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Throwback Wedding Themes That Invoke Fun and Nostalgia



Throwback Ideas That Invoke Fun and Nostalgia - The beach music was popular along with classic tunes from the Temptations – Wedding Soiree Blog by K’Mich, Philadelphia’s premier resource for wedding planning and inspiration

These 9 Zinger Throwback Themes Will Have You in the Spotlight


Themed weddings are more popular than ever these days. It’s a lot of fun to dress up in styles from the past and relive the days of a bygone era. 

Some popular throwback wedding themes are the classic styles of “The Great Gatsby,” retro styles from the ’60s and ’70s, the classic look of Jackie Kennedy or Marilyn Monroe from the ’50s. Why not revisit the 30’s and be a gangster and gun moll or Bonnie and Clyde, or a roaring 20’s flapper? 

Your choices are limited only by your imagination. We’ve gathered a few ideas here to get you started:


In this post, you will get ideas on:



Be A Blast From the Past With These Throwback  Ideas Themes

1. The 1960s Classic Theme

Throwback Ideas That Invoke Fun and Nostalgia - The beach music was popular along with classic tunes from the Temptations – Wedding Soiree Blog by K’Mich, Philadelphia’s premier resource for wedding planning and inspiration
(Image via Pinterest)
The beach music was popular, along with classic tunes from The Temptations, The Righteous Brothers, Ben E. King, and early Elvis Presley. Plan your theme to follow this classic era and decorate with 45’s and clothing with polka dots. Bridesmaids can wear mod-style dresses with go-go boots or stockings and mary janes. Groomsmen can wear plaid jackets, ruffled collars, and platform shoes. Your limo of choice can be a classic car or VW bus like the one pictured. Make sure to check with limousine companies about classic car rentals.






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2. The 1930s Gangster Theme

Throwback Ideas That Invoke Fun and Nostalgia - the 1930s where the rise of gangsters and Tommy guns, John Dillinger, Al Capone, Bonnie and Clyde – Wedding Soiree Blog by K’Mich, Philadelphia’s premier resource for wedding planning and inspiration
(Image via Pinterest)
The 1930’s where the rise of gangsters and Tommy guns. John Dillinger, Al Capone, Bonnie and Clyde, Baby Face Nelson, and Machine Gun Kelly were the most wanted outlaws of the period. To recreate the look find vintage clothing in a “paperboy” style, with rolled-up pant legs, white shirt, and Brixton newsboy cap or Zoot suit with a fedora and prop gun. The ’30s were a time of prohibition so you could make “bathtub gin”, and decorate the venue as a “Speakeasy.” Play music by Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, and Frank Sinatra. 

3. The 1950s Retro

Throwback Ideas that invoke fun and nostalgia - if you have a more general love for the music and styles of the 1950s why not bring back the - Wedding Soiree Blog by K’Mich, Philadelphia’s premier resource for wedding planning and inspiration
(Image via Pinterest)
If you have a more general love for the music and styles of the 1950s, why not bring back the 1950s as your theme. During your cocktail hour and reception, you can have the classic diner decor around where the food is being served. Servers and bartenders can dress in white shirts and diamond-shaped paper caps. You can play 1950s music and invite your guests to dress up in hoop skirts, saddle shoes, and black-framed cat-eye glasses. Letterman sweaters, leather jackets, and motorcycles can be incorporated into clothing and decorations. From your invitations to the thank you notes, every part of your big day can revolve around the 1950s
.


4. The Vintage Movie Theme

Throwback Ideas That Invoke Fun and Nostalgia - if you and your spouse-to-be are huge move buffs, there's no better theme than a vintage movie theme - Winter Wedding Ideas You Will Love – Wedding Soiree Blog by K’Mich, Philadelphia’s premier resource for wedding planning and inspiration
(Image via Pinterest)
If you and your spouse-to-be are huge movie buffs, there’s no better theme than a vintage movie theme for your special day. You can use lots of film strip decor, and even incorporate it into your wedding cake. Your sweetheart table can feature directors' chairs like the ones in this photo. Also, ask your guests what their favorite vintage movies are and see if you can find the movie posters to hang around the reception venue.


5. “The Roaring 20s” Theme

Throwback Ideas That Invoke Fun and Nostalgia -flapper outfits, speakeasy decor - Winter Wedding Ideas You Will Love – Wedding Soiree Blog by K’Mich, Philadelphia’s premier resource for wedding planning and inspiration
(Image via Pinterest)
In the past several years, the roaring 20s have been popular. Since 2020 is coming up soon, you may opt to have a roaring 20s-themed wedding. From speakeasy decor to flapper outfits, there are a variety of ways to incorporate this decade into your wedding.


6. The Hippie Wedding

Throwback Ideas That Invoke Fun and Nostalgia - the 1960s hiippie culture was about conversation and peace and love - Winter Wedding Ideas You Will Love – Wedding Soiree Blog by K’Mich, Philadelphia’s premier resource for wedding planning and inspiration
(Image via Pinterest)
The 1960s hippie culture was all about conservation and peace and love, and this aspect remains popular today. To incorporate this into your wedding, wear a bohemian wedding dress and have tie-dye throughout your decor. Jewelry with peace signs, flowers, and headbands are good choices for bridesmaids and guests. Music can be anything of your choice from the Beatles, The Doors, or Jimmi Hendrix.


7. The Retro Flight Attendant

Throwback Ideas That Invoke Fun and Nostalgia - Take your guests on a memorable ride by having a retro flight attendant theme – Wedding Soiree Blog by K’Mich, Philadelphia’s premier resource for wedding planning and inspiration
(Image via Pinterest)
Take your wedding guests on a memorable ride by having a retro flight attendant theme. Your bridesmaids can wear retro flight attendant attire while the groomsmen can wear pilot gear. You can even get the kids who are part of the wedding involved in the theme!


8. The Disco Theme

Get groocy with a 1970s disco-themed wedding - Throwback wedding theme that invoke fun and nostalgia - Wedding Soiree Blog by K’Mich, Philadelphia’s premier resource for wedding planning and inspiration
(Image via Pinterest)
Get groovy with a 1970s disco-themed wedding! Your bridesmaids and groomsmen can wear bright colors. For your reception, you can play disco music and have disco balls galore, like in the photo above. 
Related: Bridal Core Couture: An Ode to that Beautiful & Fantastic Year


9. The Masquerade Theme

Think "Phantom of the Opera" or vintage renaissance era - Throwback ideas  - Wedding Soiree Blog by K’Mich, Philadelphia’s premier resource for wedding planning and inspiration
(Image via Pinterest)
While masquerades can be modern, have a throwback wedding by using old-time masks, capes, music, and decor. Think “Phantom of the Opera” or vintage Renaissance era. You can even choose a vintage venue that will help bring a blast from the past to a modern wedding. Most clothing can be found in vintage stores or costume shops. 
Related: Halloween Made Elegant

9 Throwback Wedding Themes That Invoke Fun and Nostalgia

Back to You
While most modern weddings are proper and follow tradition, it can also be fun and memorable to try something different like taking guests on a time-travel journey to the past. These are just a few fun ideas, let your imagination run wild to create the wedding theme of your dreams. Costumes, props, and accessories can be found in local shops and through online retailers. What's your theme wedding going to be? Let us know below.

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Updated: 9/3/2021 | 8/3/2022 | 5/10/2023

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