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Wedding Decor May 10, 2013

Weddings Through the Decades: Roaring '20s Inspiration

Today, the latest interpretation of F.

by Laura Marie Meyers

Today, the latest interpretation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby hits theaters, transporting us to the glittering, jiving 1920s and the tragic love story of Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan. It's an ornate era that just screams "wedding theme."

In the midst of post-World War I prosperity, the Roaring '20s were all about new technologies, jazz music, speakeasies, and a flippant attitude. For fashion, this meant simple elegance: feathers, pearls, boas, flapper dresses, bucket hats, and brooches. Weddings were much more informal than in earlier eras — gone were the corsets, tossed aside in favor of drop-waist dresses that showed a bit of leg. Brides danced everything from the foxtrot to the Charleston, and most preferred platinum or white gold wedding rings over traditional yellow gold. Hoping to channel a bit of Jazz Age pizzazz on your big day? Here are some luxurious, inspiring ideas to help you carry '20s charm into your wedding celebration.

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Weddings Through the Decades: From the Victorian Era to the '80s

We've been showing you how to add some history to your wedding with our weddings through the decades, beginning with the Victorian period of lace and silhouette portraits and ending with the era of neon, big hair, and mix tapes — the '80s.

by Tara Block

We've been showing you how to add some history to your wedding with our weddings through the decades, beginning with the Victorian period of lace and silhouette portraits and ending with the era of neon, big hair, and mix tapes — the '80s. And then in the middle, we've got ideas for fans of Downton Abbey, Mad Men, and The Great Gatsby. If you're looking for some ways to incorporate the traditions, trends, and fashions of the past century, check out these weddings through the decades!

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Weddings Through the Decades: Colorful '80s Inspiration

Following the free love of the '70s was the playful culture of the 1980s — a decade filled with neon shades, big hair, and pop music.

by Laura Marie Meyers

Following the free love of the '70s was the playful culture of the 1980s — a decade filled with neon shades, big hair, and pop music. WIth Nintendo, Pac-Man, the Brat Pack, New Kids on the Block, and the boombox, the '80s were all about bright colors and punchy energy. Hoping to bring some retro fun to your big day, or maybe your bachelorette party? From music-inspired accents to bold, bright decor, here are some unique ideas to spark your creativity.

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Wedding Jun 11, 2012

Wedding Through the Decades: 1970s Inspiration

Influenced by the revolutionary 1960s, the '70s had its fair share of hippies and free love.

by Annie Scudder

Influenced by the revolutionary 1960s, the '70s had its fair share of hippies and free love. But the decade also has its own defining spirit that includes disco, bell-bottoms, and bright colors and prints. With psychedelic save the dates or all-natural long wavy hair to pair with your flowing peasant dress, you can let the 1970s inspire your big day in 2012. Here are some ideas to get you started.

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nostalgia Jun 04, 2012

Weddings Through the Decades: 1960s Inspiration

In the wake of the conservative, buttoned-up 1950s came the flower power counterculture of the '60s: civil rights, the sexual revolution, and the women's liberation movement.

by Laura Marie Meyers

In the wake of the conservative, buttoned-up 1950s came the flower power counterculture of the '60s: civil rights, the sexual revolution, and the women's liberation movement. While marriage held the utmost importance in the '50s, the role of women and wives began to change in the following decade. Along with Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique came the rise of feminism, which questioned women's position in society. Meanwhile, legendary musicians were at the top of the Billboard charts: The Beatles, The Supremes, Grateful Dead, and Bob Dylan. Men started adopting the mop-top hairstyle, while women wore everything from beehives to Twiggy-inspired pixie cuts. Hoping to channel the '60s for your big day? From mod styles to daisy accents, these creative ideas will kick-start your inspiration.

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Weddings Through the Decades: Retro '50s Inspiration

It was all about the flawless, quintessential white wedding throughout the '50s: extravagant ceremonies, pristine formal attire, and happy, upbeat music.

by Laura Marie Meyers

It was all about the flawless, quintessential white wedding throughout the '50s: extravagant ceremonies, pristine formal attire, and happy, upbeat music. Crooners like Frank Sinatra stole the scene early on, while Elvis Presley and rock and roll took over the radio spots later in the decade. Onscreen, Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe made pin-up girls the ultimate male fantasy, while TV programs like I Love Lucy and Leave It to Beaver stuck to a cookie-cutter mold. Hoping to channel the jukebox era for your own wedding? From striped straws to retro color schemes, here are 35 creative ways to carry '50s charm into your big day.

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Weddings Through the Decades: 1940s Inspiration

Weddings of the military-minded 1940s involved men in uniform, simple gowns, big band entertainment, and plenty of romantic details.

by Laura Marie Meyers

Weddings of the military-minded 1940s involved men in uniform, simple gowns, big band entertainment, and plenty of romantic details. It was the decade of film noir, Casablanca, "Rosie the Riveter," and the introduction of classic pin-up girls — plus the royal wedding of then-Princess Elizabeth to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 1947. Hoping to channel a bit of vintage flair on your big day? Consider adding patriotic accents, military-inspired decor, or nautical details. From rosy red bouquets to glamorous Old Hollywood hairstyles, here are 33 creative ideas to help you plan a '40s-inspired wedding.

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Wedding Decor Apr 23, 2012

Weddings Through the Decades: Edwardian Inspiration

The Edwardian period, also referred to as the Gilded Age, was an era of newfound wealth, the start of industrialization, and peace before the first World War — it's also known for the sinking of the RMS Titanic — and for weddings, this meant rich, extravagant occasions.

by Laura Marie Meyers

The Edwardian period, also referred to as the Gilded Age, was an era of newfound wealth, the start of industrialization, and peace before the first World War — it's also known for the sinking of the RMS Titanic — and for weddings, this meant rich, extravagant occasions. Several wedding traditions first began during the Edwardian period, including the bridesmaid-then-bride processional, the afternoon ceremony time, and the importance placed upon beautiful wedding gowns. Gold and pastels color schemes were the most popular, while brooches, hats, gloves, and embellished accessories stayed in style. Considering a bit of romantic Downtown Abbey-esque flair for your big day? Here are our favorite picks to help you channel the gorgeous Edwardian style.

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Wedding Decor Apr 18, 2012

Weddings Through the Decades: Victorian Inspiration

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" — it's a wedding tradition that began in the Victorian era along with several other practices that continue today.

by Laura Marie Meyers

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" — it's a wedding tradition that began in the Victorian era along with several other practices that continue today. While "something old" should have once belonged to a happily married woman, "something new" is usually the bridal apparel. To guarantee good fortune, "something old" must be gold, and "something blue" symbolizes the heavens and true love. Rooted in the Victorian age are a number of classic customs, including the throwing of the rice, dove symbols, ringing church bells, and even the superstition of wearing white. Hoping to channel a bit of historical tradition on your big day? From lace accents to silhouette portraits, here are 40 Victorian-inspired wedding details that convey another time.

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