Spice things up with these steamy flicks.
Updated Oct 14, 2024Catch Saturday Night Fever With These Cool '70s Wedding Ideas
It’s time to get groovy.
It's no secret that the '70s were a major moment, and continue to have profound impacts on fashion, music and decor. If you love the trending look, you probably are itching to throw a '70s wedding. The key to pulling off a retro-themed wedding is to focus on the small details. Select an out-of-sight color palette, incorporate vintage furniture and fabrics and rock a nostalgic wedding day outfit. When all of these elements come together, it will result in your guests surrounded by good vibes.
Whether you want a subtle nod to the decade or fully unleash your inner hippy, we have something for every couple. With a few personal and intentional touches, you can take your wedding from a simple celebration to a radical '70s soiree.
The Best '70s Wedding Ideas in This Article:
Venues | Budget Priorities | Colors | Decor | Cake | Centerpieces | Bouquets | Editor's Favorites
Ideal '70s Wedding Venues
For the ultimate '70s feel, you need the right venue. Consider choosing one that can be dressed up to fit the theme or one that encapsulates it in subtle ways. For example, while searching for venues on The Knot Vendors Marketplace, look for outdoor spaces you can decorate with vibrant or earth-tone flowers, lace and peace signs for a hippie-inspired look. And for those who want '70s music to be the star of their wedding, book a dance/nightclub for a Studio 54 vibe or skating rink so you can play all your favorite roller disco tunes. For more inspiration, look at 1970s movies (think: "Saturday Night Fever") to find the right wedding venue and feel for your celebration.
'70s Wedding Budget Priorities
Every couple's wedding budget is unique because it's based on what each person feels is important. For a 1970s wedding theme, we believe the decorations and music are the most crucial details to make your look come to life. From the flowers to the furniture, the environment should transport your guests back in time. Choosing the right live band or DJ who plays funky '70s wedding music is necessary because it helps you and your guests get in the mood to groove. Other details you should include in your budget are '70s-inspired dresses and suits—think billowing sleeves, lace, linen and thick lapels. Lastly, we suggest finding a wedding photographer specializing in film photography to make your big day even more authentic.
FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT
Use our budget tool to help you and your partner explore price estimates for all the essentials. Then go to The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find pros to create your dream '70s-themed wedding.
'70s Wedding Colors
Your wedding colors help guests get acquainted with your '70s wedding theme that's why it's vital to choose the right color palette. Below are five '70s-inspired wedding color schemes you can pick for your wedding.
1970s Wedding Peach and Marigold Color Palette
Warm pastel hues will instantly take your guests back in time. Pair it with cream-colored accents for a totally groovy reception.
'70s Wedding Moody, Dark Color Palette
So you want a '70s-themed wedding, but you want it to be edgy. Add a few dark hues, like burgundy, black or violet, to make it happen.
1970s Wedding Orange and Teal Color Palette
In need of some rustic '70s wedding inspiration? Try combining orange, teal and cream to bring your guests back to the decade of disco.
'70s Wedding Mauve and Mustard Color Palette
We know—mauve and mustard together seem odd, but hear us out. Together, these two beautiful colors create a retro atmosphere instantly.
1970s Wedding Blush and Rust Color Palette
Nail your seventies-themed wedding with this nostalgic color combination. Mix blush with rust and cream for the best palette.
'70s Wedding Decor Ideas
As we said before, your decorations are what's going to make or break your ceremony and reception. That's why you should check out the following cool '70s-style wedding decor ideas.
'70s Disco Wedding Decor
Nothing screams the '70s more than disco. Set the tone by incorporating disco balls throughout your reception area. These decor pieces will look amazing and encourage guests to get on the dance floor to show off their best moves.
Retro Escort Wall
Welcome your guests to the reception in style. Use the escort card wall as an opportunity to nail your wedding theme.
Velvet Accents
Velvet was wildly popular in the '70s—especially when it came to interior design. Set the stage for your guests by incorporating it into your reception space.
'70s-Style Wedding Welcome Sign
Photo: KATE BECKER PHOTOGRAPHY
The 1970s were all about good vibes. Set the scene for your guests with a creative letterboard.
'70s-Themed Wedding Cocktail Station
Pulling off a themed wedding is all in the details. Set up a cocktail area with a nostalgic van and peacock chairs for the ultimate '70s vibe.
Copper and Velvet Decor
When copper and velvet are paired together, they give off major throwback vibes. Add this to your ceremony and reception decor for an off-the-hook celebration.
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Retro Wedding Welcome Sign
Since time machines don't exist (yet), an on-theme wedding welcome sign is the next best thing. Upon entering the venue, guests will feel like they've put in the disco decade.
