23 Forgotten Wedding Trends Only ’80s Brides Will Appreciate
Get ready to take a totally tubular trip back to the glitz, glamour, and glorious excess of 1980s weddings!
This was the decade where more was never enough—bigger sleeves, higher hair, and dresses so voluminous they could have their own zip code. Brides went all out to create wedding spectacles that were as bold as their blue eyeshadow and as dramatic as their power ballad first dances.
Think cascading ruffles, sky-high veils, and accessories that could moonlight as parade floats. Every detail was dialed up to the max, from metallic décor to neon color palettes that screamed Miami Vice chic. And let’s not forget the cake—tiers upon tiers of frosting-covered extravagance!
Join us as we take a nostalgia-fueled journey through 23 iconic trends that made ’80s weddings unforgettable. Whether you rocked a puffed-sleeve gown or just love a good throwback, these trends are sure to bring back some fabulous memories!
1. The Giant Poofy Sleeves
The 1980s called, and they want their sleeves back! Brides flaunted sleeves so large, they required their own support system. Inspired by Princess Diana’s iconic wedding gown, these sleeves were architectural marvels in their own right.
Some might say these sleeves were a statement, while others would argue they were a zip code. Nonetheless, they added an aura of regal sophistication.
If a bride wasn’t careful, a gust of wind might have launched her into the stratosphere like a matrimonial Mary Poppins.
2. The Headband Veil Hybrid
Forget tiaras! The headband veil hybrid was the epitome of ’80s bridal chic. These headpieces were adorned with pearls, lace, and sometimes rhinestones, making them more akin to crowns than simple accessories.
The veil emerged dramatically from the back, cascading down like a bridal waterfall. It was all about making a grand entrance, and who could blame them?
With such a lavish adornment, brides were ready to take on the world—one aisle at a time.
3. Bridal Hats
Bridal hats were the crowning glory of ’80s weddings, combining elegance with just a splash of theatrical flair. Oversized and often festooned with lace, silk ribbons, and sometimes feathers, these hats were a statement piece.
They were perfect for the bride who wanted to tip her hat to tradition but stand out with flair.
While some resembled an elaborate tea party accessory, others screamed, “Ascot, here I come!” Who needs a veil when your hat can do all the talking?
4. Ruffled Wedding Dresses
Ruffles, ruffles, and more ruffles! The ’80s saw brides enveloped in cascades of fabric, transforming them into living, breathing tiers of a wedding cake. Each layer signified decadence, and the more, the merrier!
It was a time when minimalism was a myth, and extravagance was the norm. Brides embraced this trend wholeheartedly, leaving no ruffle unturned.
Walking down the aisle was no easy feat, but when one could pull it off, the results were nothing short of spectacular.
5. Over-the-Top Bridesmaid Dresses
In the ’80s, bridesmaid dresses often resembled a candy shop explosion. Neon pastels, enormous bows, and swathes of taffeta were the order of the day. Bridesmaids had to navigate these fashion risks with a smile.
These dresses were a rite of passage, a test of friendship, and possibly a source of blackmail material for future years.
Despite the sartorial challenges, these dresses added a vibrant, albeit eye-watering, pop of color to the wedding party.
6. Floral Crown Veils
Why choose between a veil and flowers when you could have both? The floral crown veil was a hit in the ’80s, combining blooms and bridal elegance in one.
Silk flowers nestled in baby’s breath sat atop the bride’s head, creating a whimsical halo effect. Ethereal, yet bold, these crowns were perfect for outdoor weddings.
If you didn’t feel like a woodland fairy at your wedding, were you even getting married in the ’80s?
7. Matching Satin Bridal Sneakers
Comfort meets couture in the form of satin bridal sneakers. These were no ordinary shoes; they were dyed to match the wedding dress perfectly.
High-top Reeboks became the unexpected footwear choice, allowing brides to dance the night away without sacrificing style.
Ideal for the bride who wanted to say “I do” with a twist, these sneakers proved that you could have your cake and eat it too—comfortably.
8. Extravagant Puffball Bouquets
Why settle for a simple bouquet when you could carry a floral orb? Puffball bouquets were all the rage, resembling giant floral poufs in the bride’s hands.
These bouquets were true masterpieces, often adorned with ribbons trailing elegantly down. They were perfect for dramatic bouquet tosses.
Holding one felt like cradling a botanical moon, and brides embraced the over-the-top elegance with gusto.
9. Gloves—The Longer, The Better
Elegance was at the fingertips with elbow-length gloves. Satin, lace, pearls, and sometimes bows transformed arms into extensions of the bride’s gown.
These gloves were the ultimate in sophistication, adding a touch of vintage glamour to the bridal ensemble.
Perfect for the bride aiming for a touch of drama, they were both a style statement and a practical accessory for keeping warm in chilly reception halls.
10. Tiers of Tulle Everywhere
Tulle took center stage in the ’80s, becoming a symbol of wedding opulence. It adorned dresses, veils, and even reception tables. A wedding without tulle was like a cake without icing—unthinkable!
