These '90s Wedding Ideas Are All That and a Bag of Chips
Whether you're a millennial with a nostalgic side or you just want to have a blast on the big day, consider copying these (totally rad) '90s wedding ideas.
We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.
If you haven't already noticed, the '90s are alive and kickin' right now, from street style (dad sneakers, strappy heels and biker shorts, duh) to television reboots, beauty trends, and boy band reunions. In 2020, millennials and Gen Z-ers—anyone who was either born in or grew up in the '90s— are the two main age groups that will be getting married, and they're bringing their favorite childhood memories with them. Enter the '90s wedding trend: neon-bright color palettes, glittery accents, and even moon bounces are all ideas that couples have started using for their weddings, and we're predicting that the trend is only getting started. '90s kid or not, there's no doubt that these ideas are perfect for creating a fun, celebratory atmosphere on your wedding day.
Want the 411 on how to have a '90s wedding? Here's what you'll need.
Geometric invitations
Your wedding invitation is the first detail that your guests will see, so you want to make sure it's on-theme! Geometric motifs, like prisms, are even more eye-catching when you add a bright fuchsia and gold color palette.
Skirt and top by Alexandra Grecco
Crop top wedding dress
For the ultimate '90s bridal vibe, choose a minimalist wedding dress with throwback details, such as puffy off-the-shoulder sleeves and skirt slits. Crop tops are a stylish option if you're feeling fashion-forward.
Flannel shirts
Take a page out of the grunge stylebook and wear matching flannel button-downs while you get ready with your wedding party.
Tie-dye anything
Whether it's a pair of sneakers, your table linens, or even your wedding stationery, you can't have a '90s wedding without a dose of tie-dye. Brush off your childhood tie-dye skills to create custom patterns and color combos for your wedding.
Jean jacket
Bridal jackets are already trending, and a denim style is particularly '90s. Don't forget about the patches!
Ombré veil
If a plain white veil feels too traditional, try a colored ombré style instead. Alternatively, you can look for a veil with colorful embroidery or sparkly embellishments.
Platform heels
Planning to wear high heels for your wedding shoes? Choose a thick platform style—in velvet, while you're at it—for an instant 1990s look. Plus, the thicker heel will keep your feet comfortable as you're moving around all day.
Dress by Willowby by Watters
Center hair part
At the most recent NYC Bridal Fashion Week, '90s-inspired elements were everywhere, including many models strutting down the runways with stick-straight hair parted in the center. The look is easy enough to recreate on the big day, and the straight hair is a refreshing alternative to typical curly bridal hairstyles.
Sunglasses
Rock these colorful sunglasses for a spunky photo op with your wedding party, give them out on the dance floor as wedding favors, or decorate with them as alternative place cards on your reception tables.
Rainbow wedding band
This rainbow stone eternity band is like a grown-up version of the beaded bracelets and necklaces that every '90s girl made at summer camp. Wear it with a white diamond engagement ring or pair it with another colored gemstone ring for even more rainbow awesome-ness.
Dress by Jenny Yoo Bridesmaids
Satin bridesmaid dress
High-shine satin fabric might stir up visions of '90s school dances in the gym, but this slinky material can be surprisingly chic and is currently trending for bridesmaid dresses. Spaghetti and halter-strap gowns in muted colors, like mauve, sage green, dusty blue, and dove gray, are some of our favorite ways to wear satin in an updated way.
Graffiti wall
If you're getting married in an urban area, do some scouting before the big day to see if there's a cool graffiti wall or mural close by to your wedding venue. Plan to leave enough time on your wedding day (possibly after your first look or on the way to the wedding reception) to make a quick stop to snap a few portraits in front of the wall.
Shimmery makeup
From shiny lip gloss to roll-on body glitter and sparkly eyeshadow gel, we probably don't need to remind you that the '90s were all about the shimmer. If you still have your trusty Caboodle kit, now would be the time to break it out, because the frosted makeup look is back—this time with a more natural, ethereal approach. Products like iridescent powders, liquid highlighters, metallic eyeliner, and creamy lip crayons can all be used to achieve a glowing, radiant bridal look on your wedding day. The key is to be extra light-handed with your products for a "no makeup makeup" look (think of brands like Glossier and Milk Makeup as your inspiration).
Balloon arch
What better way to include a *pop* of color at your wedding venue than with a giant balloon arch? Guests will love snapping photos or taking selfies in front of this eye-catching backdrop.
Moon bounce
Helium balloons aren't the only '90s birthday party staple making their way into wedding decor. Moon bounces are this year's unexpected wedding trend, and we couldn't be more excited.
Glitter manicure
Basic nude or pink nail polishes not quite your thing? Try a glitter manicure instead! Use metallic silver nail polish and star-shaped confetti for a galactic-inspired mani that's totally '90s wedding-approved.
Colorful escort cards
Add even more color to your wedding decor with a rainbow-style seating chart or escort card display.
Origami backdrop
Whether it's made from paper cranes or cootie catchers, an origami backdrop is one of the easiest ways to give your wedding decor a quirky throwback vibe. If you're feeling a little rusty when it comes to your origami skills, you can make simple paper chains instead.
Holographic place settings
Use iridescent charger plates, holographic flatware, and individual acrylic wedding menus for a celestial-inspired tablescape that's out of this world.
Temporary tattoos
Temporary tattoos are must-have bachelorette party favors, but they're also a fun addition to your wedding reception. Look for customizable options and set up a tattoo station during cocktail hour or after dinner to get the party going.
Unicorn balloon
Calling Lisa Frank! No '90s wedding would be complete without a nod to the queen of all things neon and cute. If you think unicorns aren't for weddings, think again—this foil balloon would be a perfect addition to any dessert table or bar top.
Candy necklace
Finish off your flatware sets with candy necklace napkin rings for a simple but sweet touch of nostalgia.
Neon sign
Neon signs are already a huge wedding trend, and they're a no-brainer for a '90s-themed wedding. If it's in your budget, you can have a custom neon sign made to hang on the wall, or you can use smaller LED-powered signs in shapes like hearts, lightning bolts, or rainbows for your tabletops.
'90s cover band
Is it really a '90s wedding if you don't have the right music to go along with your theme? Look for cover bands in your area who can play all the throwback hits at your reception, from first dance classics like "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer to crowd singalongs like "Mr. Jones" by Counting Crows.
Polaroid guest book
We love using instant photos as an alternative wedding guest book idea. It doubles as entertainment for your guests and a post-wedding day keepsake for you!
Enamel pins
If you're looking for wedding favors to go with a '90s theme, enamel pins are a unique idea (and something that your guests will be snatching up to take home). Daisy and smiley face pins are quintessential '90s style, but you can also consider having custom pins created of you and your spouse's faces, your pet, or anything else that reflects your personalities.
Sugar flower cake
Decorate your wedding cake in pastel colors, sugar flowers, and rainbow sprinkles for a flower power-inspired confection that would make any Blossom fan proud.
Milk and cookies
This classic after-school snack just so happens to also be an excellent late-night treat for your guests. Serve milk (regular or non-dairy) in shot glasses topped with cookies for grab-and-go convenience.
Glow sticks
Neon glow sticks are equally as fun on the dance floor as they are in lieu of sparklers for your grand exit at the end of the night.
Perler beads
Perler beads (the tiny, colorful pieces of plastic that you arrange into shapes on a pegboard and fuse together with an iron) were a crafting staple in the '90s. Now, you can use these beads to decorate your '90s wedding—everything from table numbers and welcome signs to a Nintendo-inspired cake topper.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, some of which may be sponsored by paying vendors.