For couples seeking a nostalgic wedding celebration, vintage wedding musicians are making a triumphant comeback.
So, whether you’re a hopeless romantic dreaming of a Gatsby-esque extravaganza, a free spirit yearning for a Woodstock-inspired bash, or a vintage enthusiast with a penchant for 50s rock and roll, step into this blog and let Encore Musicians be your musical tour guides. We’ll explore how to throw a true vintage wedding, from vintage wedding dresses to the venue and offer tips on finding the perfect band for your big day.
1920s Vintage Wedding Theme
Dress
For a 1920s wedding, the dress is everything. It’s your chance to channel iconic flappers and Hollywood starlets, embracing an era of bold fashion and feminine confidence.
Silhouettes:
- Drop-waist: The quintessential 1920s silhouette, with a low waistline that dips below the natural curve and a flowing, straight skirt. This creates a leg-lengthening effect and offers comfort for dancing the night away.
- Sheath: A sleek and modern take on the 1920s style, featuring a straight silhouette that skims the body without clinging. Perfect for a minimalist bride who still wants to embrace the era.
- Empire: A romantic wedding gown with a high waistline just below the bust, creating a flowing skirt and a relaxed silhouette. Ideal for a vintage-inspired garden wedding or a ceremony on the beach.
Extra details:
- Headpieces: Flapper headbands with feathers, beaded cloches, or vintage-style veils complete your 1920s look.
- Jewellery: Long strands of pearls, sparkling Art Deco earrings, and bracelets add the finishing touch of vintage glamour.
- Shoes: T-strap heels or Mary Janes with ankle straps keep the vintage vibe alive. Don’t forget metallic accents or glittery embellishments.
Venue
Here are some vintage wedding decoration ideas to transport you and your guests to the Roaring Twenties:
- Rich jewel tones: Think emerald green, deep sapphire, and ruby red. These evoke the decadence of the era and pair beautifully with gold accents.
- Black and white: A classic Art Deco combination, perfect for a sophisticated and dramatic look. Add splashes of silver or cream for a touch of softness.
- Metallic accents: Gold, silver, and bronze add a touch of luxury and shimmer. Use them in furniture, tablecloths, lighting, and decorative objects.
- Art Deco Extravaganza: Embrace bold geometric patterns, metallic accents, and sculptural elements.
Music
The 1920s were the undisputed golden era of Jazz and as such, no other musicians could do a Roaring Twenties-themed party justice like a jazz band.
Jazz, with its catchy rhythms, hot brass melodies, and improvisational solos, will get everyone moving. Expect trumpets, cornets, clarinets, trombones, saxes, piano, drums, and sometimes even tuba for a full-bodied sound.
With a jazz band, you can even hold a Charleston competition to get all your guests involved.
Encore’s top jazz vintage wedding bands
Below are just a few of our top-tier jazz musicians.
Jazz Spivs
The Jazz Spivs are a UK-based 1920s band that specialises in playing music from the Roaring Twenties. They can add an authentic ambience to your 1920s wedding with their lively music, perfect for dancing and sipping cocktails.
Each band member has years of experience in providing speakeasy-style entertainment, and they can also bring flapper girls to get everyone up and dancing. If you want to add a touch of class and vintage charm to your event, hire the Jazz Spivs.
The Gatsby Collective
The Gatsby Collective are a renowned, high-energy jazz band that also performs pop hits. Throughout the UK and Europe, Sarah Goodwin’s band has played for several well-known companies, including Coca-Cola and the United Nations. In 2019, her jazz ensemble performed for Prince Edward at Windsor Castle.
The After Hours
The After Hours is an electrifying band that blends 1920s New Orleans jazz, swing, and Balkan brass with sharp dance routines to create a unique Electro-Swing experience. The band excel in traditional ‘New Orleans’ jazz and performs at jazz festivals throughout Europe.
The After Hours also play modern hits, making them versatile enough to connect with all audiences. The band has extensive experience performing at weddings, festivals, and celebrations around the EU and offers a range of services, including PA hire and bespoke DJ sets.
1930s Vintage Wedding Theme
Dress
Compared to the roaring 20s, the 30s offer a softer, more romantic elegance that still retains a touch of vintage charm. Here are some ideas for a vintage 1930s dress:
Silhouettes:
- Bias-cut gown: The defining silhouette of the 30s, with the fabric draped diagonally to hug the curves naturally and flow freely. This creates a flattering and effortlessly chic look.
- Empire waist: Still popular, a high waistline just below the bust emphasizes the bustline and creates a flowing skirt, perfect for a romantic garden wedding.
