| Magazines and websites are bursting with the | | | | you're trying to convey before your guests even |
| latest trends in wedding ideas and themes - and | | | | open the invitation envelope! (Some suggested |
| just trying to sift through them can be as | | | | examples: New York's Deco Rockefeller Center or |
| overwhelming as actually planning an entire | | | | Empire State Building, vintage cars, a yellow happy |
| wedding! So take a deep breath, relax and | | | | face icon, even a Grateful Dead logo) |
| consider this: some of the most unique wedding | | | | Dressing the Part ... Retro Bridal Ware |
| ideas can be found by looking back to fashions | | | | There's no need to wear a bandana or headband |
| and trends of days gone by. | | | | or go barefoot on your big day, but a lace dress |
| If you're considering going the black-tie route, how | | | | (mini in length if you dare!) will evoke the hippie |
| about an Art Deco 1930s look? It was an era | | | | era nicely, as will a floral headpiece and bridesmaid |
| that is reminiscent of elegant Hollywood-style | | | | dresses in pastels or bright floral prints. If you |
| glamour, and you'd be surprised at how much you | | | | want an early 60s look, consider a cocktail dress |
| can accomplish on any budget, large or small. | | | | or Jackie Kennedy-style sheath with a white |
| And for something completely different: what | | | | pillbox hat and a netted veil. For a Deco glamour |
| could be more fun than a wedding that evokes | | | | wedding idea, sleek and satiny 1930s-era dresses |
| the spirit of the groovy 1960s, a time of "peace, | | | | can be found in vintage dress shops or even at |
| love and understanding" - could there be a better | | | | flea markets or thrift shops (there are vintage |
| theme to start off your married life? | | | | clothes and used clothing boutiques all over!) They |
| Whether you're going for funky or formal, here | | | | can also be custom made using new or vintage |
| are some suggestions to help plan your idea of a | | | | fabric and old patterns - these are often reissued |
| retro wedding: | | | | by pattern manufacturers or easily found on |
| Polaroid Instant Photo Guest Books | | | | eBay. |
| Capture every moment of your wedding day | | | | Hint: When planning your retro wedding, eBay and |
| with Polaroid instant pictures and hand-written | | | | other shopping websites are terrific resources for |
| sentiments from your guests! Polaroid instant | | | | all sorts of period bridal ware, decorations and |
| photo guest books buck the digital trend and are | | | | inspirational wedding ideas. |
| all the rage among brides today. | | | | Flour Power ... Wedding Day Cup Cakes |
| Polaroid cameras and photos are definitely retro, | | | | Nothing says retro like a tasty, frosting-topped |
| and they're making a 'new age' come back | | | | cupcake. You loved them as a kid, and now |
| because unlike digital or 35mm photos, the | | | | they're back in vogue as the height of food |
| Polaroids develop instantly. When they're combined | | | | fashion. Delicious, colorful cupcakes can be served |
| with notes from all your friends and family the | | | | as the main wedding dessert attraction, |
| instant photo guest book becomes a memento | | | | substituted for the traditional wedding cake or in |
| filled with memories that will last forever! | | | | addition to a conventional wedding cake. Stack |
| Hint: Put a couple of outgoing friends in charge of | | | | them like a skyscraper or arrange them in a circle |
| taking the photos and making sure that all your | | | | to make a peace sign. Cupcakes can easily be |
| guests write something in your instant photo | | | | decorated in day-glo icing colors for your 1960s |
| guest book. They can either circulate during the | | | | look or with silvery accents for a Deco finish. |
| reception taking the pictures and getting the | | | | Hint: Make sure there are enough cupcakes so |
| notes or you can set up a table for guests to | | | | that your guests can take one home to enjoy |
| visit. And be sure to have a back up camera and | | | | later! |
| plenty of film for "do-overs"! | | | | A Few of my Favor-ite Things ... Retro Wedding |
| The Honor of Your Presence is Requested ... | | | | Favors |
| Retro Wedding Invitations | | | | Since your wedding is the start of your own |
| Set the tone you're trying to create from the | | | | personal love-in, treat your guests to some retro |
| start with wedding invitations that reveal the | | | | style wedding favors like love beads or peace sign |
| theme you've chosen for your wedding. Custom | | | | jewelry. Or how about putting together a |
| designs can be easily accomplished with just a | | | | custom-made CD of classic rock tunes? For the |
| few keyboard strokes! Display 1930s-era | | | | 1930s wedding theme idea, linen handkerchiefs for |
| sophistication with heavy, cream-colored paper | | | | both men and women will add a nice vintage |
| stock and deco-style type fonts which can be | | | | touch. Or DVD copies of your favorite old |
| further accented with period clip art. For your | | | | comedy movie are sure to delight your guests - |
| 60s-style invitations, use paper stock in the pastel | | | | and the cover can feature you and your groom in |
| colors that were popular then - or go all-out and | | | | place of Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn for a |
| have tie dyed invitations! Think about including | | | | fun reminder of your own classic romance! |
| flowers in the design as well. These can be printed | | | | Hint: If you're making custom CDs as favors, take |
| on the invitation itself - or how about adding some | | | | a picture with you and your husband-to-be in |
| dried wildflowers inside the invitation envelope? | | | | some vintage clothes to use as cover art to |
| Hint: You can order custom-designed stamps | | | | remember the day's unique wedding idea "old is |
| from the Post Office that will reflect the mood | | | | new"! |