, the easier it will be to plan a retro wedding.

Venue

Ideally, if you can book a venue from the era you are replicating, do it. Your venue with the architecture and decor can help set the tone for your wedding ceremony and reception. Try to find a venue that fits your retro-era and offers character.

Wardrobe

One of the most important parts of a retro wedding is the outfits! Fashion and hairstyles change between decades and some looks are very specific to each era.

Bride: While wearing a vintage dress from the time period of your wedding theme might seem like the most practical idea, you could end up looking like you are wearing a costume. Instead, opt for a dress with vintage-inspired details. Every last detail, including your hair and accessories, is important to have a real authentic retro wedding. Depending on the era, have your hairstylist do a hairstyle from that decade. If you are throwing a ’70s retro wedding, wear your hair in soft waves. Everything from your veil to jewelry and shoes can make your look.

Bridesmaids: For a retro wedding, retro bridesmaid dresses are a must! The bridal party should compliment the bride so it’s best to find dresses with some of the same details.

Groom and Groomsmen: The groom and groomsmen don’t have to wear vintage suits. It’s all in the details for the retro feel. Accessories are key! Depending on the era, adding suspenders,  hats and ties can really help bring it together.

Color Palettes

Retro-inspired color palettes can help bring your wedding together. From blues and pastels to bold and vibrant colors, there are so many options to choose from. Here are some great retro color palette examples:

• Bright red, mustard yellow, burnt orange, mauve and indigo
• Saffron, spiced cider, apricot, dusty blue and yellow-green
• Bright orange, bubblegum pink, burgundy, olive green and black
• Red, Tiffany blue, sage, dusty rose and bright yellow

Play around with variations of these colors to find the perfect color palette for your retro wedding.

Vintage Getaway Car

There is no better way to add a retro grand entrance or exit than with a vintage car from your chosen decade. Classic car rental services exist all over the country so it will be so easy to find one from any era. Plus your photos will look amazing with the car.

Retro Florals

Flowers are a great way to add retro touches to your wedding. Customize your wedding invitations,  save the dates and escort cards with real or paper flowers for a pop of color.

Get creative with your bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres to blend retro and modern floral shapes and designs.

Hanging florals have become super popular in the past few years. Floral chandeliers, bouquet clusters in lanterns or vintage glass vases, floral canopies across the ceiling can create a swoon-worthy retro vibe. Or even create a floral accent wall, which also makes a great decor option.

Unique Decor

Add cute vintage decor to add pops of color and focal points placed all around your venue. Some fun ideas include:

Heirloom accents: Tchotchkes, clocks, books, teacups, candelabras, radios, and more to create decorative vignettes placed upon tables, or the bar to help to effortlessly incorporate your theme throughout the space.

Retro Photobooth: Photo booths make a great retro element that guests can also have fun with.

Roller Rink: If you want something super non-conventional, a roller rink offers a ’70s vibe.

Art Deco Furniture: Offer your guests plenty of space to mingle with seating areas. Rent art deco furniture in your theme colors to make it look like you really thought of everything for your wedding day!

It is always a good idea to let your guests know the theme of your wedding so they can prepare accordingly. They may want to dress up too. Retro weddings can be super fun and unique, just as long as you do it right! Remember to be dedicated to your theme!