- Column or sheath: A sleek and modern option, perfect for a minimalist bride who wants a vintage touch. This silhouette skims the body without clinging, offering a sophisticated look.
Extra details:
- V-necks or scoop necklines: Flattering and elegant, these necklines showcase your collarbone and add a touch of classic beauty.
- Long, flowing sleeves: A signature element of the 30s, choose sheer sleeves, puffed sleeves, or even cape sleeves for added drama.
- Short gloves: An optional but charming accessory, choose elbow-length or fingerless gloves in satin or lace for a vintage touch.
- Headpieces: Birdcage veils, small tulle veils, or delicate headbands with flowers or pearls complete your 1930s look.
Venue
Here are some tips to bring the 1930s speak-easy vibes wedding venue or reception:
- Rich jewel tones: Emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red evoke the decadence of the era and pair beautifully with gold accents.
- Soft pastels: Blush pink, creamy beige, and dusty lavender create a romantic and elegant atmosphere, perfect for a garden wedding.
- Vintage touches: Typewriters, suitcases, antique radios, and framed black and white photographs add authenticity and personality to your decor.
- Candles and lanterns: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with candlelight. Look for vintage sconces, chandeliers, and hurricane lamps.
- Floral arrangements: Lush greenery, calla lilies, orchids, and garden roses were popular flowers in the 30s. Opt for elegant, low-lying arrangements or cascading centrepieces.
Music
Swing music became the soundtrack of the 1930s, where swing musicians took jazz and amped it up, making it more danceable and perfect for lively crowds.
Encore’s top swing vintage wedding bands
Natty Congeroo & The Flames of Rhythm
Natty Congeroo and the Flames of Rhythm are a top Swing band in Europe, playing at international festivals, vintage events, and swing dances. Their repertoire includes original compositions and vintage covers, and their members dress in sharp vintage attire.
The Swing Ninjas
The Swing Ninjas are an 8-piece band that plays and sings a modern take on New Orleans swing and new UK swing. This Brighton (UK)-based band channels the sound of a rowdy 1930s band, and with two original albums and four CDs of classic New Orleans / UK swing and jazz, it’s no surprise that this fun-loving, charismatic, and soulful group performs over 150 performances every year.
The Swing Ninjas have also performed at prestigious events such as the WOMAD Festival in the United Kingdom and the Guinness Jazz Festival in Ireland, as well as well-known venues such as the Moulin Rouge in Paris and the Royal Albert Hall in London.
St Louis Express
St. Louis Express is a lively and entertaining band that plays music ranging from the early 1920s to the early 1960s. Their music is full of energy, catchy, and uplifting, and features popular classics of famous singers like Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Harry Belafonte. The band members also wear authentic clothing from the 1930s and 1940s, creating a unique and immersive experience that transports the audience back to the golden era of swing.
1950s Vintage Wedding Theme
Dress
This era brings playful femininity and timeless elegance, offering a variety of stunning dress options for your special day.
Silhouettes
- Tea-length: The signature style of the 50s, the tea-length dress hits just above the ankle, showcasing playful femininity and allowing for comfortable movement on the dance floor.
- Full-skirted ball gown: For a romantic fairytale vibe, embrace the full-skirted ball gown with a cinched waist. Think Grace Kelly’s iconic wedding dress with a modern twist.
- Sheath: A sleek and modern option, the sheath dress hugs the curves for a sophisticated look. This silhouette can be embellished with lace, beading, or a dramatic belt for a 50s touch.
Extra details:
- Sweetheart neckline: A romantic and flattering neckline, showcasing the collarbone and adding a touch of vintage charm.
- Off-the-shoulder sleeves: Elegant and playful, off-the-shoulder sleeves can be short, cap sleeves, or even flutter sleeves for a whimsical touch.
- Gloves: Optional but charming, choose elbow-length or fingerless gloves in satin or lace for a vintage touch.
- Birdcage veils or short veils: These delicate veils complement the tea-length and sheath silhouettes, adding a touch of vintage glamour without overwhelming the look.
Venue
Below are some expert tips to add a touch of the fabulous 50s to your wedding venue or reception:
- Pastels: Think soft pink, mint green, baby blue, and creamy yellow for a cheerful and romantic atmosphere.
- Bright accents: Pop in splashes of bold colours like turquoise, red, and mustard yellow for a playful and energetic vibe..
- Retro furniture: Think chrome accents, vinyl booths, and sleek coffee tables for a diner-style vibe. Or, opt for pastel-coloured sofas and wicker chairs for a vintage garden party feel.
- Checkerboard patterns: This iconic 50s motif can be incorporated in tablecloths, napkins, dance floor tiles, or even hanging decorations.
