We like that, following European countries, the fashion for organizing beautiful, stylistic weddings has come to Ukraine. Take inspiration from our articles, choose a style that is close to your spirit and turn your holiday into a bright film! Today we will talk about a wedding trend that is quite popular among newlyweds - Retro. If you are inspired by the drive, romance and sophistication of the last century, the option of holding a wedding in Retro style is definitely worth your attention!
A little about style
Retro style in the wedding industry appeared not so long ago, but many newlyweds are already turning to it with pleasure. The time frame of this style is the 20-70s of the 20th century. Retro is characterized by various details in the interior, clothes, music, cars.
Fashion trends in Retro style:
- 20-30s of the 20th century , America, Chicago and comics
- 40s of the 20th century, film "The Great Gatsby"
- 50s of the 20th century, rock and roll and Elvis Presley
- 60-70s of the 20th century, dudes and disco
To choose a certain direction of retro style, you should watch feature films and documentaries about a given time period: this will help you “get used to” the era.
On a note
To understand which direction is close to you, it is recommended to watch several films of that era, fantasize, and “get used to” various images. Then you will be able to understand which style is “yours”.
To create the desired image, pay special attention to the hairstyle, and not only of the bride, but also of the groom. It is better to refrain from creative modern haircuts before the wedding, only retro style.
Accessories for women's hairstyles in vintage style play a vital role. The whole image should be harmonious and thoughtful. It is possible not to focus only on shoes; in any chosen style it would be appropriate to give preference to the classics.
Color spectrum
Everything will depend on the time in which you want to hold your wedding.
The beginning of the century was the time of black and white silent films and comics. Accordingly, the color scheme should be in the following tones: white, warm shades of Ivory, small elements of black. For a Chicago style wedding, it would be appropriate to use a combination of white, black and red colors.
The middle of the century is a bright, colorful, eventful time of dudes and disco. This is a special stage in the life of our society - a period of rebels who rejected cliches and standards.
Polka dot fabrics were very popular in the 50s.
Bride Image
For a wedding of the 20-30s
Characteristic dresses are just below the knee, with an open back, and with fringe. Any classic outfits with a low waist, a long train, complemented by all kinds of details (drapery, trim) are also suitable. Expensive, thin, “flowing” fabrics are suitable: chiffon, silk, matte or shiny satin.
Finishing plays a very important role: embroidery with beads, stones, pearls to match the dress.
As an accessory, you can use a feather boa or a fur boa.
A wonderful accessory would be long strands of pearl beads entwined around the neck and hanging down to the waist.
The most ideal dress style is “hourglass”.
Shoes – ideally, shoes with a rounded toe and a low, medium-thick heel. Can be decorated with ribbon ruffles, bows, beads and stones.
For a 40s wedding
Dresses of this era are characterized by closed, wide shoulders, a V-shaped neckline, wide, puffy sleeves with high cuffs.
The decor and finishing of the dresses are minimal, delicate, unobtrusive.
Instead of a traditional veil, you can wear a miniature veil. As for accessories, it is better to give preference to classic jewelry. The heel of the shoes is preferably high. You can wear shoes with wedges (by the way, wedges first appeared in the 40s of the 20th century).
The “godet” style is more suitable for the dress.
For a 50's wedding
The extraordinary simplicity of the image, turning into childish naivety, is a characteristic feature of this time. During this period, Christian Dior, the creator of the new look style, became the king of fashion.
Fully covered shoulders, a boat neckline, a narrow waist, a full skirt just below the knees or ankle length - this is what a dress of this period should be like.
A fluffy bell skirt adds extraordinary grace and lightness to the outfit. This is the period when pumps came into fashion, so it is simply necessary to reflect such an accessory in the bride’s image.
For a 60s wedding
You can use a dress with a wide belt and a fluffy, multi-layered skirt. The petticoat can be colored, bright orange, purple or green, for example. Length – knee-length or slightly higher. The best style is considered to be “empire”, and the ideal material is guipure.
All accessories - clips, hair ribbon and glasses - should match the color of the petticoat. By the way, this color can be used in the groom’s shirt, shoes, tie and suspenders.
