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How to Create the Perfect Retro Wedding Look

Want to harken back to a simpler time with your wedding ensemble? Here’s how to be a blushing ‘50s bride.

Love Free Studios

Want to head back to the era of pinup girls, curls and pearls for your wedding day? Unfortunately time machines don’t exist, but you can give a nod to eras past with your look. With the right dress, hair, makeup and accessories you can transform from a 21st century gal into a blushing ‘50s bride.

Here’s how to create the perfect retro wedding look.

Say yes to a fit and flare dress
Now, if you’re really committed, you can go ahead and don a poodle skirt on your big day, but that definitely isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking to give a more subtle nod to eras past, go with a fit and flare gown with a tea length hemline. The silhouette was popular way back when and will give off some serious retro vibes without looking too costumey.

Rock a red lip
The red lip is sort of a trademark of the 50’s, so it’s kind of a must. Find your perfect bold shade and line your lips to perfection. Finish off your look with a killer cat eye and a few swipes of mascara and you’ll be good to go. Pro tip: you’ll want to hunt down a matte version that won’t transfer when you smooch your S.O. after you say your “I dos”.

Curl your hair 
If you’ve got Betty Page bangs, you’re ahead of the game. If not, don’t rush to find the scissors, you’ve still got plenty of options. The victory roll is was a fan favourite in the ‘50s, but you can always go with a more subtle curl. The key here is to keep everything looking uniform and sleek - no tousled locks here!

Top it off with a birdcage veil
Not all veils need to touch the floor. If you’re going for a retro look, we suggest finding a birdcage veil that sweeps across your face. These look great with almost any hairstyle, but their best friend is a head of curls.

Don’t be afraid of accessorizing
What’s the classiest vintage accessory of them all? A string of pearls, of course! If you’ve opted for a dress without too much detail around the neckline, this style of necklace is the perfect way to jazz it up. That’s not your only option, though! If you’ve decided against doing a veil, tying your hair up in a colourful scarf or adding an elaborate comb to your ‘do are equally stunning ways to give your look that extra somethin’ somethin’.

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