Music
The 1950s is known for the birth of rock ‘n’ roll. This decade was full of rebellion and pioneers like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Jerry Lee Lewis combined elements of rhythm and blues, country, and gospel to create a sound that captivated teenagers and challenged social norms.
Encore’s top rock’n’roll vintage wedding bands
The Boulevards
The Boulevards are an amazing 1950s rock and roll band that sings the best tunes from the golden era of music. They perform all the classic hits from the 1950s with an authentic, uncompromising, and powerful performance that will take you back in time.
From Elvis Presley to Chuck Berry, Cliff Richard to Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis to The Everly Brothers, they give an outstanding and energetic performance that will keep you rolling and rocking all night long! Their barnstorming set is suitable for all ages and will captivate everyone. You won’t want to miss it!
Jukebox Jets
The Jukebox Jets are the one of best vintage rock & roll party band in the UK. The band is made up of seasoned musicians who faithfully recreate the magnetic attraction of classic 1950s rock and roll, keeping your guests captivated all night long.
The band have worked tirelessly to recreate the distinct sound of great rock and roll musicians like Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash, as well as to put a vintage spin on many modern classic tracks. The band gives a complete evening of superb entertainment while adding a unique vintage feel to any celebration.
Aisha Khan & The Rajahs
Each member of Aisha Khan & The Rajahs is a talented and experienced musician. The lead singer, Aisha Khan, has over 25 years of experience and sings with elegance, substance, and a lot of passion. Their musical repertoire encompasses jazz, blues, rhythm & blues, rock & roll, and swing from the 1940s and 1950s, with the occasional calypso or mambo tossed in for good measure. Aisha Khan is renowned for her flawless attire for each show, so you can expect an authentic, full performance.
1960s Vintage Wedding Theme
Dress
The 1960s were a decade of dramatic change, and wedding dresses reflected this transformation beautifully. Gone were the structured, hourglass silhouettes of the 50s, replaced by a new wave of freedom and experimentation.
Silhouettes
- Mini A-line: The iconic sixties silhouette! Short, playful, and flattering, it allows for dancing all night long and showcases your personality.
- Shift dress: Simple and sophisticated, this straight-cut silhouette skims the body without clinging. Add details like geometric patterns or bold colours for a sixties vibe.
- Mod jumpsuit: Break the mould with a chic and modern jumpsuit! Choose bold colours, geometric prints, or wide-leg trousers for a true sixties statement.
Extra details
- Bold headpieces: Think flower crowns, headbands with feathers, or pillbox hats in contrasting colours. These add a quirky and personalized touch.
- Colourful tights and shoes: Don’t be afraid to go bold with bright tights or patterned stockings. Pair them with Mary Jane flats, go-go boots, or even chunky heels for a sixties vibe.
Venue
Follow these tips to turn your special day into a swinging 60s soiree:
- Pop art vibes: Think vivid splashes of orange, pink, turquoise, and yellow for a playful and energetic atmosphere.
- Mod minimalism: Opt for black and white as the base, with pops of bold primary colours and geometric patterns for a sophisticated and modern look.
- Flower power inspiration: Embrace nature’s vibrancy with earthy greens, pastel pinks, and floral prints for a romantic and bohemian feel.
- Flower power and greenery: Bring the outdoors in with lush greenery, hanging ferns, and colourful flower arrangements. Think daisies, sunflowers, and peace lilies for a hippie vibe.
- Lava lamps and mood lighting: Create a groovy ambience with lava lamps, string lights, and colourful lanterns. You can even project psychedelic visuals onto the walls for a trippy effect.
Music
The 1960s were the golden age of some of the greatest artists of all time. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who and Elvis were all prominent during this era and the social change of the decade was reflected in the music of the time.
Nathan & Jules Acoustic
Nathan & Jules offer a feel-good vibe to the party by playing a selection of songs from sixties musicians such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Monkees, Elvis, and many more! Their acoustic renditions of iconic tunes are sure to transport your guests back to the magic of the 1960s.
The combination of acoustic guitar and shared vocals, backed up by a kick drum and percussion, gives their performance a level of energy that you wouldn’t anticipate from an acoustic duo.
In addition to sixties oldies, Nathan and Jules sing a few older songs by performers such as The Everly Brothers.
The Angelettes
With faultless harmonies, great choreography, and stunning costume changes, The Angelettes promise a first-rate show. The band performs classic tunes by The Supremes, Martha Reeves, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Mary Wells, and others, plus they have their own lighting and PA system.
