Unlike what you might see at a 2020 wedding, the 1960s had a unique wedding style that every bride followed. The prominent 1960s wedding trends were greatly influenced by famous 1950s brides like Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy. From bridal outfits and music to decorations and food, weddings in the 1960s had a general theme of simplicity and bucking tradition. Here are five major highlights of 1960s weddings.
Where were the weddings held?
Just like today, formal weddings in the 1960s were also held in churches and ballrooms. The 1960s was a decade when brides were very particular about the venue for their wedding.
As a way of going their way and moving away from tradition, brides often held their weddings at botanic gardens or more natural settings. As the era of boho weddings, outdoor weddings were common.
What did the wedding gowns look like?
Brides had many wedding gown options to choose from in the 1960s. Long-sleeved gowns were a common choice; many opted for lace sleeves for a touch of innocent elegance. Mini skirts were also a common choice that marked youth culture.
The babydoll style, which featured relatively shorter hemlines and high waistlines, was also common. Another popular choice was an A-line wedding gown with gently flared skirts and a fitted bodice.
How did they accessorize?
While brides don’t necessarily have to wear veils today, it was compulsory in the 1960s. Made with tulle or netting, these veils were shoulder-length or just a bit longer and were used to complement brides’ hairdo.
Brides often wore pillbox hats with their veils- some even wore hats without veils. As for gloves, they weren’t so common, although Audrey Hepburn wore gloves. Pumps and kitten heels were the common footwear- some brides ditched shoes altogether.
What did the grooms wear?
Even though traditional attires were popular for men, several contemporary designs existed. Famous grooms like Elvis Presley wore black paisley tuxedos instead of the traditional black wedding suit.
Lounge suits featuring a single or double-breasted jacket, a light-colored dress shirt, and matching trousers were popular in the 1960s. Mod suits and Nehru jackets were also common. The popular accessories included cravats or ties, cufflinks, boutonnieres, and pocket squares.
What about entertainment, decor, and music?
Since daisies were the flowers of the 1960s, they were in bouquets and corsages; carnations, lilies, and roses were popular too. Wedding playlists weren’t complete without The Beatles’ In My Life, Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling In Love, and Frank Sinatra’s Fly Me To The Moon.
As for the wedding cakes, three-tiered fruit cakes decorated with sugar flowers and piped details were popular. While prime rib, baked ham, and chicken a la king were common main dishes, Canapés and deviled eggs were common starters. Dessert was always fruit salad, baked Alaska, or chocolate mousse.
