42 Far Out '60s-Themed Wedding Ideas

Are the Beatles your favorite band? Do you find yourself longing for the days of beehives and bell bottoms? Do you think vinyl “just sounds better?” If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’ve come to the right place. Kick cookie-cutter designs to the curb, and blow your guests away with a few far-out ‘60s-themed wedding ideas.

This list explores everything we love about the decade of free love, from design and decor to cake and cocktails. Whether you’re planning a laid-back celebration with immediate family or intend to boogie the night away with all your friends, our list of ’60s-themed wedding ideas has something for every ceremony style. Keep reading to learn how to master your theme, from what to wear, how to decorate, and more.

Turn on and tune in for our favorite ‘60s-themed wedding ideas

The ‘60s was a wild and dynamic decade that can’t be summed up in a single style or trend. If you love the era as much as we do, you might have a tough time narrowing down which direction to go, so we prepared some ‘60s-inspired wedding theme ideas to help you figure it out.

Venues that match the ‘60s-themed wedding

1. The Fig House - Los Angeles, CA

Bold colors and textures, as well as geometric shapes, will help you create a stunning 1960s-themed wedding at The Fig House. There are also multiple locations on the property to choose from, which transport couples to “a place where mid-century California meets lush landscaping, and modern glamour.”

2. Madonna Inn - San Luis Obispo, CA

The Madonna Inn is perfect for the couple who wants to indulge in some over-the-top 1960s style. It has 110 rooms, all with different themes, on a 1000 acre property. There’s a reason Elle Decor dubbed it an “unabashedly kitsch wonderland.”

3. Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows - Scottsdale, AZ

The resort was featured on the cover of Arizona’s Finest Wedding Sites and Services magazine and was described as a venue which “highlights the best of mid-century modern design era mixed with unparalleled views of the Scottsdale desert!” What more could you ask for?

4. The Lautner Compound - Palm Springs, CA

Created by legendary architect John Lautner, The Lautner Compound has mid-century modern elegance down to a T. A bit more subtle than the classic bold colors and shapes found in other 1960s-inspired venues, the Lautner Compound offers an element of sophistication that’s hard to beat.

5. The Parker - Palm Springs, CA

The Parker was built in 1959 but has still held onto its “mid-century soul” despite a few makeovers over the years. A Coachella Valley “it” spot, The Parker has hosted the likes of Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, John Travolta, Leonardo DiCaprio, and many others. Put simply: This venue is the perfect place to host a 1960s-themed celebration.

6. The Statler - Dallas, TX

Just like The Parker, The Statler made sure to keep its mid-century modern appeal and aesthetic during renovations. Everyone from Frank Sinatra to Gene Autry have graced the stage of the ballroom, so if you’re looking for vintage charm, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Theme ideas for a ‘60s-inspired wedding

7. “Summer of Love”

Free-spirited couples attracted to the inclusive utopia of San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district in ‘67 will feel right at home at a “Summer of Love” themed wedding. Tell your friends to pop on some comfortable digs and join you for a wedding celebration filled with psychedelic rock, peace signs, daisies, and sheer joy.

8. ‘60s chic

If your sights are set on groovy glamor, blend modern design elements and retro ‘60s-style to create the perfect mix of old-school cool and new-age chic. Drape satin linens over reception tables before setting them with gold plates and polka dot accent pieces.

9. Personalized pop art

Rebel against tradition by embracing the pop art style of the decade. Inspired by western commercial and popular culture, Pop Art emerged in the US in the ‘50s but peaked in the ‘60s. Everyday objects like handbags, newspapers, and soup cans were often the subject of paintings, and artists commonly sourced their subject material from popular comics. Incorporate pop art into your ‘60s-themed wedding with thematic decorations like large prints, high-contrast name cards, and an eye-popping photo booth.

10. All things Americana

From the Vietnam War and the rise of counterculture to the Civil Rights Movement and the ideology of the youth rebellion, American popular culture diversified extensively in the 1960s. Celebrate the inspirational time and all things ‘60s Americana with wooden folk art decorations, picnic-style decor, lemonade stands, and ice cream sundaes.

11. Mid-century mod

The mid-sixties brought about the British Invasion. Pop culture and music as we know it completely changed when The Beatles hit the scene, and mod subculture (modernist) began to take over. Add a British mod theme to supercharge your era-inspired wedding. Dress the wedding party in tailor-made suits, miniskirts, bell bottoms, or bold patterns. Look for mid-century mod furniture with thin, long legs and unique statement pieces. Experiment with various textiles, textures, and shapes in your design.

‘60s-themed decor ideas wedding guests will dig

Whether planning a luxurious, high-end wedding celebration or looking for budget-friendly decoration ideas, you’ve come to the right place. These snazzy and stylin’ decor ideas are sure to impress your guests.

12. Tie-dye

Tie-dye goes hand-in-hand with the colorful style of the sixties. Couples who love the look can go all out with dyed attire and festive decor. For a more subtle tie-in (pun intended), use dip-dyed table runners or go with an exquisite ombre cake design. For more ideas, check out these tie-dye wedding ideas and design tips.