CASH
Ben Welburn, portraying CASH, has expertly encapsulated the tone, atmosphere, and allure of the legendary musician. Book the top Johnny Cash tribute act in the UK, CASH, and let them take you back to the enchantment of the 1960s with hits like ‘Walk the Line’ and ‘Boy Named Sue’.
1970s Vintage Wedding Theme
Dress
Stepping into the vibrant world of the 1970s for your wedding offers a playground of bold fashion choices. It’s a decade that celebrated free spirit, bohemian flair, and a touch of disco glam.
- Flowing empire waist: The epitome of the 70s, this silhouette features a high waistline just below the bust and a skirt that drapes beautifully. Perfect for a romantic garden wedding or a relaxed beach ceremony.
- Maxi sheath: Glamorous and sophisticated, this straight-cut silhouette skims the body without clinging. Think Bianca Jagger with a touch of modern bohemian.
- Mini A-line: Playful and fun, this short and flirty dress allows for effortless dancing and embraces the carefree spirit of the 70s. You can add ruffles, lace, or bold prints for a unique touch.
- Jumpsuit or pantsuit: Break the mould with a chic and modern alternative to a dress! Choose a jumpsuit in a flowing fabric or a bold pantsuit with a statement top. This is a perfect option for a non-traditional or outdoor wedding.
Extra Details:
- Bell sleeves or bishop sleeves: Full sleeves with a feminine flair add a vintage touch and can be customized with lace, ruffles, or embroidery.
- Off-the-shoulder neckline: Romantic and playful, this neckline showcases the collarbone and adds a touch of 70s bohemian charm.
- Headpieces and veils: Get creative with flower crowns, headbands with feathers, or a delicate birdcage veil adorned with flowers. Choose an accessory that complements your dress and reflects your personality.
- Statement jewellery: Opt for bold necklaces, chunky earrings, or vintage bangles for a touch of 70s glam. Think layered gold chains, beaded necklaces, or geometric earrings.
Venue
To add the groovy style of the 70s, follow these tips below:
- Earthy neutrals: Think warm browns, terracotta, mustard yellow, and olive green for a bohemian vibe. These natural tones create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
- Rich jewel tones: Emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red evoke the disco era’s boldness and luxury. Use them in pops and accents for a statement effect.
- Psychedelic swirls: Embrace the counterculture with bursts of orange, pink, purple, and yellow in geometric patterns and swirling designs. Keep it subtle for a modern twist.
- Macrame and crochet: Incorporate these handcrafted elements into wall hangings, table runners, plant hangers, or even chair covers. They add an earthy texture and bohemian charm.
- Disco balls and mood lighting: Create a playful ambience with disco balls reflecting colourful light onto the dance floor. Use string lights, lanterns, and candles for warm and inviting illumination.
Music
The 1970s was a musical rollercoaster ride; this decade witnessed the decline of disco, the rise of punk and heavy metal, and the continued evolution of rock, soul, and country. Below are some of our best 1970s bands that encapsulate the diverse sounds of the decade.
Encore’s top 1970s vintage bands
Forever Elton
FOREVER ELTON is a UK-based tribute band that performs Sir Elton John’s hits. Led by Phil Mountford, a film/TV/classical composer, the band tours UK theatres, enchanting audiences with their sparkling costumes and live piano playing.
Their repertoire includes timeless classics like Your Song, Candle In The Wind, Circle Of Life, Crocodile Rock, and I’m Still Standing, making them an excellent choice for any occasion.
Rockin’ 70s
Get ready for a sentimental tribute to legendary bands like The Who, Jethro Tull, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Doors, and many more as the Rockin’ 70s enthral your guests with the era’s most iconic songs.
Each element has been carefully designed to replicate the sights and sounds of the Rockin’ 70s. The band will take you back to a period when rock music was at its best because of their incredible musicianship and unwavering dedication to authenticity. You’ll swear that the voices of your favourite rock stars are real if you close your eyes.
Petty Criminals
Petty Criminals is a UK-based tribute band that celebrates the music of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. They play a variety of songs, from Petty’s early hits to his later albums. The band is known for their polished performances that capture the essence of Tom Petty and The Heartbreaker’s music.
Final thoughts
Remember, your wedding is your story. While these vintage wedding ideas offer a starting point, your chosen musicians should be able to adapt to your preferences and personalise the music to reflect your love story. You can choose to stick to specific time periods or mix and match different eras for a unique twist Whether it’s a first dance to your grandparents’ favourite waltz or a remix of an old classic, make it yours.
Feeling inspired? Check out our full collection of talented, professional wedding musicians here and get ready to start planning the authentic vintage wedding of your dreams.