15 Wedding Trends From The ’60s That Need To Make A Comeback
I’ve always been fascinated by the ’60s – a decade of revolution, freedom, and unforgettable style.
Looking through my parents’ old wedding album recently got me thinking about how today’s celebrations often lack that special charm and personality of yesteryear.
Many modern weddings feel mass-produced, following cookie-cutter Pinterest trends.
Maybe it’s time we looked back to find our way forward, bringing back some of that ’60s magic that made weddings truly memorable.
1. Mini Wedding Dresses
Remember when brides dared to show a little leg? The ’60s mini wedding dress wasn’t just fashion-forward – it was a statement of liberation. These thigh-skimming dresses gave brides freedom to move, dance, and actually enjoy their big day without dragging yards of fabric around.
My aunt wore one for her 1968 wedding and still talks about how practical it was. She could use the bathroom without an entourage and dance until dawn without tripping.
Plus, these shorter dresses were often reworn after the wedding – talk about sustainable fashion before it was trendy! Modern brides could take a cue from this practical yet stylish approach, especially for second ceremonies or reception outfits.
2. Daisy Flower Crowns
Flower crowns from the ’60s weren’t the oversized bohemian halos we see today. They were delicate rings of daisies – simple, sweet, and perfectly symbolic of the peace-and-love era. Brides and bridesmaids alike wore these natural accessories as symbols of purity and new beginnings.
What makes these crowns special is their understated charm. Unlike today’s elaborate floral arrangements that sometimes look like entire gardens sitting atop someone’s head, ’60s flower crowns were approachable and authentic.
I love how these accessories connected wedding parties to nature in a genuine way. They’re also budget-friendly and can be made the morning of the wedding with freshly picked flowers – bringing a personal touch that professional arrangements sometimes lack.
3. Pillbox Hats With Veils
Jackie Kennedy made the pillbox hat iconic, but ’60s brides took it to another level by adding short, face-framing veils. These structured hats sat perfectly atop beehive hairdos or sleek bobs, creating a sophisticated silhouette that modern weddings rarely achieve.
The beauty of these hats was their versatility. They worked with any face shape and added height without the fussiness of tiaras or the impracticality of long veils that catch on everything.
My grandmother’s wedding photos show her in a cream silk pillbox with a birdcage veil, and honestly, she looks more elegant than most brides I see on Instagram today. For winter weddings especially, these hats offer both style and practicality – something today’s bare-headed brides shivering in December could appreciate!
4. Matching Bridesmaids Suits
Before matching bridesmaids became about identical dresses, the ’60s gave us something far cooler: coordinated suits for the bridal party. These tailored two-piece ensembles with A-line skirts and cropped jackets weren’t just stylish – they were practical investments your friends could actually wear again.
The colors were often bold pastels – mint green, baby blue, or soft yellow – that brightened wedding photos and made the bridal party stand out. Each bridesmaid could customize her look slightly with different accessories while maintaining the cohesive aesthetic.
I recently spotted these in my mom’s friend’s wedding album from 1967, and they looked far more dignified than the strapless satin nightmares I’ve been forced to wear as a bridesmaid. Plus, they had pockets! When did we decide bridesmaids shouldn’t have pockets?
5. Elbow-Length Gloves
Nothing says elegance quite like elbow-length gloves. These weren’t just accessories in the ’60s – they were essential elements that transformed a simple dress into a statement. Made from satin, lace, or soft kidskin leather, these gloves added sophistication to both long and short wedding dresses.
The ritual of removing one glove for the ring exchange created a meaningful moment during ceremonies. It was deliberate, graceful, and far more interesting than today’s rushed ring swaps.
My favorite thing about these gloves is how they elevated wedding photos. The clean lines drew attention to the bride’s hands and bouquet, creating classic portraits that didn’t need filters or special effects. Modern brides looking to add vintage glamour without going overboard would do well to consider this refined accessory.
6. Empire Waist Gowns
Empire waist gowns defined ’60s bridal fashion, with their high waistlines just below the bust and flowing skirts that skimmed the body. These dresses weren’t about squeezing into corsets or highlighting curves – they celebrated natural feminine form while offering supreme comfort.
The genius of these gowns was their adaptability. They flattered every body type and allowed freedom of movement for dancing. Made from light fabrics like chiffon or crepe, they embodied the era’s shift toward simplicity and away from the heavy, structured gowns of previous decades.
Looking at photos of my mother’s friends who married in these dresses, I’m struck by how timeless they appear compared to the overly embellished, mermaid-style dresses that dominated recent years. For brides wanting elegance without excess, the empire waist deserves another moment in the spotlight.
7. Colored Wedding Cakes
Wedding cakes in the ’60s weren’t afraid of color! Unlike today’s endless parade of white-on-white confections, these celebratory centerpieces came in soft blues, pinks, yellows, and greens. The colorful fondant or buttercream matched bridesmaid dresses or the overall wedding palette.
These cakes made a statement without needing elaborate sugar sculptures or gravity-defying tiers. Their charm came from simple piping techniques and fresh flower decorations that complemented rather than competed with the cake itself.
My uncle’s wedding featured a pale blue cake with white details that still looks striking in photos 50+ years later. The current trend of all-white everything feels sterile by comparison. A return to these colorful confections would bring joy and personality back to wedding desserts – and they’d certainly stand out on social media for all the right reasons.
8. Winged Eyeliner And Peach Lips
The ’60s bridal makeup was a perfect balance – dramatic eyes paired with soft lips. Winged eyeliner created definition and photographed beautifully, while peach lipstick added warmth without competing with the eye makeup. This look was feminine without being overdone.
