'70s-Themed Wedding Ideas: 23 Unforgettable Options

Are you looking for ideas to make your special day more groovily themed with a nod to the 1970s? Without being overly corny, these 37 wedding ideas with a '70s theme can help you have a disco night full of color and memories. With a venue, décor, and outfit inspired by the '70s—peace signs and all—you can take your guests back in time!

What is a '70s-themed wedding?

A wedding with a '70s theme honors the most sentimental fashions of the era. This covers everything, from activities and music to patterns and colors. Couples can go all out with the theme by visually bringing their celebration back a few decades, or they can use components of this design and modernize the concepts.

"The '70s were full of vivid color and fun shapes, from hippie style to straight disco — free and fun was the overall vibe," said Apryl D. Roberts of Memorable Events in an interview with Flowersarch.

23 '70s-themed wedding ideas for your ceremony and reception

Bohemian fun with vintage colors, bell bottoms, flared sleeves, and lots of classic rock characterized the 1970s. A wedding with a '70s theme is sure to be a lot of fun, whether you want to honor Stevie Nicks or go all out with earth-toned rainbows. Grab your fringe coats as we walk you through these fantastic ''70s-themed wedding ideas curated by professional planners and industry experts.

Décor ideas for your '70s-themed wedding

You've likely noticed the rise in earthy spherical shapes and neutral rainbows in home décor trends on TikTok and Pinterest. Everyone uses natural materials like terracotta and macrame to honor this era, from YouTube do-it-yourselfers to high-end designers. Here are a few quick and low-cost strategies to achieve the style for your wedding.

1. Add an archway. "The ceremony may be held under a wedding arch with vibrant flowers and/or lush vegetation," Roberts stated. "A macrame arch with greenery may work if flowers aren't the desired mood."

2. Get a groovy cake. You may incorporate your cake into your décor with a '70s theme! According to Roberts, "Wedding cakes can have geometric designs and be in colors like orange, yellow, green, etc., and be displayed on a white or wooden cake stand." The cake may also have a sugar fringe icing decoration. It will have the appearance of a shag rug.

A multi-layered cascade cake with vibrant pom-poms, peace signs, and whimsical 70s art themes is something you want to consider. Alternatively, use fondant flowers and other earthy/woodsy components to include natural aspects into your cake design for a more bohemian or understated style.

3. Order a neon sign. Many of their clients are "choosing to light up their surname or initials in a retro font, or a funky disco-themed neon sign to light up the dancefloor, or even a jazzy bar sign to light up the bar," according to Courtney Stables of Custom Neon. Neon signs come in various colors and shapes and can be used practically anywhere in your wedding design.

4. Nail the color palette. "If you want to make your big day feel like something from the 1970s, the color scheme will be the main attraction," said JoAnn Gregoli, owner of Elegant Occasions. "Select the traditional colors of marigold, cinnamon, and terracotta and consider using them in your invitation suite, table settings, flowers, and other items."

5. Think about texture. "Velvet textures, yarn accents, and dried flowers are all perfect elements for adding some groovy dimension to your décor," Gregoli added. Fortunately, weddings are an excellent opportunity to experiment with different textures. Experiment with contrasting pieces, such as your tablecloths and glasses, or switch up your metals and fabrics to achieve a similar effect.

6. Lean into florals. "For a true 70s aesthetic, think about using vibrant colors and floral designs in your décor," Life Line Wedding Co-Founder John Anderson emailed Flowersarch. "To create a warm atmosphere, use colors like orange, yellow, red, and pink."

To make your flowers stand out, think of unconventional locations to display them. "Consider adding flower walls or macrame backdrops with lots of plants—succulents and ivy vines are popular right now, too," Anderson says.

7. Bright up the dance floor. Dance and music play a significant role in the culture, much like in other decade-based themes, so showcase your dance floor appropriately! You can maintain your venue secure and stylish at the same time by subtly using temporary hooks and prop decorating. Anderson advises, "To light up the room, consider hanging vintage disco balls or colorful paper lanterns above the dance floor."

8. Stack velvet cushions. This seating from the 1970s can be used to create a fake conversation pit during your reception. If you want something off the floor, Anderson advised Flowersarch to "use velvet settees with shag pillows in bold prints—think chevron stripes or psychedelic shapes." According to Anderson, "accessorize any wooden elements," including wood bowls or accent pieces for tables and chairs, "with faux fur throws for an extra cozy vibe."

9. Combine faux fruits and bright tablecloths. This simple tip will give your reception tables capes with a 70s theme a new atmosphere. To get the appearance, Anderson suggests simply adding "retro tablecloths decorated with fake fruits such as pineapples or mangoes sprinkled around them."

Groovy '70s-themed wedding ideas for your reception

Whether it's Volkswagen buses, peace signs, or rock and roll music, the reception is a fantastic chance to highlight your favorite aspects of the decade. A wedding reception with a '70s theme usually has a lively atmosphere and lots of dancing, whether or not there is disco finger-pointing. Prepare to have a good time!

