1950s Wedding Theme

Not forgetting the cold war in Korea, civil rights, and the day the music died. The 50s was an ear of great music, cute dresses,Audrey Hepburn, and the best sweets an era has seen (we’re referring to flying saucers and jawbreakers for those of you who don’t know). I can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t want a 50s inspired wedding.

The Dress

The 1950s saw the arrival of tea-length wedding dresses. Although tea-length dresses themselves were a must have in the 50s, they were not created into wedding gowns until later. Tea-length dresses hit just below the knee with a full skirt; often made fuller with an expansive petticoat. The full skirt emphasises a small waist, creating an hourglass silhouette. However, more often than not, necklines were more conservative with thick straps or short sleeves.

Accessories

 

A birdcage veil is a must to pull off a 1950s-style wedding gown. A feather or beaded facinator, a headpiece often attached to a headband will round off your head wear. A pair of white satin gloves will keep your hands looking dainty and will drive home the 1950s style. High heels will look best with tea-length gowns and they can add an interesting burst of colour to an otherwise white affair.

Bridesmaids

Some brides have a specific image in their mind of the type of dress they want their bridesmaids to be in – e.g. strapless, knee-length, satin. Other brides may be happy to leave it up to the bridesmaids to make suggestions, and indeed wear different dresses in the same colour. The important thing is to tell your bridesmaids upfront your thoughts – after all,it’s your wedding! Budgets are always difficult too. These days most brides will pay for their bridesmaids’ dresses but budgets of course will vary. Considering this, your bridesmaids need to be rockin' tea-length too. However, you could mix it up as bridesmaids in the 50s often had full length gowns and puff ball sleeves. 

Flowers

Try carnations, roses, orchids, stephanotis, and biedermeier bouquets. A 1950s bride rarely had a huge bouquet in front of her when walking down the aisle.

Extras

Don’t forget your 50’s inspired car, which can be anything from and Austin Van Den Plas (my very own wedding car! Available from Antique auto agency, Morpeth) to a Cadillac. Candy bars for that retro feel, and bright colours. It’s the little details that pull of the style. Find inspirations from this fantastic ever whim photographers 1950s wedding shoot.

All photos (c) 2012 everwhimphotographs.com