Weddings in the 70s and 80s were all about big statements, bold colors, and a touch of drama. It was a time when taste could sometimes take a backseat to trends, and looking back, some of these choices were delightfully outrageous. Whether it was DIY disasters or over-the-top themes, these tacky wedding moments are impossible to forget—and they’re perfect for a nostalgic laugh.
1. Avocado Green and Harvest Gold Everything
If your bridesmaids weren’t draped in avocado green or harvest gold, did you even get married in the 70s? These earthy tones were everywhere, from dresses to table linens, leaving guests to wonder if they were at a wedding or a kitchen remodel.
2. Matching Velvet Tuxedos
Nothing screamed sophistication (or so we thought) like a bridal party decked out in crushed velvet tuxedos. Bonus points if the groomsmen’s ruffled shirts matched the bridesmaids’ dresses perfectly.
3. Balloon Arches That Took Over the Room
The bigger, the better—or so everyone believed. Entire wedding aisles and dance floors were swallowed up by enormous balloon arches in every neon color imaginable. And when one popped, it was a heart-stopping moment for everyone.
4. Cake Fountains
What’s more romantic than a three-tiered cake? A three-tiered cake with a working fountain underneath, of course! These monstrosities were the height of wedding luxury, even if they looked more like something out of a mall food court.
5. Feathered Hair for Days
The bride and her bridesmaids often sported elaborate, feathered hairstyles that defied gravity—and the grooms weren’t far behind with their own Farrah Fawcett-inspired locks. Hairspray sales must’ve skyrocketed during wedding season.
6. Puffy Sleeves That Could Double as Life Rafts
The wedding dresses of the 80s were all about puffy sleeves, and some brides seemed determined to out-puff each other. These massive creations could rival the size of the veil and sometimes the bride herself.
7. Disco Balls at the Reception
Nothing set the mood quite like a spinning disco ball, casting multicolored lights across the dance floor. Sure, it clashed with the floral centerpieces, but who cared when “Stayin’ Alive” was blasting?
8. Bride and Groom Dolls on the Cake
Forget simple toppers—wedding cakes of this era often featured plastic bride and groom dolls dressed to match the real couple. It was sweet in theory, but more than a little creepy in execution.
9. Dyed-to-Match Satin Shoes
Remember when you could take a pair of white satin shoes to the department store and have them dyed to match your outfit? Every bridesmaid in the 70s and 80s rocked these, no matter how unnatural the color.
10. Polaroid Guest Books
Instead of signing a traditional guest book, some couples opted for Polaroid photos of their guests pasted into a scrapbook. Fun idea, but by the end of the night, most of the pictures were blurry or hilariously off-center.
11. Outdoor Weddings with Inflatable Decorations
Some couples took the “party” vibe too far, setting up inflatable palm trees, swans, or even entire bouncy castles as part of their décor. Nothing says classy quite like plastic blowing in the wind.
12. Cheesy Themed Weddings
From Star Wars to Elvis impersonators, themed weddings hit their peak in the 80s. While the couple might’ve had fun, the guests were often left wondering why they were dressed as Jedi at a formal event.
Looking back, these weddings were a true product of their time, and while they might make us cringe today, they also remind us of an era when love and fun trumped perfect taste. Would we want these trends back? Probably not. But admit it—these tacky celebrations were unforgettable!
