1970s inspired wedding dresses for the modern vintage bride
Bohemian or "Boho" weddings are set to continue to be huge this year, with more couples choosing to get married outside in a festival style wedding embracing a look that stems from the 1970s. This look isn't just for outside though; brides are choosing this style for its simplicity, romance and wearability. Is this a vintage look or in fact a fashion forward look designed by independent businesses here in the UK and Europe? Let's look at some key designs which you will love.
Image by Binky Nixon
Vintage wedding dresses
The 1970s wedding dress continued where the 1960s finished; with long, floaty gowns and wide romantic sleeves. The mood of the day was bohemian influenced by musicians such as Stevie Nicks and festivals such as Woodstock. Often, we think of this style as 1970s but it had in fact been popular since the late 60s.
Dresses were designed with layers of polyester chiffon, creating large capes and handkerchief edged details. They were generally high necked with front bibs, covering the bride's modesty to contrast with the sometimes sheer skirts and sleeves. Many chose to cover up completely choosing historical looks such as the Tudor maid.
Image by Binky Nixon
Throughout the decade, brides embraced different looks such as the trouser suit made popular by Bianca Jagger and 1930s influences designed by Ossie Clarke, but by the 1979 dresses were much larger and fuller paving the way for the 1980s. The free-spirited look was now classed as old fashioned and not revived until a few years ago.
Image by Binky Nixon
Modern boho dresses
Modern designers have created their own take on this look in newer fabrics that drape elegantly with nods to both the 1970s, 1930s and even the 1910s. They have added embellishments and sometimes colour, while keeping key details such as wide sleeves, lace and capes. Here are 4 of my favourites available through Rock The Frock Bridal.
Carbonne by Francis Bridal is a stunning boho dress made from Broderie Anglais embroidered chiffon with a beautiful retro pattern. The plunge neckline is softened by the scalloped edges of the lace. It has a romantic feel to it, and the billowy long sleeves and cuffs remind us of a 1970s wedding dress.
This off the shoulder gown by Katya Katya Shehurina takes us back to the late 60s/early 70s with an almost French boho feel to it. Called Liberty, it has hand embellished silk taffeta flowers which rest perfectly along the top of the loose bohemian sleeves. The delicate skirt falls effortlessly with a bordering of French lace along soft tulle making it feminine yet striking.
RM6325 by SAJA is a silk dress with crinkle chiffon overlay and embroidery to the bodice and sleeves. This elegant and modern dress has a plunge back with a layered front neckline and one-of-a-kind floral hand embroidery that cascades down the front bodice as well as along the sleeves. It is a simple take on the boho dress, perfect for you to then add a flower crown filled with bright blooms for an effortlessly beautiful look.
The Valence dress by Francis Bridal is a modern and subtle wedding dress, made from layers of silk georgette draped over the body and gently gathered into a beaded lace waistband. This draping looks slightly Grecian which is another look perfect for a boho style with a nod to a 1930s style.
Boho Wedding Accessories
Choose oversized flower bouquets with ferns and hanging ribbons to finish the look. Or you could wear a flower crown in your hair; whether you choose delicate smaller flowers or large blousy blooms, choosing a handmade natural crown really embraces the boho style.
Image by Binky Nixon, Flowers by Waterbaby Flowers
Finish with flat pumps, sandals or even go bare feet to get that hippy vibe. If you want a veil, choose a floor length one, harking back to the 1930s.
Image by Binky NixonVintage wedding dresses
The 1970s wedding dress continued where the 1960s finished; with long, floaty gowns and wide romantic sleeves. The mood of the day was bohemian influenced by musicians such as Stevie Nicks and festivals such as Woodstock. Often, we think of this style as 1970s but it had in fact been popular since the late 60s.
Dresses were designed with layers of polyester chiffon, creating large capes and handkerchief edged details. They were generally high necked with front bibs, covering the bride's modesty to contrast with the sometimes sheer skirts and sleeves. Many chose to cover up completely choosing historical looks such as the Tudor maid.
Image by Binky NixonImage by Binky NixonModern boho dresses
Modern designers have created their own take on this look in newer fabrics that drape elegantly with nods to both the 1970s, 1930s and even the 1910s. They have added embellishments and sometimes colour, while keeping key details such as wide sleeves, lace and capes. Here are 4 of my favourites available through Rock The Frock Bridal.
Carbonne by Francis Bridal is a stunning boho dress made from Broderie Anglais embroidered chiffon with a beautiful retro pattern. The plunge neckline is softened by the scalloped edges of the lace. It has a romantic feel to it, and the billowy long sleeves and cuffs remind us of a 1970s wedding dress.
This off the shoulder gown by Katya Katya Shehurina takes us back to the late 60s/early 70s with an almost French boho feel to it. Called Liberty, it has hand embellished silk taffeta flowers which rest perfectly along the top of the loose bohemian sleeves. The delicate skirt falls effortlessly with a bordering of French lace along soft tulle making it feminine yet striking.
RM6325 by SAJA is a silk dress with crinkle chiffon overlay and embroidery to the bodice and sleeves. This elegant and modern dress has a plunge back with a layered front neckline and one-of-a-kind floral hand embroidery that cascades down the front bodice as well as along the sleeves. It is a simple take on the boho dress, perfect for you to then add a flower crown filled with bright blooms for an effortlessly beautiful look.
The Valence dress by Francis Bridal is a modern and subtle wedding dress, made from layers of silk georgette draped over the body and gently gathered into a beaded lace waistband. This draping looks slightly Grecian which is another look perfect for a boho style with a nod to a 1930s style.
Boho Wedding Accessories
Choose oversized flower bouquets with ferns and hanging ribbons to finish the look. Or you could wear a flower crown in your hair; whether you choose delicate smaller flowers or large blousy blooms, choosing a handmade natural crown really embraces the boho style.
Image by Binky Nixon, Flowers by Waterbaby FlowersFinish with flat pumps, sandals or even go bare feet to get that hippy vibe. If you want a veil, choose a floor length one, harking back to the 1930s.