How to Have an Eras-Inspired Wedding in Kashmir

Planning a wedding that celebrates love through the lens of different eras is a beautiful way to incorporate timeless fashion, decor, and music from the past. Whether you want to capture the elegance of the 1920s, the bohemian vibes of the 1970s, or even the boldness of the 1980s, an eras-inspired wedding allows you to blend vintage charm with modern romance. Here’s a guide on how to have a wedding that will take your guests on a journey through time.

1. Choose Your Eras

Why It’s Important: Selecting one or more decades to represent is the first step in creating a cohesive look and feel. You might pick just one era that resonates with your style, or you could mix and match elements from multiple eras for a unique twist. For example, you could have a ceremony inspired by the Roaring Twenties, a cocktail hour with a nod to the 1950s, and a dance party straight out of the 1980s.

Tips: Research different decades to find one that resonates with both you and your partner. Once chosen, study the fashion, decor, and music of that era to fully immerse yourself and bring authenticity to your celebration.

2. Vintage Invitations

How to Do It: Set the tone with invitations that reflect the chosen era(s). For a 1920s-inspired wedding, consider Art Deco designs with gold and black accents. If you’re going for a 1960s theme, think about using psychedelic patterns and bold colors.

Tips: Include playful language or design elements that reflect the chosen time period. Choose paper that feels vintage and don’t be afraid to use fonts and graphics that scream nostalgia.

3. Era-Specific Attire

For the Bride: Embrace the iconic styles of your chosen era. For example:

1920s: Opt for a flapper-inspired gown with beaded details and a vintage veil.

1950s: A tea-length dress with a fitted bodice and full skirt for that classic look.

1970s: Try a bohemian dress with lace details and flowy sleeves.

For the Groom: Suits can also reflect different eras. Think sharp tuxedos for a 1920s or 1940s look, a colorful velvet jacket for a 1960s vibe, or a bold suit with wide lapels for the 1980s.

Tips: For added authenticity, source vintage pieces from thrift stores or online retailers. Accessories like gloves, headpieces, and jewelry can further enhance the look.

4. Era-Inspired Decor

Venue Ambiance: Decorate your venue to reflect the charm of your chosen era(s). Think of elements like vintage chandeliers for a 1920s ambiance, mid-century furniture for a 1950s feel, or disco balls and neon signs for an ‘80s celebration.

Table Settings: Use dinnerware, glassware, and centerpieces that match the era’s aesthetics. For instance:

1940s: Elegant, vintage-style china with floral patterns.

1960s: Bright, geometric tablecloths and mod-style centerpieces.

Tips: Add era-appropriate touches, like retro photo booths, classic cars for transportation, or old vinyl records as place settings.

5. Music from Different Decades

Ceremony: For a 1920s-inspired wedding, you might choose a string quartet playing jazz standards. A 1970s wedding could incorporate acoustic guitar or soulful ballads.

Reception: Create a playlist that includes hits from your chosen era(s) to set the mood. For a multi-era wedding, dedicate different parts of the evening to different decades. For example, start with the swing music of the 1940s during cocktail hour, move on to Motown for dinner, and then end with ‘80s dance hits.

Tips: Hire a band or DJ who specializes in retro music, or even invite a dance instructor to teach your guests some era-specific dance moves, like the Charleston or the Twist.

6. Vintage-Inspired Food and Drink

Cocktails: Serve signature cocktails that were popular during your chosen era(s). For a 1920s Gatsby vibe, think of classic cocktails like gin fizzes and martinis. For a 1950s Mad Men theme, consider Old Fashioneds and Manhattans.

Dinner Menu: Incorporate classic dishes that reflect the times. A 1960s wedding might include retro hors d’oeuvres like shrimp cocktail, while a 1970s-inspired menu could feature fondue.

Tips: You can also create a menu with a modern twist by updating classic recipes to suit contemporary tastes while still keeping the vintage vibe.

7. Photography Style

Choose Vintage Filters: Capture the essence of the era by selecting photography styles that reflect it. For example, sepia-toned or black-and-white photos work well for a 1920s or 1930s wedding, while vibrant, saturated colors will capture a 1960s or 1980s vibe.

Hire a Photographer Familiar with Vintage Styles: Consider working with a photographer who has experience in vintage photography or editing styles to help transport you back in time.

Tips: Use props like vintage cameras, telephones, or old cars in your photos to enhance the retro feel.