39 Amazing Retro Wedding Moments
Wedding trends come and go, making a look through the celebrations of yesteryear a delightful chance to see just how much things have changed. From polyester bridesmaid dresses to a daring groom who kissed a bridesmaid, here's a peek into the past that you won't soon forget.
Mary Tyler Moore chose a more subdued version of an on-trend '80s look: Gathered sleeves and a high lace neckline.
Recognize the groom and the groomsmen in this photo? That's right, it's the wedding of Andy Taylor of Duran Duran. The look is a bit more classic British than their usual style during this time period.
The always-chic Ines de la Fressange went for a new look for bridal fashion: The short dress. Yet, white gloves and a veil added a traditional touch to the ensemble.
The low scoop-neck of this 1996 bride also feels a bit more timeless than other looks of the era. The carriage attendant's ensemble, though, is decidedly 90s.
The '70s were a bold decade, and nothing proves this more than the floral dresses (with matching bolero jackets) of these happy bridesmaids. Kind of puts those "You'll definitely wear it again!" dresses in the back of your closet to shame.
Of course, the sartorial statements weren't limited to bridal parties. Here, a groom wears the of-the-moment suit trend of the time, a velvet suit.
In a move that would go viral if tried in 2017, this happy decided to get married at McDonald's, floral arches and all. Why not?
The weather doesn't cramp this couple's style as they leave the church. The bride also has another layer of protection for her 'do in the form of a lace hat.
This very stylish couple goes for 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.
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.
During World War II, fuel shortages were common in occupied France. As a result, couples who had to travel to their wedding site had to get a little creative. This bride-and-groom hitched a ride on a pair of donkeys.
An elegant carriage takes carries this wedding party in style in 1926.
Of course, the easiest way to leave one's wedding is by foot. This dapper couple exits the church wearing very au courant looks for 1930, like the bride's floral halo and layered dress.
A just-married couple (circa 1941) raises a glass in celebration. Another on-trend bride for her time, she wears a very tailored dress complete with strong shoulders.
At this nudist colony wedding, the dress code was quite simple: Nothing at all, except for a few well-placed bouquets. That's one way to make things easier on guests.
Another creative take on traditional dress codes can be found at this very joyous occasion, where the bride and groom went with a strong Western theme. Our hats are off to them!
This circa-1950 bride goes traditional, complete with gloves and floor-length dresses for the bridal party. We still love those great shoes worn by the bride.
An arch fashioned by bicycles is very appropriate for this couple. After all, the groom was a professional cyclist.
This society wedding was decidedly luxurious for its time (1938), with bridesmaids clad in very shiny satin in a simple silhouette that was in vogue at the time.
It wouldn't be a '70s wedding without a guy wearing a ruffled shirt with his tux.The bride's look is a bit more timeless, with a floor-length gown and spray-style bouquet.
Bell-style sleeves were another big trend for '70s brides, creating a dramatic silhouette. Here, we see another trend of gowns of this era: empire waists.
However, some brides eschewed tradition altogether. This couple goes a bit more casual, with the bride wearing a printed minidress with a long white vest.
Like the couple who rode to their wedding on donkeys, this Parisian couple in World War II France had to get creative with their transportation. Being in the city, they had another option: the pedicab.
This adorable bridal party wouldn't look out of place in a modern ceremony, from the simple strapless bridesmaids gowns (worn with sheer capelets) to their fun fascinators.
This lovely outdoor ceremony took place by a lake, an always-lovely place to tie the knot. We imagine that the bride's hat came in handy for shielding her face from the glare of the sun. (Chalk up another "pro" to wearing a wedding chapeau.)
Here's another couple who didn't take their day seriously, but approached their ceremony with whimsy. They decided to tie the knot on roller skates at their favorite rink!
This stylish celebration was one for the ages: A double-wedding that took place at a dance hall. The bridesmaids and groomsmen couldn't have been happier for the lucky couples.
The emerging technology of radios was all the rage in 1922, so much so that a couple decided to saw their vows over the airwaves. They weren't too far, though. Both were at (separate) radio stations in Dallas and were able to give each other a kiss immediately after the ceremony.
We would've loved to have been guests at this '70s wedding, where the bride wore a fantastic multi-colored sundress and the groom wore a tunic.
This couple took their love to a whole new level: under the water. These strong swimmers tied the knot in a ceremony fit for a mermaid.
Model Lindsey Rudland wears a high-necked gown to her wedding to Andrew Clewer, who took a more casual approach with flared jeans and coordinating platforms.
"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. Here they are, exiting their happy ceremony.
This 1947 bride can't quite believe her eyes at the tiered cake in front of her. It was designed to feed 600 of her guests! (Our attention shifts to her very unusual hat, though.)
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 couple of savvy bridesmaids thought ahead to possibly wardrobe malfunctions by wearing what appears to be tights.
A fabulous bouquet is the finishing touch to this lavish lace dress worn by socialite Janet Morton on her wedding day. We just wish we could see what that garden looked like, in color.
In this circa-1952 wedding, guests didn't have to go far to find a glass to raise in tribute to the happy couple — the festivities took place at a pub.
A passionate kiss isn't out of place at a wedding, but note the parties in lip-lock: The groom ... and a bridesmaid. Perhaps they had a good laugh about it?
In the 1960s, hairstyles were almost like architectural creations that were constructed to last. Note that a strong breeze threatens to steal this bride's veil, but her hair stays firmly in place. (Sidenote: We love her graceful boatneck wedding dress.)
The classic cans-and-Just-Married-sign help send off a couple to a happy life ahead of them.
39 Amazing Retro Wedding Moments
Wedding trends come and go, making a look through the celebrations of yesteryear a delightful chance to see just how much things have changed. From polyester bridesmaid dresses to a daring groom who kissed a bridesmaid, here's a peek into the past that you won't soon forget.
There are great dresses galore, and a few eyebrow-raising looks too (nude wedding, anyone?).
Solve the daily Crossword
