80s themed wedding ideas..How to make it tasteful not tacky?

I would tread very carefully, I think you may be headed towards college frat theme party area very easily. Also, I am not sure that you should eat off of glow sticks. I think bright colors are fun for weddings but is there a reason that you need such a specific theme for your wedding? Maybe it would be best for a bach party?

It all looks birthday party ish to me.

http://www.pinterest.com/tosh576/80-s-themed-wedding/

LOL I'm a child of the 80's (and have been to a Def Leppard/KISS concert and Motley Crue concerts in the last month). I want to be a guest.

I grew up in the 80's. We did have some neon. There were a lot of girls with one shoulder sticking out (Flashdance style) of their shirt. It was a lot of spandex. The 80's were essentially tacky. I can look at my Mom's yearbook. The hairdo's tell you when she graduated, but nothing looked odd. Take a look at my yearbook. An image of a guy escaping jail, bustin' out in 89. They you take a look at the hair. Ponytails at the top of your head. It looks like a fountain of hair, frozen in time. Oh thank you Aquanet. Please let us not forget our fondness for geometry with hair. Please think of the group A Flock of Seagulls for that. Or maybe you could thank whoever invented the curling iron that crimped your hair. It looked sort of like an accordion gone terribly wrong. Then there was the mullet. I don't even think I have to say more. The 80's weren't classic.

I think you are going to have to be super careful. Good Luck.

Oh for your enjoyment https://www.google.com/search?q=80%27s+hairstyles&client=firefox-a&hs=JLC&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=fflb&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=-h32U-PGCYSdygSEvYKoDw&ved=0CB4QsAQ&biw=1586&bih=798

My fiance and I really love the idea of having it themed around the 80s. I just dont want it to look tacky and like a birthday party. Our reception is going to be informal, but id like it to still have the wedding feel to is seeing as tho it is our wedding day you know?

I don't see why 80s theme has to be Neon...Why not do a "Pretty in Pink" theme and have various nods to 80s movies.

I like these lanterns. But I am.not sure about hanging 80s movie posters or records around the room like some internet sites suggested for throwing an 80s themed reception

Forget what everyone says about treading lightly and being tacky - it looks and sounds like a blast and if it's what you want I think you should do it up and be proud!

ETA - I'm sure we would all look at someones wedding which might be considered "classy" and think it's "tacky." It's just someone's opinion, which really doesn't matter.

I just like the bright colors, Riki

I love the idea of picking one aspect of the 80's (a movie, a trend, etc.) and making that into a wedding theme much like what Riki mentioned with the "Pretty in Pink" idea.

This could look like a birthday party very quickly, but those light up COTTON CANDIES are SO CUTE!

Thanks Ashley! ! We are going to tone down the abundance of colors a bit but still have enough of the 80s look for our guests to appreciate the flash back

Carmen, I know this discussion is about 4 years old, but could you post some of your photos that you did for your reception? My fiancé and I are looking at doing the same thing in September. We are eloping but are having a reception with family and friends to celebrate and want to make it a fun atmosphere. I would love to see your pictures to get some ideas! I know it had to be a blast! Thanks