The 1960s, often called a Retro era, is a popular wedding theme for couples who are after a colourful vintage look. Traditionally, bright colours and “mod” patterns dominate retro weddings, but there’s so much flexibility in this theme! A vintage carnival, a look-back to the frenzy of Beatlemania; you can have a lot of fun when it comes to your wedding planning. So style your 1960s wedding with Confetti.co.uk!
Above, from the top: Round Paper Lanterns with Vintage Floral Print and Paper Flowers (Peony, Dahlia, and Apple Blossom) | Decorative Chalkboards, Speech Bubble Chalkboard Clips, and Polka Dot Paper “Sipper” Straws | Novelty Gumball Machine Canister, Blue Decorating Glass Bottles Set, and Candy Colourful Round Cards | Decorative Apothecary Style Clear Glass Beverage Dispenser and Large Decorative Chalkboard
Fashion
In the 60s, wedding dresses became a lot sleeker, like the modern day sheath wedding dresses. There was a growing desire for “mod” fashion, which included high-waisted, figure-skimming, A-line or empire-line silhouettes and a lack of emphasis on the waist (a sharp contrast to the style of the previous decade). Tea length dresses also grew common, their length reaching around the knee or to the mid-calf. Necklines were high and modest, and the bride’s shoulders if not her whole arms were covered. This made for a very sophisticated look. It’s no wonder wedding dress designers today are still inspired by the style.
Above, clockwise from the top: Chrissie and James’s Red Themed Real Wedding | Dress Style 2429 by Alfred Angelo | Celandia Wedding Dress by Pronovias
Retro jewellery and other accessories are beautiful additions in styling your 60s wedding. Pretty bags or purses will make your bridesmaids really look the part, and the groomsmen can stand out with colourful ties, pocket squares and cufflinks.
Above, from the top: Shasha and James’s Real 1920s Inspired Wedding | Katie and Sam’s Real Wedding by AVA Images Wedding Photography | Jeanni and Peter’s Real Wedding by Best Wedding Away
Hair and Makeup
Volume is the key word when talking about 60s hair. Beehives were one of the most common hairstyles, together with the high bouffant or an elegant bun with a pretty Alice band. Hats grew popular—sometimes instead of a veil, but more often as a pillbox hat with a short veil. The classic makeup included heavy mascara, pale face powder, and bright lips.
Above, clockwise from the top: Megan and Juan’s Real Wedding by Perfect Day Photography | Claire and Lloyd’s Vintage Wedding by Jenny Martin Photography | Wedding Makeup and Hair by Pam Wrigley
Decor
Retro weddings rely heavily on bright colours, reminiscent of hot summer days. Therefore, lovely floral decorations are very popular; from them you get a stunning array of colours and a wonderfully sweet smell. Daisies were the flower of choice in the 60s!
Above, clockwise from the top: Tins and Sweet Silhouettes Large Sticker | Miniature Vintage Inspired Mail Box Tin, L’amour Peony Garden Post Note Card With Fold, and Blue Ribbon | Polaroid Personalised Photo Backdrop and Paper Parasol | Vintage Disposable Camera | “Special Delivery” Airmail Stationery Set
DIY projects are gorgeous for 60s weddings too, and they’re a lot of fun to do! Glass jars and bottles swathed in ribbon, patterned fabric, and tied with string or twine, are a particularly popular decor idea. Popular patterns include floral, stripes, or polka dots! Hanging decorations and bunting fill any empty space above your tables or dance floor, giving depth and texture to your venue. A decorative buffet table or candy bar wouldn’t go amiss either!
Above, clockwise from the top-left: Caroline and Charlie’s Amazing Budget Friendly Real Wedding | Anna and Jack’s Real Wedding by Douglas Fry | “A Kiss Above” Bicycle Bride And Groom Couple Figurine | Mini Glass Candy Jar with Lid | Decorative Pedestaled Apothecary Jars with Bell and Globe Shaped Bowl | Laura and Matt’s Pink Polka Dot Real Wedding | Claire and Lloyd’s Vintage Wedding by Jenny Martin Photography
Drinks and Catering
A formal dinner with fresh fruit and vegetables will look the part for your retro wedding, but neither can you go wrong with a buffet table where your guests can help themselves. For drinks, provide a colourful punch bowl or drink station (see how to create your own signature drink station!) or provide them with tasty martinis!
