If you love the look of early last century from the roaring 20’s to the 50’s glam let us help you bring a touch of retro to your wedding style.

For a 1920s look:

Start with a beaded dress and shiny headband. Nothing says the 20’s like a drop waist and shiny beads over a sheer skirt and bodice. Add a vintage car and be sure the groom is wearing suspenders and you’ll be well on your way to setting the tone.

Want to add a more modern twist and just hint at the 20s? Say it with a beaded dress and add feathers to the bottom as a nod to the flapper style.

Or, show off beads at the back of your dress, and use a beaded purse and shoes.

1930s

This decade went away from whimsical design and short sleeves to long sleeve dresses and high collars. Silk and lace became the fabrics of the day. To celebrate your 30s style choose a dress like this one with a flattering mermaid cut.

Add to elegance with small beads with sheer sleeve and neckline.

Or choose something thoroughly modern and keep the demure neckline and long sleeves for a bow to retro style. 

1940s 

When World War II, started fabrics were scarce and lots of women wore their mother’s and grandmother’s gowns. Designer shunned floor length veils and introduced the birdcage; lace became less intricate and embellishment was considered too much. That didn’t mean that brides didn’t look beautiful; it just meant that fashion wasn’t over the top. We love these looks that harken to the era. From this lovely red-haired bride with her lace bodice and silk skirt …

To this lovely bride with finger curls and her applique neckline. 

To this beautiful bride’s minimalist retro style wearing chiffon over silk.

1950s

Here comes the glam! Fashion explodes with off-shoulder dresses that accentuate the waistline, and Jackie O, Grace Kelly, and Marilyn Monroe set the trends. Skirt length gets shorter for some brides wearing gowns like the one pictured below.

And veils make a comeback, along with jeweled chokers and jewelry made for princesses.

And fur wraps become all the rage. We think they still look great although we strongly advise you to wear faux fur in today’s climate.

No matter what retro touches you’re adding to your weddings, here are a few extras you can add to surprise your guests and family.

Play your first song on a phonograph.

Rent a car that fits the decade.

Choose a venue that is already decorated in your wedding style.

Hire a photographer who knows how to capture your unique style.

To find the most talented, experienced wedding photographers on the planet with portfolios from timeless to modern, check out our carefully curated directory and feel confident about choosing the one artist whose style is most like yours.