Old School Sweetheart Chairs
Photo: Photo by Julieta
You don't have to go overboard to achieve a 1970s wedding. For example, swapping out traditional sweetheart chairs for these retro peacock ones will instantly make your affair look more authentic.
Jewel-Toned Velvet Lounge Area
If you love the velvet furniture trend from the 1970s, embrace it fully. Create a plush cocktail area for your guests to sip and mingle.
'70s Wedding Cake Ideas
Showcasing your wedding theme doesn't have to stop with the decor. Send these '70s wedding cake pictures to your baker so they can customize a design perfect for your celebration.
Retro Technicolor Wedding Cake
At this eclectic wedding, the happy couple wanted a '60s and '70s look, which extended to their sweets. We love how much the vibrant colored adornments pop against the white cake.
Two-Tier Orange and Pink '70s Wedding Cake
This unique wedding cake is one of the best-looking retro-themed wedding ideas on our list. The fresh flowers, vivid colors and disco balls make this confection next level.
Simple 70s Wedding Cake
This four-tier green wedding cake is a perfect example of being on theme subtly. The VW bus cake topper is a great touch.
'70s Wedding Centerpiece Ideas
Let your tablescape shine with memorable '70s-style wedding centerpieces. This is the perfect time to go to vintage or antique shops to find the unique items you need.
Colorful Ribbon Centerpiece
At this retro wedding, the bride and groom went above and beyond with their centerpieces. They combined color, light and greenery without taking too much room on the table.
Luxurious Pink Floral Arrangement
Photo: Christina McNeill Photography
,Florist: Raymond Felton / Love_Design_Party
The grooms wanted "iridescent anthuriums, a mix of bright and retro tones and lots of texture and whimsy" for their flowers. We believe they achieved exactly what they were looking for.
Retro-Themed Centerpiece and Table Number
We love the spot-on '70s wedding color scheme shown at this nostalgic affair. The wavy edges of the table number also speak to the theme.
'70s Wedding Bouquet Ideas
Displaying your 70s wedding theme ideas is easier with the decor, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to include it with your bouquet too. Use the color schemes above and the arrangements below for inspiration.
Earth-Toned '70s Wedding Florals
Photo: SOCAL STANDARD
We love the idea of incorporating warm sunset hues into your bouquet. It's a unique twist on the popular theme.
Pastel '70s Wedding Bouquet
If you're planning a wedding with light colors, steal this bouquet idea. People claim that peach is the color of the year for 2024, so why not include it and pastel tones like lavender, light green and pale yellow in your arrangement?
Vibrant Retro-Inspired Bouquet
Photo: Chellise Michael Photography
,Florist: Ailish Floral
Leave room for your wedding outfit to shine with a small bouquet as this bride did. The orange, coral, yellow and pink colors are a beautiful contrast to the white gown.
Editor's '70s Wedding Favorites
Don't get me wrong. All of the '70s wedding ideas above were great, but I have to admit that I have some favorites. Here are eight details that didn't fit in the categories above that I couldn't leave off the list.
'70s Disco-Themed Wedding Ceremony
Boogie down the aisle like this pair and their pooches. Exchange vows under the sparkling reflection of disco balls for an on-theme and unforgettable ceremony.
Vintage Bus Photo Booth
Cruise to a different decade by having a vintage VW bus as your photo booth. They won't be able to resist posting it on Instagram.
'70s-Inspired Wedding Outfits
Bright colors and fun patterns were hugely popular in the 1970s. Get the look by swapping out a solid-colored cotton dress shirt for a patterned one made of a funky fabric, like satin.
'70s Wedding Flower Crown
Photo: MISS GEN PHOTOGRAPHY
If you're a self-described flower child, this '70s wedding idea is for you. Rock a colorful flower crown as a fun, playful accessory.
'70s-Inspired Wedding Braided Hairstyle
Photo: BRIDGET BADORE
Channel your inner hippie by rocking this glamorous wedding hairstyle. Add extensions for an ultra-hip vibe. Hoping to wear your hair down? Just braid the front two pieces of your hair for an on-theme look.
Hippie Headband
Photo: ZULIE REGO PHOTOGRAPHY
Rather than wearing headbands behind the ears, people in the '70s wore them around their heads. Get the look by putting on a sparkly headpiece.
Tree-Planting Ceremony
Photo: LIGHT AS GOLD
In the 1970s, public awareness of the environment began to grow. Unleash your inner flower child with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony, which represents tending and nurturing your growing relationship.
Pale Pink '70s Wedding Invitations
Use warm sunset colors, like yellow, orange, blush and pink for your 1970s-inspired stationery. Add a few '70s motifs, like flowers, smiley faces, and abstract patterns, to clue your guests in on your chosen theme.
