Boomers and millennials, it’s time to get excited because 70s era is making a serious comeback with the rise of groovy wedding trend. While we absolutely adore the allure of a minimalist and monochrome wedding, we can’t deny the fun and magic of a colorful retro-themed wedding!
Stationery, decor, wedding attire and makeup, playlists; there are so many aspects of a wedding that can be transformed to bring that nostalgia from the 70s, there is so much to play around with and deliver an unforgettable wedding event for everyone involved.
From bridal gatherings to the proper ceremony, there are no boundaries when it comes to planning a vivid 70s-inspired wedding party! Let’s groove!
Arguably one of the most impactful and culturally relevant eras, the 70s are recognized by anyone who lands their eyes on it. Is it the bright color palette and bold patterns? The eclectic mix of influences ranging from bohemian to disco? The flared pants and volumed hairstyles? So many remarkable aspects of that period are matching with today’s generations interest in standing out from the rest.
The iconic era marked by a love for bold, abstract designs and distinctive looks are now being incorporated into celebrations in a much more modern style but with the same sense of freedom and experimentation.
Perhaps the most appealing thing about the decade is the fact that one can easily incorporate different elements of it in different ways, from retro hen décor to unique patterns stamped on clothing and shiny disco outfits. We know a memory sparked in your mind just by mentioning them!
Achieving a groovy wedding with retro vibes doesn’t necessarily means your dance floor needs to look like it came straight from a scene from Saturday Night Fever. You can utilize clever decor and furniture to imprint the same 70s vibe; it only requires consistency in your chosen venue. From the moment your guests are welcomed in the reception, every moment is an opportunity to play around with the characteristics of the 70s era.
Unique spaces like disco clubs or customizable warehouses and lofts offer the flexibility to personalize your decor, but outdoor venues like botanical gardens can also act as a blank canvas to your retro-inspired celebration.
Particularly during the spring season, we love to see the naturally colorful flowers blending along with the rainbow of 70s colors like oranges, yellows, and greens. Earthy tones like browns and tans will also get you the true spirit of the decade but with a bohemian look.
Let’s not forget the iconic and essential disco balls! Along with them, string lights, and lava lamps will help designing a sparkling, warm atmosphere. Incorporate retro furniture, macramé, and vintage signage to add authenticity, and use bold, colorful flowers like daisies and sunflowers for floral arrangement.
Brides-to-be and grooms: keep your dream wedding dress and suit, you don’t need to get rid of them and replace them with bold patterns and colorful palettes in order to recreate the 70s vibe. Distinctive accessories such as retro glasses, wide-brimmed hats, flower crowns, or vintage jewelry will do the job and get you looking the coolest for your special day. For brides wishing to go all in, 70s inspired wedding dresses with flowing bell sleeves, lace accents, and empire waistlines will reminisce the 70s fashion.
For an even more cohesive groovy wedding, encourage your guests to join the theme with their attire from the very first moment when sending their invitations. Your guests are likely to feel grateful for having a clear orientation on what to wear to your wedding and surely will feel eager to be part of such a unique themed party.
Coordinate your bridesmaids and groomsmen outfits: ladies can wear mismatched dresses in bold colors and patterns, such as floral prints or vibrant solids, with details like ruffles, maxi lengths, or off-the-shoulder styles, while the gents will look amazing sporting suits with flared pants and wide lapels, opting for colorful shirts and bold ties.
The sky is the limit when it comes to retro-themed wedding stationery. It’s easy to capture the essence of the 70s through psychedelic elements and still make it look classy and elegant. The 70s decade is a full plate for creativity and there is a plethora of aspects to play with and incorporate into your stationery. Vintage fonts and typography, textured paper on wavy templates and vibrant colors will exude the vibe you are aiming for and can become a unique keepsake.
Make clever use of wording! Use playful language and slang from the era to create a lighthearted and inviting tone on your save-the-dates or RSVP cards.
Unleash your dancing queen with some of the most remarkable songs derived from the 70s decade. This is the playlist that will make everyone sweat their moves on the dance floor and keep the energy lively and fun throughout the event.
DJs with a deep knowledge of 70s music will seamlessly mix tracks from various genres of the decade, while live bands can transform your favorite all-time hits and funky classics into an acoustic version, creating the most romantic atmosphere for the special day.
Fun idea: create a collaborative playlist so that you and your guests can reminisce old songs and get nostalgic together whilst preparing for your groovy wedding!
Add that 70s vibe into your buffet table, dinner menu and even into the desserts with fun and digestible paper to create a much more genuine sense of retro inspiration. Make sure all of your groovy wedding stationery is accordingly and matching in every way.
A 70s inspired wedding is the perfect excuse to praise the iconic cocktails derived from the decade and that we all adore so much: we are talking tequila sunrises, Piña Coladas, Martinis. Garnish with colorful fruit slices or cocktail umbrellas to enhance their retro appeal and delight your guests with a taste of 70s glamour!
Incorporating these nostalgic elements will not only please the palate but also enhance the overall 70s ambiance of your celebration.
Hire your favorite wedding content creator to ensure all the best shots of your groovy wedding are taken and the retro essence is captured flawlessly, so that your only concern is to see the retro-inspired wedding you designed coming to life!
Distribute photos stations all around your chosen venue and play around with fun typography, playful accessories for pictures, decorative walls or couches on-theme.
Adding photo booth to your groovy wedding planning is a must! Talk about a more fun and interactive experience that will bring all your guests together and provide all your loved ones with a beautiful, tangible memory from your wedding day. Design a backdrop with psychedelic prints, vibrant colors, or a beaded curtain that reflects the era’s aesthetic and tie everything together.
Send your guests home with 70s-themed wedding favors that perfectly capture the spirit of the era. Consider specific items like heart-shaped sunglasses, custom vinyl records, mini lava lamps, or retro candies for the sweet-tooth ones.
Personalized items will make these keepsakes extra special and meaningful. Play around with objects such as vintage-style keychains, peace sign magnets, or customized disposable vintage cameras (trend alert!). These thoughtful and playful favors will not only delight your guests but also provide them with a tangible reminder of this spectacular event that you meticulously designed!
If still unsure about whether a retro wedding theme is the right go for yourself, get inspired by these A-List celebs who celebrated their milestones with the uniqueness of a groovy aesthetic. Is it just us or this raises the will to throw a retro-themed celebration right now?
Perhaps you remember Kylie Jenner‘s legendary 21st birthday in 2018 which featured disco vibes, glitter and shine everywhere, the indispensable photo booth (we told you so!) with the iconic Kardashian black and white filter, and even a karaoke moment.
Let’s not forget the one and only Paris Hilton throwing a 42nd birthday party in the most retro vibes. Nothing exudes more 70s era than a stage and a disco ball for your guests to enjoy a fun karaoke. Notes taken!
The former reality TV show queen and fashion designer Nicole Richie hosted a disco-themed 35th birthday celebration that is everything you would expect from a retro party and more.
