45 Retro Wedding Moments That Show How the Times Have Changed
39 Retro Wedding Moments That Show How the Times Have Changed
Wedding trends (think: puffy sleeves, head-to-toe lace, and matchy-matchy bridesmaid dresses) come and go, but true love lasts forever. To better understand some of history's most beautiful love stories, go back to where it all began: their wedding day. Here, take a look at the weddings from years past, ranging from the 1920s to the turn of the century, to get a closer look at the unique ways that couples said "I do." These moments, while full of love and wedded bliss, are truly a reflection of the times — some highlight the fashion trends, a few point out unique hairstyles and makeup looks, and others show the advancements in technology and transportation. Although some of these retro moments focus on the makings for a gorgeous wedding like floral arrangements, tiered cakes, and well-dressed venues, most bring attention to the over-the-top dress styles worn by the bride, groom, and wedding party alike. Sure, some of these retro wedding moments (the scandalous wedding dresses, especially) will make you laugh or worse, cringe, but there's a handful that may just inspire your upcoming nuptials. Maybe, just maybe.
Famous Face
Mary Tyler Moore went for more a subdued version of an on-trend '80s look: gathered sleeves and a high lace neckline.
Lovely Lace
Here's a more dramatic take on the look at a 1989 wedding. The dramatic puff sleeves give a romantic, almost Victorian feel to the gown.
Frilly Sleeves
The frilly details at the shoulders of this 1988 wedding dress bring to mind the frothy-sleeved gowns often seen on the silver screen in the 1930s.
Married With the Band
Recognize the groom and the groomsmen in this photo? That's because it's Andy Taylor and the rest of Duran Duran. The look is a bit more classic British than their usual rock 'n' roll style.
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'80s Traditional
Lace ruled formal gowns of the '80s, as seen in this 1985 wedding. The deep red bridesmaid dress picks up the darker hues within the bride's bouquet.
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Country Romance
Lace wedding dresses continued well into the '90s, including at this English countryside affair.
Stylish Bride
The always-chic Ines de la Fressange opted for an unconventional mini, accessorized with white gloves and dramatic veil.
Timeless Look
The simple neckline and full skirt on this 1997 bride would still be "in" today. Slight Meghan Markle vibes, yeah?
'90s Chic
The low scoop-neck of this 1996 bride feels more timeless than other looks of the era. The carriage attendant's ensemble, though, is decidedly '90s.
Off-the-Shoulder Gown
Another popular look for '90s brides was the off-the-shoulder gown, like at this 1994 wedding.
Statement Bridesmaid Dresses
The '70s were a bold decade, which is why some bridesmaids walked down the aisle in head-to-t0e floral dresses with matching bolero jackets.
A Stunning Suit
The sartorial statements weren't always limited to bridal parties. In this case, the groom wore the of-the-moment suit trend at the time: a velvet suit.
Supersized Celebration
This happy couple made the unique decision to tie the knot at McDonald's, floral arches and all.
Rainy Day Wedding
The weather didn't cramp this couple's style after they said "I do." Luckily, the bride also wore a lace hat as another layer of protection for her curly wedding hair.
Rolling to the Wedding
This very stylish couple chose a festive and fun mode of transport to (or from?) their wedding — a bike! Note the floral decorations woven into the spokes, along with the very-French bridal ensemble.
Stylish Exit
This circa-1955 couple leaves the church to the well wishes of friends and family for a truly timeless send-off. The bride's full-skirted dress still looks adorable to modern eyes.
Unusual Entrance
During World War II, fuel shortages were common in occupied France. As a result, couples got creative with transportation, which is why this bride-and-groom hitched a ride on a pair of donkeys.
Carriage Ride
An elegant carriage carries this wedding party in style in 1926.
A Church Exit
This couple exited the church wearing a dapper ensemble (for the 1930s, at least), including the bride's floral halo and groom's pinstripe tuxedo.
Cheers to the Happy Couple
A just-married couple (circa 1941) raises a glass in celebration. The bride stunned in a very tailored dress, complete with strong shoulders.
Dare to Bare
At this nudist colony wedding, the dress code was rather simple: nothing at all, except for a few well-placed bouquets.
Down-Home Celebration
For another creative take on traditional dress, this bride and groom went with strong Western-inspired outfits. We think John Dutton would approve.
Here Comes the Bride
This circa-1950 bride goes traditional, complete with gloves and floor-length dresses for the bridal party.
Fun Send-Off
An arch fashioned by bicycles is very appropriate for this couple. After all, the groom was a professional cyclist.
Bridesmaids in Satin
This society wedding was decidedly luxurious for its time (1938) with bridesmaids clad in a satin silhouette that was in style at the time.
Ruffled Tux
It wouldn't be a '70s wedding without a guy wearing a ruffled shirt under his tux. The bride's look is more timeless, thanks to a floor-length gown and spray-style bouquet.
The Bride Wore Bells
Bell sleeves were another big trend for '70s brides. Here, we see another wedding dress trend for this era: empire waists.
Modern Bride
Some brides eschewed tradition altogether. This couple went more casual with the bride's printed minidress and groom's classic suit.
Pedicab Transport
Like the couple who rode to their wedding on donkeys, this Parisian couple in World War II France got creative (and romantic) with a pedicab.
Circle of Bridesmaids
From the strapless bridesmaids gowns to their fun fascinators, this bridal party would actually be appropriate today.
Wedding in the Park
To shield her face from the summer sun, this bride wore a floppy hat. Perfect for an outdoor wedding, no?
Party on the Go
Here's another couple who approached their wedding ceremony with whimsy. They tied the knot on roller skates at their favorite rink!
Double Wedding
This stylish celebration was one for the ages: a double wedding that took place at a dance hall.
Wedding by Radio
The emerging technology of radios was all the rage in 1922, so much so that a couple decided to say their vows over the airwaves. The best part: They were actually at separate radio stations in Dallas and were able to give each other a kiss immediately after the ceremony.
Counter-Culture Wedding
Talk about a '70s wedding, rainbow and linen tunic included.
Underwater Nuptuals
This couple took their love to a totally different dimension: under the water.
Flare to Spare
Model Lindsey Rudland wore a high-necked gown to her wedding to Andrew Clewer, who took a more casual approach with flared jeans and coordinating platforms.
One Fine Day
"Always a bachelor, never a groom," might have been the mantra of 85-year-old veteran Charles Rance. That was, until he met the lovely 78-year-old Anne Howells, who swept him off his feet and right into matrimony.
A Big Cake
This 1947 bride can't quite believe her eyes at the massive cake that was designed to feed 600 wedding guests. (Our attention shifts to her unique headpiece, though.)
Breezy Bridesmaids
These delicately-layered dresses strike a lovely note for the festivities, especially when paired with bountiful blooms and hats made of a similarly dainty material.
A Dramatic Train
A fabulous bouquet is the finishing touch to this lavish lace dress worn by socialite Janet Morton on her wedding day.
A Festive Celebration
In this 1952 wedding, guests didn't have to go far to find a glass to raise in celebration of the happy couple because the festivities took place at a pub.
Wedding Surprise
A passionate kiss isn't out of place at a wedding, but note the parties in lip-lock: the groom ... and a bridesmaid. We're hoping that the guests — and most importantly, the bride — had a good laugh about it.
Windswept Bride
In the 1960s, hairstyles were constructed to last. Note that a strong breeze threatens to steal this bride's veil, but her hair stays firmly in place.
A Big Exit
The classic cans and "Just Married" sign help send off a couple to a happy life ahead of them.
Some of these dress choices will raise a few eyebrows, that's for sure.