13. Trendsetting shades

Decorate for the decade with orange tones, brown hues, and bright yellows. If you want more inspiration, look to vintage magazines, movies, and celebrity photos. Check out a variety of sources and see what appeals to you the most!

14. Vintage dinnerware

Set reception tables with dinnerware straight out of the sixties. Milk glass, azure blue, and striped plates were all the rage, giving couples a surplus of dish designs to choose from. Stick with the same pattern throughout, or mix and match.

15. Drink carts

The ‘60s weren’t loosey-goosey for everyone; for many, it was all about business. If you’re drawn to the Don Draper side of the sixties, stylish cocktail carts will fit your aesthetic flawlessly. Build stationary drink stations or serve guests on-the-go from rolling carts at your decadent decade-themed wedding.

16. Beaded backdrops

Beads are a fun, cheap way to turn any wedding venue into the dreamy ‘60s party den of your dreams. Create a ceremony backdrop design with shimmering glass beads, hang beads behind the head table, or add them to the gift station setup.

17. Colorful carnations

Carnations are vibrant, inexpensive, and sturdy wedding flowers. They come in a broad range of colors, hold up well after cutting, and perfectly capture the spirit of the 1960s. Add carnation clusters that complement your wedding’s color scheme to the bridal bouquet, aisle markers, or table arrangements.

18. Suspended floral decor

If you’re drawn to the softer, bohemian side of the ‘60s, you’re going to backflip for suspended floral decor. Decorate the wedding arch with lush hanging blooms or place a large installation over the main table. Work with a small palette or showcase all the colors of the rainbow.

19. Vintage car decorations

Incorporate vintage automobiles into your ‘60s-inspired wedding decorations to capture the spirit of the decade. If you can get your hands on a Lincoln Continental, VW bus, or Chevy Camaro, make it part of your wedding decor. Make it the centerpiece of your guest welcome area, stage photos around it, or zoom away in a retro, romantic wedding send-off. Classic car fans and the auto-illiterate will be amazed.

20. Antique cake topper

Incorporate ’60s-themed decor into every aspect of your wedding, including the cake. Add a blast from the past to the top of the wedding cake with an antique topper.

What to wear for a ’60s-themed wedding

Navigating a wedding’s dress code isn’t always easy. It can be challenging to find something that looks good, feels good, and fits the weather—whatever it may be when the big day comes. Don’t sweat the small stuff; check out these stellar ‘60s outfit ideas instead!

21. Bright colors

The early sixties left the drag and dreary remains of the fifties behind, bringing bright, beautiful colors to the fashion world. As the Free Love and Flower Power movements took off, brightly colored fashion trends did too. Capture the spirit of the times by leaning into vibrant hues and donning lively green, yellow, orange, or purple wedding wear.

22. Bold patterns

Loud, bold patterns like tropical beach prints, large paisley swirls, cartoon daisies, polka dots, and neon peace signs were popular in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Really, you can go crazy here!

23. Bubble sleeves

At a ‘60s-themed wedding, whether in the bridal party or getting hitched yourself, you’ll look the part in romantic bubble sleeves. Also called puff sleeves, bubble sleeves are puffier at the shoulder, narrowing as they follow down the length of the arm. You can also slide them off your shoulder for a gentler, more modern take.

24. Go-go boots

Nothing screams “sixties” quite like patent leather go-go boots. From calf-length lace-up to knee-high stilettos, you can’t go wrong when you go go-go. Nontraditional wedding shoes are all the rage right now, making these an easy way to incorporate on-theme flair. Pair them with a shorter hemline to really show them off.

25. Flower crowns

Show off your flower power with fresh, fragrant floral crowns. Provide the bridal party with headpieces, or host a party where you all make your own. Encourage guests to make and wear DIY accessories by setting up a crown-crafting station at the reception.

26. Crocheted lace

Organic, bohemian-style fashion trends took over in the ’60s as the buttoned-up looks of the 1950s faded. The “youthquake” driven dress shapes of the sixties incorporated loose waistlines, shorter hems, and lots of shell-stitch crochet lace. And these days, crochet is making a comeback!

27. Dress-up dress code

Let your freak flag fly with an all-out ‘60s-themed costume party. Encourage guests to wear their dopest hippie digs and flower child wigs at your wedding shindig. You might even get a chance to get a group photo with some cleverly-dressed Scooby Doo or Jetsons-themed guests!

Entertainment ideas for a ‘60s-themed wedding

Ensure that friends and family have a gas at your splendid ‘60s-themed celebration with these exciting entertainment ideas.

28. Boss beats playlist

Budget-conscious engaged couples can save money by skipping live entertainment and building an out-of-sight wedding playlist instead. Prepare for a night of dancing, drinks, and dreaming with hip ‘60s hits like:

• “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley
• “River Deep (Mountain High)” – Ike & Tina Turner
• “These Boots Are Made for Walking” – Nancy Sinatra
• “California Dreamin’” – The Mamas & the Papas
• “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” – Marvin Gaye
• “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” – Frankie Valli

29. Live British Invasion band

Book a Beatles cover band or a talented group covering Invasion hits from bands like The Zombies, The Animals, The Kinks, and The Rolling Stones. If you really want to commit to the theme, see if they can dress the part as well!

