80s Wedding Inspiration

Okay, I can admit it… there’s a little part of me that’s a sucker for all things eighties. Just taking one look at this styled shoot from Soirée Weddings and Events and shot by Cristina G. Photography makes me remember why — how can you not smile looking at the pops of neon, Tetris socks, and “gag me with a spoon” drinks? Pop in a John Hughes movie and sit back to enjoy this shoot!

eighties wedding inspiration

From the event designer, Soirée Weddings and Events: The 80’s were about peace, free will, lots of color, punk attitude, pop culture, teenage rom-coms and alternative music. Not to mention the outrageous fashion statements as well! I wanted the shoot to be current – with only hints of inspiration from the 80s. We wanted to play on the current runway fashions that we are seeing now, everything from bright neon to color blocking. Today’s designers are taking what we loved about the 80s, but doing it right! We wanted to show today’s bride how to take a modern trend and translate into bridal.

jewel toned bridesmaids dresses

graphic neon stationerygraphic neon stationery

black reception chairs

lace wedding glovesjello shooters receptions

Fleur added some color blocking elements with monochromatic arrangements of purple, hot pink and lime green flowers. Romantic blooms like peonies and lilacs added the perfect touch of bridal, which was juxtaposed with the structured and modern calla lilies used on the rectangle banquet tables.

eighties wedding reception

pink peony centerpiecesbride in pink shoes

wedding reception cupcakes

The menu with a game of MASH on the reverse side to serve as a fun favor and entrainment for the guests. For the bar, coasters that read “Cocktails and Dreams” along with the couple’s names and wedding date and one for the signature cocktail, “Pretty in Pink.” The adorable tape cassette place cards added the just the right amount of 80’s to the table.

cocktail hour food

white grooms boutonniereswhite black wedding bouquets

neon wedding receptions

We also created a photo booth – equipped with bold 80s props and a DIY paint splatter back drop! The pièce de résistance was the Monique Lhuillier “Bouquet” gown from her Fall 2012 Collection. Some hot pink pumps, edgy accessories and big hair created just the perfect styling to bring the whole look together. The bridesmaids wore Coren Moore and LuluKate dresses in pink, purple and green. Some colorful geometric earrings and bangles to add some flare and their hair and make-up is what really tied it all together! I kept the guys very simple, but added pops of color with their pocket squares and socks. My favorite were the Tetris socks I found for the groom! Just perfect!

See Also
Viva Magenta

neon wedding party

eighties cake popsmini food place settings

graphic cake table

View all images from this shoot in the gallery

Wedding Vendors (Chicago, IL):

Wedding Venue: Aérée Loft, Room 1520 / Wedding Photographer: Cristina G. Photography / Event Design: Soirée Weddings and Events / Wedding Flowers: Kelly Marie Uss of Fleur / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhullier via Ultimate Bride / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: LulaKate and Coren Moore / Hair: Sara Jean Stevens / Makeup: Jen Brown / Wedding Caterer: Boutique Bites / Sweets Table: Sugar Chic Designs / Wedding Cake: The Bleeding Heart Bakery / Rentals: Tablescapes / Linens: Private Label Linens / Wedding Stationery and Paper Goods: Lily Red Studio

View Comments (15)
  • this is so fun! i loooove the 80’s and this is a very well done inspiration! it’s very classy, but still fun! love it!

  • Wow guys, this is so stunning! I absolutely love the idea of bringing some 80’s mood to a wedding…Fantastic job of all vendors and definetly something I will keep in mind :-))

  • What a unique theme! Lots of color everywhere brings so much joy. It looks like it was fun and engaged every guest in conversation. Great job! ~CBeauty..

  • Very nice wedding photography. I like to picture of the bride sitting, very natural look.

  • Thanks for the comments everyone! It is very “Pretty in Pink!” Actually, I was inspired by St. Elmo’s Fire, as well as so many other John Hughes movies!!
    the cake pops are care of Amy, of Sugar Chic Designs in Chicago. She has an amazing baker that creates one-of-a-kind sweets for her! delicious works of art!

  • Oh my gosh this wedding. Freaking amazing is what it is! The triangular plates, the pac man cake pops, the cake! Everything about it is amazing. Excellent job.

  • This is brilliant!! I love all the wonderful retro details – especially the funky cake and those adorable cupcakes!

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