Brides embraced the fabric in layers, creating voluminous skirts that swirled with every step.
As it floated through the air, tulle added a dreamy quality to the entire event, making the day feel like a fairy tale come to life.
11. Bubble Hem Dresses
The bubble hem was a fashion revelation of the ’80s, adding a playful, poufy flair to wedding gowns. This style featured a rounded silhouette at the hem, creating volume and movement.
Walking was an art form, as brides glided down the aisle with a dress that resembled a floating cloud.
It was a look that exuded whimsy and charm, perfect for the bride who wanted to make a statement with every step.
12. Wedding Dresses with Built-in Corsets
The ’80s bridal silhouette was all about the cinch. Built-in corsets ensured that brides achieved the perfect hourglass figure, albeit at the expense of comfort.
These corsets were architectural feats, providing structure to the bridal gown and an enviable waistline.
Breathing was optional, but looking stunning was mandatory. Brides embraced the snug fit, knowing that beauty often required a little sacrifice.
13. Monogrammed Everything
If it didn’t move, it was monogrammed. The ’80s weddings were a testament to personalized flair, and monogramming was the ultimate way to showcase a couple’s new initials.
From napkins to matchbooks, nothing was off-limits. Guests left with little reminders of whose big day they had attended.
It was a trend that married personalization with practicality, ensuring that every detail was uniquely branded.
14. Tiered Fountains—For Everything
Why limit fountains to water? The ’80s weddings saw fountains for everything—chocolate, champagne, and even dyed water with floating flowers.
These tiers of liquid delight added an interactive element to the reception, wowing guests with their extravagance.
Whether it was a cascade of bubbly or a waterfall of chocolate, these fountains epitomized the opulence of the era.
15. Rice Throwing (Before It Was Banned)
Rice throwing was a joyous tradition, symbolizing prosperity and fertility. Before environmental concerns put a stop to it, guests would gleefully shower newlyweds with grains as they exited the venue.
It was a visual feast, with rice raining down like confetti, adding to the post-ceremony euphoria.
Despite the cleanup challenges, it was a beloved part of the celebration, cementing the marriage with a sprinkle of good fortune.
16. Giant Wedding Cakes with Pillars
Wedding cakes in the ’80s were architectural marvels, often featuring tiers held up by Grecian-style pillars. These towering confections were more than desserts—they were art.
Each tier stood proudly, often embellished with intricate icing details and decorative elements.
The pillars added height and drama, making the cake a centerpiece worthy of admiration. Cutting into such a masterpiece was both a joy and a challenge.
17. Excessive Wedding Party Sizes
In the ’80s, the bigger the wedding party, the better. Brides didn’t just have a few close friends—they had an entourage.
Fourteen bridesmaids? Check. Junior bridesmaids, flower girls, and perhaps a reluctant ring bearer? Double check.
This trend turned weddings into grand parades of fashion, friendships, and familial ties, adding to the spectacle of the day.
18. Bride and Groom Cake Toppers That Looked Nothing Like You
Cake toppers in the ’80s were charmingly generic, featuring plastic bride and groom figurines with expressions that could best be described as “pleasantly indifferent.”
These toppers often bore little resemblance to the actual couple, adding a touch of humor to the cake’s grandeur.
Despite their lack of personalization, they were a beloved tradition, crowning the cake with a nod to matrimonial bliss.
19. Garter Toss Antics
The garter toss was a cheeky tradition that brought laughter and blushes. The groom would remove the garter, often with his teeth, amid cheers from guests.
This playful ritual was a highlight of the reception, adding a bit of saucy humor to the celebrations.
It was all in good fun, creating memorable moments that guests would fondly reminisce about.
20. Silk Flower EVERYTHING
Silk flowers were the unsung heroes of ’80s weddings, providing a cost-effective way to drench the venue in blooms.
From centerpieces to altar arrangements, silk flowers were everywhere, offering vibrant color without the wilting worry.
These everlasting blooms were perfect keepsakes, enduring long after the wedding day.
21. Super Dramatic Wedding Videos
Wedding videos in the ’80s were cinematic events, complete with dramatic slow motions, crossfades, and sometimes even star wipe transitions.
Uncles wielded camcorders like Spielberg, capturing every moment for posterity.
These videos were more than just recordings—they were epic sagas of love, laughter, and occasionally awkward dance moves.
22. Fog Machine First Dances
Fog machines turned first dances into magical moments, enveloping couples in clouds of romance.
As “Endless Love” played softly, the fog created an ethereal atmosphere, making the dance unforgettable.
It was a trend that added a touch of drama and a lot of ambiance to the nuptial celebrations.
23. Birdseed or Balloon Releases
After the vows, the sky was the limit. Guests either showered the couple with birdseed or released a kaleidoscope of balloons.
Birdseed was the eco-friendly choice, while balloons provided a visual spectacle, floating into the sky like dreams taking flight.
These releases symbolized joy, freedom, and the couple’s new journey together.