Pastels and Petticoats: 1950s Wedding Ideas | Glitzy Secrets
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Pastels and Petticoats: 1950s Wedding Ideas for a Vintage Inspired Day

July 30, 2015

I often think that I was born in the wrong decade although I have to say that if I were able to live through one of the brilliant eras of the twentieth century, I’m not sure which one I’d choose. I do know however that I love the Fifties – the feminine shapes, the colours, the playful vibe and overall style makes my history loving heart beat a little faster. So, here’s a little look at some rather brilliant 1950s inspired wedding ideas that are, as a Fifties kid might say, so cool they’re made in the shade…

Pastel 1950s retro wedding ideas

Images: Top Row Left via The Frosted Petticoat | Top Row Right via Pinterest | Second Row Left via Rock N Roll Bride | Second Row Right via Style Me Pretty | Third Row Left via Polka Dot Brides | Third Row Right via The Vintage Table | Fourth Row Left via Wedding Chicks | Fourth Row Right via Rock N Roll Bride | Bottom Row Left via Wedding Chicks | Bottom Row Right via Ruffled

As I’ve mentioned in a previous feature, to rock the 1950s look, you’ll need a boat necked gown with elbow length sleeves teamed with gloves and shoulder length veil to be an era-inspired bride. To get the real full-skirted look, you’ll need to add some petticoats and why not choose a pretty coloured version? Flirty shoes are also a must – think kitten heeled sling backs, peep toes or styles with cute bows.

To complete your iconic 1950s look, you’ll need an updo with perfect waves, black lined lashes and a red lipstick to keep your colour all day long. Pearl or crystal earrings are a must (check out the fab Fifties selection here on Glitzy Secrets) and consider a wide headband as the ideal finishing touch. Don’t forget that box bags were also all the rage in the Fifties so why not let your bridesmaids carry these instead of bouquets?

Whilst we’re talking about bridesmaids, they can take their pick of coloured or patterned dresses. Again, full skirts are the way forward with bows and belts, marabou shrugs or little swing jackets if you like. They shouldn’t forget their little gloves either and again, go for a well-groomed approach to hair and make-up.

1950s pastel and petticoats wedding theme inspiration

Images: Top Row Left via Elegant Wedding Invites | Top Row Right via Polka Dot Brides | Second Row Left via Ruffled | Second Row Right - Vintage Bow Earrings (Sold Out) by Glitzy Secrets | Third Row Left via Love My Dress | Third Row Right via Weddingomania | Fourth Row Left via Peaches and Mint | Fourth Row Right via Ruffled | Bottom Row Left via The Vintage Ice Cream Van | Bottom Row Right via Cotton Candy Weddings

For me, the 1950s seems intrinsically linked to ice cream colours and there are plenty of ways you can bring these great shades into your wedding. Stronger than pastels, perfect for a mix-and-match look and ideal for styling, you really can’t go wrong with these colours. You could even serve retro ice creams from a vintage van or set up a diner-inspired area complete with jukebox, milkshakes and classic bottled sodas. The 1950s were all about fun so keep this in mind as you plan your day.

More fun can be had with huge balloons and after a spell as something unspeakable in the wedding world, balloons are back and they look brilliant. Choose coloured balloons and use them to decorate your venue or have some fun with them in photos. They’ll make everyone smile for sure. You could also throw a bit of glitter into the mix – how about whimsical glittered signs for example or sparkling touches on stationery? Keep everything light, bright and colourful and just enjoy yourself.

To bring a 1950s feel to your tables, you could use coloured vintage crockery or bring in those ice-cream colours with table runners, napkins and even flowers. I really love little vintage inspired touches – props such as old cameras and books, jaunty pennants and flags and even personalised stationery styled to look like 1950s records or film posters. All of these details convey the spirit of the era while also giving you the freedom to add your own twist to your day.

And now I’ve mentioned ‘the twist’, who would like to join me for a dance?!

Written by Tamryn - Blogger at Glitzy Secrets


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