10. Have custom drinks. Gregoli stated, "Personalized drinks are a special way to take your guests back to the 1970s, and they don't have to break your budget." "Talk starters are tiki drinks named after your favorite TV series or music from the decade. You can garnish with edible glitter, different types of fruit, or biodegradable drink umbrellas for an extra touch. Do you need to review the popular culture of the 1970s? Retro Waste has you covered with this list.

11. Use '70s symbols. Take advantage of the opportunity to play up the topic more during the reception than during the ceremony! Love Stories TV's Katie Kortebein advised couples to stick with the decade's iconic emblems in an email to Flowersarch. "Disco balls naturally spring to mind[, along with] paisley print, big daisies, and vivid rainbows."

12. Make your dance floor magical. The dance floor might be the best place to embrace the most enjoyable elements of the 1970s. Consider compiling a playlist of just '70s songs, depending on how strongly you want to embrace the theme. You have the ingredients for a memorable party when you pair that with a disco ball above a neon dance floor.

13. Do a costume change. "Think about switching into a second look for an extravagant reception," Share The Lovely's Sheila Halali advised. "Sequined minis are ideal for a disco party, and jumpsuits and separates are great choices for dancing the night away in comfort." Choose a structured blazer, a la Bianca Jagger's 1971 wedding, if gowns aren't your thing. It's sleek, contemporary, and slightly rock 'n' roll. You can accessorize for a stylish, urban elopement by wearing a wide-brimmed hat in place of or in addition to a veil.

14. Dish out popular 70s snacks. These need only be sentimental; they don't need to be ornate or costly. Serve appetizers like pretzel sticks dipped in [Nutella] sauces, which were popular at the time, as Anderson states. A fondue station or baked Alaska are great options to hit the fun truly—if a touch tacky—notes.

Wedding dress and attire suggestions for your '70s-themed wedding

Britney King of Theodora Gowns, a gown designer, was approached by Flowersarch to share her thoughts on what makes a fantastic wedding dress with a '70s theme. This is what she revealed:

"My mother was a bride in the 1970s," she remarked. She wore flowers to embellish her long, wavy, dark hair. I was influenced by my grandmother's skill as a seamstress, who sewed her clothing for her. There are many distinctive and remarkable clothes from that era because it was common to have your garment fashioned by hand.

When selecting their wedding dresses and outfits with a '70s theme, King advises brides and couples to consider the following factors.

15. Consider thrifting authentic '70s pieces. Use Yelp to find thrift stores in your area, and if you're seeking old designer clothes, check out online thrift stores like Posh mark. Or search your storage unit for those vintage maxi dresses and bell-bottom pants!

16. Shoot for a sheath style. Empire waists are also acceptable. Lace sleeves will also feel quite old, but a basic spaghetti strap in this dress design will work as a subtle tribute to the era.

17. Look for delicate flutter sleeves. Sleeves that flutter fall loosely and unstructured from the shoulder. Make sure the sleeve length you select fits your arms well. Flutter sleeves enhance the 70s vibe without becoming clichéd, and they look fantastic in lace or solid fabrics.

18. Go bold with floral prints. Any gown that fits the decade will work for this one, so you don't need a traditional wedding dress. These can be found on Etsy or at high-end clothes retailers like ASOS. A giant flowery print and contrasting hues evoke the 1970s.

19. Express yourself. "The '70s were all about freedom and expression," King said. Today's bride can find inspiration in having something completely original developed for them. This may entail eschewing wedding dress customs in favor of something more accurately reflecting your distinct preferences. Better still? You can cross "something new" off your list quickly.

16. Use flower crowns. Gregoli offers a wide selection of accessories. "Flower crowns give the bridal party's outfit a trendy, bohemian vibe. There are many ways to make an impression, whether you want to stand out as a solo performer or include personalized wildflower crowns into your wedding party attire—extra points for using a striking splash of color, such as plum or burnt yellow.

21. Remember that more is more! According to Dustin Sitar of The Groom Club, the groom should consider wearing a bright suit with a patterned shirt and platform or loafers if he wants the ceremony to be genuinely on the theme. He stated that you should use striking hues, patterns, and textures in all your clothing, including that of your bridesmaids and groomsmen.

22. Choose accessories wisely. The details are crucial for any wedding with a decades theme, and your dress is no different!

Anderson added the following to the hats and flower crowns we've already discussed: "Delicate choker necklaces would be perfect for accessories since they were very much in vogue at the time[. ] Plus stackable earrings like hoop ones made from precious stones, which again boast a classic yet modern touch, making them an ideal choice here too!"

23. Add a touch of tie-dye. Shelley Grieshop, a wedding favor specialist from Totally Wedding Koozies, was also interviewed by Flowersarch. Her gratuity? Tie-dye wedding ideas with a '70s theme are always a good choice! Grieshop says, "Tie-dye is simple to incorporate into many aspects of a wedding, including the groomsmen's ties and socks." We appreciate how quick and easy this do-it-yourself project is compared to many others.

You guessed it: favors are another excellent use for tie-dye! Grieshop recommends tie-dye wedding favors and signs, including tie-dye welcome boards, to further enhance the motif.