Call it Retro, call it Rockabilly, call it what you will, but this season watch out wedding-goers because you may just get knocked off you feet by this latest craze! So, we have all heard the term “Retro” used a lot lately in terms of fashion and décor, but really what are we talking about. Not completely sure myself, I Wiki’d it! I know pretty funny. So the “official” definition reads that “Retro” is a culturally outdated or aged style, trend, or fashion, from the postmodern past, but have since become functional or superficially the norm once again… okay so Vintage? No, not really Vintage, think more Elvis and Mary Tyler Moore.

Retro was created to separate Vintage fashions.

Let’s face it:

1. both are co-existing in our modern time
2. both reflect very different cultural values with very different looks

At one point we were throwing all past style trend into that “vintage” category, but not any more. Vintage, today, represents period pieces from the 1900s-1930′s. “Retro” are the styles most of us can relate to (because most of us were children or teens when these looks were popular!), they span from the 1940′s to 1980′s… yes I said 1980′s. Now who feels old!

So now that we have our fashion categories sorted out, let’s talk about the latest trends in wedding fashion and planning. Can you guess it? Good job…Retro! I am dying to see this look continue, I mean it absolutely rocks! I am a sucker for the romantic feel vintage inspired weddings create, but I am more of a rocker at heart, but still REALLY girly! That is the best part about the retro theme, there are so many eras to choose from and the looks are so extreme from one to the next. You can go from Ozzie and Harriet, at one end of the spectrum, to Run DMC! Truly, this latest craze has something to offer everyone.

Inspiration

My inspiration for this blog piece came to me as I was researching wedding gowns for another blog I was working on. I happen to stumble on a great site, the Offbeat Bride, and saw some very unusual themed weddings. One that really stuck out was this “Rockabilly” themed wedding. They were using a malt shop as their theme and even included “the King” in their wedding decor! What I really liked about their theme, is that it was fun! The bride wore a tea-length dress (I admit, this is when that style looks the best!) and the groom and best man wore a more traditional tuxedo, but the ladies were the ones who really got to show some style. Remove the Poodle skirt and sweater set look out of your head. Replace it with the styles of Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelley, and Jackie Kennedy. Think white gloves, pencil skirts, pinup girls, and lots of COLOR!

I will admit “rockabilly” is the extreme of the era I’m talking about. They border on the side of James Dean and Steve McQueen. A little “rebel without a cause” flare. But, what I really enjoy from this style is the freedom and use of color. My suggestion is to use elements of both. A little conservative and a little rock n’ roll! Let’s face it most of us border that line anyway, and guest I think will really enjoy themselves. Nothing is more fun than a reception where people are having fun! Throw in some Elvis and the Big Bopper along with traditional wedding music and you’ll have everyone (well, almost everyone!) out of their chairs and on the dance floor.

Be creative with your décor

Try using paper lanterns, colorful umbrellas, and polka dots. Break out the bold colors like, red, black, turquoise, orange, hot pink, bright yellow, and deep blue. Don’t be afraid to experiment and push the envelope a little. For a favor, you can still use a hot trend right now and create a candy bar. Fill it with dime store candies like clove and Bazooka bubble gum, Jujubes, Bit O Honey, Chunky bars, and candy buttons. Serve comfort foods like meatloaf and mashed potatoes, and have a bar stocked with a variety of martinis. You never know when 007 may show up…so have a shaker and a martini glass set aside!

For the hip young couple…

who isn’t afraid to experiment with style and fashion, I say go for it! I really am behind this trend 100%. Yes, I still love the traditional looks, but with this wedding fashion trend there are just so many areas to pick from. Are you more 50′s or 70′s inspired? Either will give you a classic and edgy look. I think retro is going to stick around for a while. It may not outlast vintage, but it will give it a good run for its’ money while contending in the ring!

Images from offbeatbride.com, My Island Wedding, ruffledblog.com, RachelJasperDesign, Favors With Love, royalsteamline.com/, I Do Inspiration, Pink Deville, itsajaimething.com, weddingthings.com, and parnhamfunfairs.co.uk

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 at 8:46 am and is filed under Trends. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.