30. Slot car races

Slot car racing was a prolific activity for many in the sixties, with live raceways and at-home toy tracks sweeping the country. Incorporate the vintage hobby into your wedding reception by blending the old and the new. Set up a miniature track with remote-controlled slot cars, and challenge wedding guests to compete against one another to become the circuit champion.

31. Outdoor lawn games

Invite friends and family to hang around after the ceremony for outdoor wedding lawn games. Giant twister, life-size connect four, and lawn bowling are fun for all ages. You could even consider making these ‘60s-centric with bright colors or patterns.

32. Outta sight photo booth

Build a groovy photo booth that every guest at your ‘60s-themed wedding will want to visit. Stock the booth with fun props, quote bubbles, and accessories. Guests can share their photos on social media or an online guestbook using your unique wedding hashtag.

‘60s-inspired wedding dinner & dessert ideas

What should you serve at your ‘60s-themed wedding reception? Try these tasty, tempting treats.

33. Delicious dips

Cocktail parties became increasingly popular throughout the ’60s, an era that celebrated cocktails, dinner parties, and cute foods. Treat wedding guests to a thematic spread of delicious dips and kitschy appetizers. Offer a mix of exciting flavor combinations, like crab meat, pimento-nut, and ‘60s California Party Dip.

34. Jumpin’ Jell-O

Like cocktail parties and smoking jackets, gelatin is a ‘60s staple. Treat guests to bouncy cakes, standing fruit salad, or rainbow ribbon gelatin bites. Jell-O is a fun, funky, and unexpected dish for couples who aren’t afraid to break the mold.

35. Foxy fondue

Fondue became popular in the United States in the 1960s, but it is believed the dish originated in the Swiss countryside, where the rustic dip was known as “La Fondue.” Wow your wedding guests with a swanky fondue station set with flavorful pairings. Bread, sausage, meatballs, apples, peppers, and potatoes pair with cheese, while cookies, cake, meringues, and crispy rice treats are perfect chocolate fondue dippers.

36. Burgers and fries

If you love the diner and drive-in style synonymous with the ‘50s and ‘60s, incorporate it into a thematic menu. Grill fresh burgers and hot dogs at your outdoor wedding, or work with your caterer to elevate the classic foods and turn them into stunning dinner dishes.

37. Edible pressed flowers

Decorate your ‘60s-inspired wedding cake with vibrant pressed flowers. Dried flowers were popular, and affordable mid-century decorations were often used to spruce up frames, added to photo albums, sold as potpourri, and included in many other crafts. Pick wildflowers and press the petals at home in just a few minutes.

38. Bundt cake bites

Whether forming the mold for gelatin creations or decadent confections, Bundt cake pans ruled kitchens in the sixties. Instead of splurging on more expensive traditional wedding cake styles, serve your guests miniature Bundt cakes. Friends, family, and other guests will flip out over these chocolate truffle Bundt cake bites from Nordic Ware.

Cocktail ideas for a ‘60s-themed wedding

Build a thematic cocktail menu featuring famous boozers from the swinging sixties, such as:

39. The Manhattan

Perhaps the most iconic cocktail from the 1960s, the Manhattan has stood the test of time. Similar to an old-fashioned but less sweet, Manhattan cocktails are made with rye whiskey, bitters, and dry vermouth. Serve in chilled martini glasses for a chic signature wedding cocktail.

40. Sidecar

Although the Sidecar can be traced back to World War I, the hip drink named for a motorcycle sidecar graced many cocktail menus in the sixties. Served in a sugar-rimmed glass and garnished with an orange twist, a Sidecar contains cognac, orange liqueur, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

41. Mint Julep

Serve refreshing Mint Juleps to guests at your ‘60s-themed wedding. Perfect for spring and summer weddings, the classic recipe includes bourbon, mint, water, sugar, and crushed ice. Give your signature cocktail a refreshing twist by adding blackberry, lemon, or lavender to the traditional Julep recipe.

42. Whiskey Sour

In the ’60s, whiskey was always on the menu, even in the summer. The whiskey sour is a refreshing cool drink made with lemon juice, simple syrup, a raw egg white, and—you guessed it—whiskey. The mixture becomes delightfully foamy in a cocktail shaker before it’s poured over ice. Make a vegan-friendly whiskey sour substituting aquafaba for the raw egg white. Aquafaba is just a fancy word for chickpea juice. All you need is a can of garbanzo beans, and you’re good to go!

Start planning a ‘60s-themed wedding friends and family will flip for

With design, decor, and dress ideas ready, it’s time to kick off the wedding planning process. Before diving too deep into the details, start with the basics: confirm a date and book a venue. If that sounds overwhelming, don’t worry; you can host a themed wedding anywhere you like!

’60s-themed weddings lend themselves to interesting venues, as we mentioned earlier, but modern weddings can use a break from tradition, too! Up next, we’re exploring 20 of the most unique, must-see wedding venues to help couples looking for something a little different.