Ready for a blast from the past? This year retro wedding dress trends are back in full force. From 90s chic wedding couture to fun 80s audio message books in dream pastel colours — sign us up!
Get ready to explore the retro delights making a comeback in modern celebrations this year! They say that fashion is circular — everything comes back around — and we couldn’t agree more. With stunning Art Deco venues and smooth jazz bands turning receptions into swinging soirees, we’re here to explore the whimsical and fun side of tying the knot with a few retro touches.
Ready to go back in time? Here are our top picks for retro wedding trends in 2024.
1. 90s bridal fashion
Say goodbye to frills and hello to the smooth, understated silhouettes in luxe satin and silk. These materials aren’t just for show; they’re here to make you feel like the queen you are on your big day. Slip-style dresses steal the spotlight, gracefully skimming the body with a chic simplicity. And oh, don’t even get us started on the off-the-shoulder stunners, showcasing just the right amount of skin for that touch of flirtiness. It’s all about minimal fuss, maximum style –- because why complicate things when you can take to the aisle in a dress that’s as timeless as your romance? The 90s are well and truly back, and they’re bringing their wedding fashion A-game!
2. Retro audio guest books
We love this retro twist on traditional guest books: cool, old-school phones in 60s pastel hues! Picture your guests stepping up to a vintage-inspired station with a phone straight out of a vintage dream. These pastel-hued beauties not only add a touch of nostalgia but allow guests to dial in their warm wishes, share anecdotes, or even harmonize a bit of marital advice, all in the charm of a bygone era.
3. Ruffle Cakes
There’s a revival of retro ruffle cakes gracing modern weddings — and we are so here for it. These cakes seamlessly blend vintage charm and contemporary flair with their delicate ruffles of buttercream. The perfect touch to these fun designs? Lettering in vintage fonts with a tongue-in-cheek message. Our favourites include “Till Death” and “We did it!”
4. Bow motifs
In 2024, weddings are embracing a stylish and feminine retro throwback with the resurgence of bow motifs. This trend harkens back to a time when grace took centre stage, as bows became the understated yet impactful detail adorning bridal attire and décor. Whether delicately tied around a bouquet, gracing the back of a wedding gown, or accenting table settings, bows infuse a sense of softness and flirty charm. This is one trend that’s making it from TikTok to the aisle!
5. Old-school photo booths
Add a dash of old-school fun to your wedding with a classic photo booth. Think candid moments, quirky props, and timeless black-and-white photo strips that capture the joy of the celebration. Now, imagine taking it up a notch with Kombi Photo Booth. Housed within a retro kombi van, this mobile photo booth adds a cool vintage vibe to your big day. It’s not just about the pictures; it’s about stepping into a snapshot of the past and creating memories. Simple, spontaneous, and undeniably cool – the Kombi Photo Booth turns your wedding into a rolling retro party, ensuring your guests leave with smiles and memories in hand.
6. Art deco venues
Step into the world of retro wedding trends with the resurgence of Art Deco venues. If an art deco aesthetic has your heart, Melbourne’s own The Centre Ivanhoe stands as a shining example. This historic gem, located in the leafy northeastern suburbs of Melbourne, embodies glamour and sophistication with its Art Deco design. Picture grand chandeliers, geometric patterns, and luxurious finishes, creating a setting that transports couples and guests to an era of opulence and sophistication.
Art Deco venues like The Centre Ivanhoe are becoming sought-after spaces, blending the charm of the past with the celebration of love in the present. With their rich history and exquisite aesthetics, these venues offer a touch of vintage allure that elevates the wedding experience to a level of timeless style and sophistication.
7. Polaroids and disposable cameras
Say cheese! Step back into the carefree vibes of the ’90s with the revival of Polaroids and disposable cameras as a delightful retro wedding trend. Couples are embracing the nostalgia of this throwback by placing Polaroid cameras on tables or providing guests with disposable cameras, inviting them to capture candid moments throughout the celebration.
It’s a fun and interactive way to document the joyous atmosphere, with guests becoming impromptu photographers, snapping away at the laughter, dances, and heartfelt exchanges. These tangible snapshots not only immortalize the day in a charmingly vintage manner but also provide a unique perspective of your day. So, strike a pose and let the ’90s nostalgia unfold in every click and whirr of these retro-inspired cameras.
8. Jazz bands
Cue the saxophones and let the rhythm of nostalgia take centre stage – jazz bands are making a stylish comeback as a retro wedding trend. Couples opt for the smooth sounds of live jazz to infuse their celebrations with a timeless, sophisticated ambience. Whether it’s the soulful crooning of a vocalist, the enchanting notes of a trumpet, or the rhythmic pulse of a double bass, a live jazz band adds a touch of vintage allure to the festivities.
The charm lies not only in the music itself but also in the intimate and classy atmosphere it creates, reminiscent of a bygone era. With every swing and sway, a jazz band turns your wedding into a musical journey, inviting guests to revel in the elegance and romance that only live jazz can bring to the table.
9. Vintage getaway cars
Ready to roll into wedded bliss with a dash of vintage flair? Buckle up for a romantic getaway in a classic car that’s straight out of a daydream. As you make your exit, let the echoes of Taylor Swift’s “Getaway Car” set the rhythm for your adventure into happily-ever-after. Thanks to Jaguars with Grace, your exit becomes a scene from a glamorous movie – their fleet of gorgeous vintage wedding cars and pro chauffeurs promise a ride as stylish as it is fun. Picture the wind tousling your hair, the music setting the mood, and your getaway car becoming the star of your happily-ever-after tale.
10. Birdcage veils
Time to channel the vintage glamour of yesteryears with the revival of birdcage veils as a charming wedding trend. These short, whimsical veils, reminiscent of mid-20th-century fashion, are making a stylish comeback, adding a touch of retro elegance to modern weddings. Think Audrey Hepburn meets contemporary chic. The birdcage veil lends an air of mystery, framing the bride’s face with delicate netting and often adorned with intricate lace or subtle embellishments. It’s the perfect accessory for the bride who wants to evoke a sense of timeless romance and a dash of vintage allure on her wedding day.