Above, from the top: Candy Scoop and Printed Napkins | “Sweet” Paper Favour Bag | Sweet Silhouettes Cellophane Bag Insert | Round Paper Lanterns
Wedding cakes in the 60s tended to be huge and elaborate. For your wedding cake you might wish to carry through the use of bright colours. Use flowers and fruit to decorate it, or use bold frosting and icing sugar. Alternatively, use a tiered stand for a variety of cute little cupcakes!
Above, Medi and Gareth’s Wedding at Bangor University with Mini Mason Jars, Heart Shaped Candy Containers and Heart Shaped Stickers
Above, Claire and Lloyd’s Vintage Wedding by Jenny Martin Photography
Transport
Classic cars are very popular transport options for retro weddings, usually coming in bright colours and convertible styles. But other modes of transport that look the part are vintage buses, vans, and bicycles, or the more quirky option of scooters or roller skates!
Above, clockwise from the top: Anna and Gavin’s Vintage Style Real Wedding at Linthwaite House | Amy and David’s Real Wedding by Finesse Photography | Katie and Sam’s Real Wedding by Ava Photography
Setting and Location
Setting is everything for your wedding, for it determines the overall look. Marquees pitched in a green field work particularly well for retro weddings, as the semi-outdoor nature lends itself brilliantly to the feel of the 60s (especially in the warmer months). A beach wedding complete with candy and ice cream or a simple garden set in the style of a picnic is also wonderful though! But different variables go in to making your setting extra special, like lighting—set the mood with colourful lanterns or table lamps!
Above, from the top: Caroline and Charlie’s Amazing Budget Friendly Real Wedding | Louise and Thomas’s Scottish Wedding by Chantal Lachance-Gibson | Hayley and Mark’s Real Wedding by Yes I Do! Algarve Wedding Photography
Photography
Your wedding photos will last for years to come, so you’ll want to make sure you choose the right photographer. You’ll find that many 1960s photographs are in black and white. However, muted colours look beautiful on retro photographs too and professional photographers will be able to recreate that for authentic keepsakes of your big day. Choose your wedding photographer wisely.
Above, from the top: Claire and Lloyd’s Vintage Wedding by Jenny Martin Photography | Steven Taylor Photography | Clearvision Imagery Weddings | Samantha and Iain’s Real Wedding by Douglas Fry
The Details
There are many more finer details you’ll want to consider when styling your 60s wedding. For example, your wedding invitations are a perfect opportunity to give your guests a taste of what your wedding will be like, and your wedding favours will give them a lasting reminder of your celebration. (Wedding favour ideas include colourful candy containers or jars of jam!) Have your invitations reflect your theme by including some lyrics from a famous 60s song. In them, request that your guests dress themselves for your chosen era and that, when it comes to RSVP, they give the name of their favourite 60s song so you can play it at the reception. The music and entertainment for your retro wedding needs to be authentic too. Look no further than a live rock n roll band, or a tribute band to big 60s names like The Beatles or The Rolling Stones.
Above, from the left: “Sweetie Pies” Mini Pie Packaging Kits and Purple Ribbon | Classic Vinyl Diecut CD Label, Retro Circles Diecut Self Closing CD Sleeve and Retro Inspired CD Caddy
Above, from the left: Candy Colourful Stationery Collection and Ribbon | Sweet Silhouettes Large Rectangular Tag | Polka Dot Decorative Shape Bunting Banner | Red & Pink Carnival Place Tags Pack | Candy Striped Paper “Sipper” Straws
Our shop has a whole theme dedicated to retro weddings. Browse and be inspired for everything from your wedding decorations to your wedding favours.
Above, clockwise from the top-left | Miniature Glass Bell Jar | Decorative Pedestaled Apothecary Jar with Bell, Globe, and Straight-Sided Shaped Bowl, Candy Colourful Cellophane Bag Inserts, and We Do Speech Bubbles Self-Standing Printed Paper Favour Bag | Novelty Popcorn Cartons, Old Time Candy and Popcorn Cellophane Bag Insert, and Popcorn, Topped With Love Sticker | Classic Red Gumball Machine
