1960s Wedding Style: From Vintage Traditions to Modern Makeovers
The 60s were a legendary decade! Between the amazing hairstyles, the birth of disco, and the free love movement, it’s no wonder the 60s are still relevant today. This wedding inspiration takes it up a notch with abundant florals and bold color. The 1960’s was the decade that believed to have broken many trends and traditions of fashion.
The Evolution of 1960s Wedding Fashion
In the early 1960s, wedding dresses often featured an A line style. Mary Quant had brought in the mini skirt in 1964 and the stiletto had also become growingly popular. The 1960’s was the age of flower power, hippies and when hemlines rose high. Consequently, the mini skirt had such a drastic effect on the 1960’s world of fashion, it was a must have item by every women in that decade, more so amongst young adults.
The wedding dresses of celebrities also had a massive influence on what women wanted on their special day. Audrey Hepburn was a huge style icon of her time. On her wedding day in 1954 to Mel Ferrer she wore an A line wedding dress just below the knee, brought in at the waist with a thick ribbon. You can see the transformation and change in the fashion of the wedding dress when you look at her wedding dress in 1969. Choosing to wear a short white wedding dress, above the knee length, along with her signature headscarf, she made her unique style stand out as she didn’t go for the traditional look.
Modern Interpretations of the 1960s Aesthetic
Today, the 60s just got a modern makeover that’s perfect for your wedding. Couples are often inspired by Brooklyn factory weddings—that whole ‘grungy but gorgeous’ aesthetic. Modern styling may include hair inspired by icon Brigitte Bardot and billowy sleeves giving major Donna Summer vibes. For the groom, a tailored lilac suit or double breasted suits, brocade waistcoats, and frilled collared shirts can be used to represent the ‘Mods’ or ‘Modernist’ culture.
To bring this concept to life, many designers use a color palette that includes peaches and pinks, which were hugely popular in that era. Including a cameo by Very Peri, Pantone’s Color of the Year, is the exact touch needed to bring this style into your modern-day wedding. Other popular choices include dark green, maroon, pale blue, blush and off whites.
Key Stylistic Elements
- Psychedelic Love: Multicolored wedding invitations, complete with sweet little disco balls.
- Vintage Accessories: A purple stoned engagement ring is the key to leaning into a fun, vintage vibe.
- Floral Decor: A floral ceremony arch and aisle combo that is absolutely bursting with florals.
- Retro Details: Little white gloves, flowers in her hair, and colored sunglasses.
1960s Style Characteristics
| Era / Style | Key Fashion Elements | Influential Icons |
|---|---|---|
| Early 1960s | A-line dresses, below the knee length, thick ribbons at the waist | Audrey Hepburn |
| Mid-Late 1960s | Mini skirts, short hemlines, stilettos, headscarves, tent dresses | Mary Quant, Twiggy |
| Modern 60s Style | Very Peri colors, billowy sleeves, lilac suits, Brigitte Bardot hair | Donna Summer vibes |
Reception and Decor Inspiration
Disco-themed tasty treats are sure to be a crowd favorite. For drinks, lavender lemonade and a peach sangria are fool-proof options your guests will adore. This creative display perfectly brings the colors of the day into exciting decor for guests to see. Bringing in things like a photo booth are simultaneously retro and true to modern-day.
The venue choice is also critical; a space with spaciousness and light-pouring windows is ideal to bring this concept to life. Your ceremony flowers can easily be re-purposed to decorate your reception. If you’re feeling extra bold, center it all around your sweetheart table using ghost chairs as the perfect selection for not detracting from the rest of the decor.