For a 70s wedding
This is the time when traditional classics came back into fashion: open shoulders, flowing silhouette, a combination of matte, shiny and transparent textures, an elongated train.
Very rich, chic decoration with lace, beads, pearls, stones, rhinestones.
The image of the 70s bride is that of a sophisticated, sexy lady.
What should you pay attention to?
The bride’s hairstyle plays a very important role in conveying the spirit of the times:
- The “Cold Wave” was typical for the 20-40s
- "Babette" is a popular hairstyle of the 60s. By the way, thanks to the famous actress Brigitte Bardot.
Don't forget about makeup either. A minimum of cosmetics (only expressive, “deep” eyes) - in the image of the beginning of the century, and a bright, rich make-up for the era of the 50-60s.
60s
Then: the free 1960s were remembered by subsequent generations as an era of innovation and experimentation, including in the world of fashion. It was during these years that a real fashion revolution took place. The fitted silhouette gave way to a loose cut, the elegant knee-length skirt was replaced by a daring mini, minimalism and unisex styles made themselves known.
Radical '60s brides adopted tiny straight sheaths - often without sleeves or even a hint of traditional wedding decor. However, a more conservative version of the dress was also a great success among fashionistas of the 60s: a mid-knee skirt, a fitted silhouette, a geometric cut and, of course, a minimum of decor.
Now: the laconicism of the 60s definitely appealed to modern fashionistas. Top wedding designers like Angel Sanchez always include in their collections simple dresses with a geometric cut that emphasizes the figure.
Groom image
For the era of the 20-30s, two options are possible:
- Classic : tuxedo or tailcoat and elegant top hat
- Gangster : a plain or white vertical striped black suit, a bow tie or skinny tie and a stylish hat.
Accessories: Hawaiian cigar, cufflinks and pocket watch chain.
The era of the 50s suggests:
- Suit with skinny trousers
- Vest with suspenders and stylish cap
Shoes for the groom in Retro style - patent leather shoes with a narrow toe or stylish loafers.
A very important role is played by the hairstyle - “cok” - the hair is combed back, raised high and secured with hairspray.
Banquet hall decor
Of course, the most ideal option would be to find a cafe or restaurant stylized for a given era. If this is not possible, then you need to use accessories and surroundings that can convey the spirit of the times.
It can be:
- Matching furniture (sofas, chairs, cabinets, bookcases, coffee tables)
- Photos of Hollywood or Soviet cinema artists
- Gramophones, gramophones, reel-to-reel tape recorders, tape recorders
- Antique clocks, mirrors, lampshades, suitcases, candlesticks
- Porcelain dishes and all kinds of figurines
- Posters in the style of bygone eras
- Colorful labels for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Typewriters, old telephones, an inkwell with a fountain pen, with which you can leave your congratulations in the Book of Wishes.
Just don’t overdo it: everything should be harmonious, not intrusive, not overloaded.
Automobile
Of course, it must be an old vehicle, the so-called “retro car”. You can find such a car in special showrooms or from private collectors in almost all major cities of Ukraine. Use our Catalog to find a car that suits your wedding format!
- One of the first cars is a Benz Velo, a cool convertible passenger car is a BMW 315, a Wikov 40 car - choose if your wedding is in the traditions of the turn of the century.
- Auto-symbol Cadillac 1959, Lamborghini 350 GTV, 1963, ZIM GAZ 12 - if you are planning a wedding style of the 50s-70s.
The cost of renting a retro car varies from 150 to 950 UAH per hour. It all depends on the brand of the car, its technical condition and the uniqueness of the vehicle.
Accessories for a retro wedding
As additional decorative decorations for a retro wedding, you can use:
- Automobile. For moving newlyweds from one location to another or for a photo shoot. Older models can be rented or hired along with a driver. As a rule, wedding organizers have contacts of specialized transport rental agencies;
- Vintage things. Interior items, furnishings or clothing. In antique varnishes you can find truly unique and original things. For example, outfits of the last century, hats, accessories, etc.;
- Musical accompaniment. Accordion, turntable, or real electric guitar. The choice of instrument will depend on the chosen era and style of the wedding.