Today’s bridal makeup often falls into two extremes: either so natural you can barely tell it’s there, or so heavy it transforms the bride into someone unrecognizable. The ’60s approach struck the perfect middle ground, enhancing features without masking them.
My favorite thing about this makeup style is its timelessness in photos. Looking at wedding albums from this era, the brides still look fresh and beautiful – not dated or trendy. For brides wanting to look like themselves while still making a statement, this classic combination deserves a revival.
9. Double-Ring Ceremonies
The ’60s popularized double-ring ceremonies where both partners exchanged rings, not just the bride. This shift represented the growing equality in marriages during a time of social change. Before this became common, many men didn’t wear wedding bands at all!
The beauty of this tradition was its symbolism – mutual commitment visibly displayed by both partners. It was revolutionary in its simplicity and profound in its meaning.
My parents’ 1969 wedding featured matching gold bands, and my father wore his proudly until the day he died. In our era of personalized vows and unique ceremony additions, this straightforward exchange of matching rings feels refreshingly meaningful. Sometimes the most powerful traditions are the simplest ones – a lesson modern couples planning elaborate ceremony rituals might consider.
10. Structured Bridal Bouquets
Forget the wild, untamed bouquets that dominate today’s weddings. ’60s brides carried structured arrangements – tight clusters of roses, carnations, or lilies of the valley formed into distinct shapes like crescents or perfect rounds. These bouquets complemented the clean lines of the era’s fashion rather than competing with them.
White was standard, but pale pinks and yellows sometimes made appearances. The arrangements were modest in size – designed to be carried comfortably all day, not dropped after photos because they weighed ten pounds.
I recently helped my friend recreate her grandmother’s 1965 bouquet for her own wedding – a simple cascade of white roses with leather leaf fern. It was striking in its simplicity and photographed beautifully. The florist even commented on how refreshing it was to create something so elegant without needing exotic blooms flown in from four different countries.
11. At-Home Receptions
Before wedding venues became big business, many ’60s couples celebrated at home – in backyards, living rooms, or community halls. These intimate gatherings focused on good company rather than elaborate decorations or Instagram-worthy moments.
Food was often homemade by family members – think deviled eggs, finger sandwiches, and sheet cake served on borrowed china. The charm came from personal touches: centerpieces made from garden flowers, punch served from crystal bowls, and music played on record players.
My parents’ backyard reception cost almost nothing but remains one of the most joyful gatherings in our family history. As wedding costs spiral out of control and couples go into debt for one-day celebrations, this practical approach to hospitality feels not just nostalgic but necessary. Sometimes the most memorable parties happen right at home.
12. High-Neck Lace Gowns
High-neck lace gowns were staples of ’60s bridal fashion, offering modest coverage with maximum style. These dresses featured standing collars or boat necklines made from delicate lace that framed the face beautifully and created an elegant silhouette.
Unlike today’s plunging necklines and strapless styles, these gowns highlighted the bride’s face rather than her décolletage. The focus was on craftsmanship – intricate lace patterns, covered buttons running down the back, and sleeves that fit perfectly.
My aunt’s 1966 wedding dress had a mandarin collar of Chantilly lace that made her look like royalty. After years of strapless sameness in bridal fashion, these sophisticated necklines would be a welcome return. They’re especially perfect for fall and winter weddings when bare shoulders make little practical sense.
13. Meaningful Wedding Favors
Wedding favors in the ’60s weren’t mass-produced trinkets destined for the trash. They were thoughtful keepsakes that guests actually kept – silver-plated cake servers, tiny frames with the couple’s photo, or personalized matchbooks from local print shops.
These items served as genuine mementos rather than obligatory gifts. Couples chose items that reflected their personalities or represented their future together, not just whatever was trending on wedding blogs.
My grandmother still uses the small silver dish she received at her friend’s 1964 wedding. Compare that to the dozens of personalized koozies and cheap sunglasses I’ve thrown away after recent weddings! Modern couples could learn from this approach – giving fewer, better items that guests might treasure rather than toss. Quality over quantity never goes out of style.
14. Engagement Announcements In Newspapers
Before social media, couples announced engagements in local newspapers with professional black-and-white portraits. These formal announcements included parents’ names, education details, and wedding dates – creating permanent records of upcoming unions that families clipped and saved.
The photos weren’t casual selfies but carefully composed portraits taken in studios. Women often wore white blouses with pearl necklaces, while men appeared in suits with narrow ties.
I found my grandparents’ announcement while cleaning out their attic – yellowed newsprint featuring their young, hopeful faces and a brief story of how they met at university. There’s something dignified about this tradition that Instagram posts can’t match. While not replacing social announcements entirely, supplementing with a newspaper feature would add gravitas to modern engagements and create tangible keepsakes for future generations.
15. Simple Gold Wedding Bands
Wedding rings in the ’60s weren’t competing for attention – they were simple gold bands without pavé diamonds or complex designs. These understated symbols of commitment were about the meaning, not the bling factor.
Men and women often wore matching bands in yellow gold, creating visual harmony that represented their union. The simplicity made them comfortable for everyday wear and allowed them to pair easily with engagement rings without looking cluttered.
My father still wears his plain gold band from 1969, now worn thin from decades of wear. There’s something powerful about jewelry that’s designed to last a lifetime rather than follow trends. As modern couples navigate endless options for custom rings with exotic materials and complicated settings, perhaps there’s wisdom in returning to these classic symbols that never go out of style.