Floristics
In the Soviet Union, bouquets began to appear only in the 60s. Basically, these were the following flowers: mimosa, tulips, gladioli and, of course, the irreplaceable carnation. This situation was associated with a constant shortage.
Today, if you are planning a retro wedding in the style of the 50s-70s, you can use the traditions of our mothers and grandmothers by making a triangular or pyramidal bouquet, but using a variety of colors, bright and rich shades.
A trendy version of a retro bouquet is considered to be a bouquet made entirely of fabric. It is he who will help create the appropriate spirit of the times.
What should the invitations be like?
You should be careful when choosing invitations. The best option is a joint photo of the young people in black and white.
Note! The photo may be faded or have a sepia effect. Such options also look quite original.
On the invitations you can place old cars or other pictures that will remind you of past years. Ribbons, feathers, pearls, and lace can be used as decorations.
First dance
Of course, your first dance simply must be in the style of your chosen era. Just like all the music that will be played at your wedding celebration. Of course, only “live” music, no need to invite a DJ. YesYes has brought together musicians for every taste - choose from our Catalog and take part in the Cash Prize Draw!
The following dance styles can convey the spirit of the times:
- Foxtrot, rumba, Charleston or tango - if you are passionate about the era of the 20-40s.
- Rock 'n' roll, cha-cha-cha, twist, boogie-woogie or disco - if you're looking for a wedding from the 50s to the 70s.
This dance should ONLY be performed by a professional choreographer.
Looks for guests
Inform everyone invited to the wedding about the style of your chosen wedding celebration.
Tell your guests what looks would be right to create for the wedding, provide them with all possible assistance in finding places to buy/rent/sew clothes, because the vintage style is, first of all, your whim and, if you want the wedding to be harmonious, you will have to try a little harder than usual.
Stock up on extra accessories for guests in case someone still doesn't fit the theme. This will help avoid inharmony. For men, these can be hats, scarves, neckerchiefs, and for girls, tiaras and headbands with feathers, boas.
Cake
Even the main ambience of a wedding celebration - the cake - should reflect the era and create the appropriate mood.
- Cake from the era of the 20-40s: delicate, pastel (white, beige, ivory, light gilding) tones, lace decoration, decoration with flowers, birds. The cupcakes should match the cake.
- In the 50-60s in the West, it was very fashionable to make three or more tiered cakes. For example, at the wedding of Prince Rainier in 1954 there was an openwork, six-tiered “giant”. The cake at Elvis Presley's wedding was almost the same. Thus, to reflect the era, the cake should be multi-tiered, with lots of flowers, such as roses and orange blossom, and lace. And most importantly – fruit and berry taste!
Menu
There are no special requirements for holiday dishes. The style is supported by silver and porcelain cutlery and decor. It is worth taking care of drinks - wine, champagne, whiskey and cognac. All this should be served in bottles decorated with beads, feathers and flowers.
Cake is the basis of the festive table. This is a tall structure covered with sweet cream and decorated with fondant or edible lace. The decor of the cake should not be flashy, so you should give preference to sugar pearls, marmalade curls and marzipan flowers in natural tones. Ribbons and bows can also be used.
Very appetizing and beautiful cake with mastic
Invitations
- For the 20-40s - stylish minimalism, not flashy shades of colors, mainly white and black colors. The time of the beginning of the century - the advent of cinema, cars, airplanes, the birth of Hollywood - all this can be reflected stylistically in your invitations.
- For the 50-70s - bright, catchy independence and emancipation: brilliance, chic, rich colors in clothes, new trends in music, the appearance of vinyl records. The same can be true for your wedding invitations.
For invitations, it is better to use artificially aged sheets, wax seals or newsprint.
Ideas for a photo shoot
The most popular images today among modern newlyweds are considered to be “Chicago Gangsters” and “Moscow Dudes”. For a photo shoot, you can use the plots of the most popular films “Some Like It Hot” and “Hipsters”.
There are many similarities between Retro and Vintage style weddings. We recommend that you additionally read our article Wedding in Vintage style.
Retro style is a special holiday format. For us, the last century is full of mysteries and romance; it is a time of bright and great personalities, extraordinary music and constant technical progress. If movies with Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn make you sigh dreamily, a Retro wedding will be your ideal opportunity to travel back in time!
