Unique & Nostalgic Wedding Trends for 2022

Poloroid camera
December 13, 2021

Many couples use their wedding day as a way to honor their family traditions. The pandemic, however, has brought the desire to be nostalgic to another level. “It’s a lot of remembering where you were and where you are now,” explains Suher Haidar of Francine Ribeau Events by Suher. “During the pandemic, people understood how important it is to see family and now that we can all get together again, couples want to celebrate that.” Looking for ways to incorporate some nostalgia into your big day? Here are some ideas to inspire you!


 

Serve Family Favorites

Skip the usual chicken or fish entrée and instead offer some of your favorite dishes from your childhood. An experienced caterer should have no problem putting a twist on family recipes so that they can be served to a large crowd. If you don’t want to change up the main course, showcase these foods during the cocktail hour, along with signs to explain why you are serving them to guests.

Grilled cheese and noodls
Photos courtesy of Sarah Joy Photo and Katie Edwards


Offer Some Sweet Treats

Skylar Caitlin of Chancey Charm Houston recommends a nostalgic dessert table. “Imagine all your favorites from Cosmic Brownies to Nutter Butters artfully arranged like a candy charcuterie board—a treat for the eyes as well as your tastebuds!” she says.

colorful drinks and brownies
Photos courtesy of Leslie Rodriguez Photography and Feather and Stone


Rent Vintage Furniture

You can recreate the aesthetic of your childhood homes by renting some vintage furniture pieces that can be set up in the ceremony area or used to create a lounge space.

Couple sitting on vintage couch
Photo courtesy of Melissa Fe Chapman Photography


Take a Walk Down Memory Lane

Couples can be creative with their table numbers and instead use items that are unconventional, like the pipes in the photo below. They can also display childhood memories from the same age as their table numbers, says Carissa Corsi of Carissa Corsi Events. Haidar had one couple who displayed photos from throughout their childhoods in the cocktail hour area. Another even showcased their baby photos and held a contest to see if guests can identify which one was the bride and which was the groom. At the end of the night, the DJ announced the right guess.

Pipes with names and table numbers
Photos courtesy of Feather and Stone


Bring Out Childhood Activities

Some couples have been letting family and friends jump around during the reception on inflatable bounce houses! They're not your average bounce houses though, from clear to white—these bounce houses are fun and surprisingly chic. Other childhood memories can include large lawn games like Connect Four and Jenga, or if you have enough space, set up some bocce ball or cornhole stations.

Bounce house
Photo courtesy of Wedding Wire


Celebrate with Color

If you were a Lisa Frank lover, Caitlin suggests using her signature bright pastels with modern, architectural florals to blend the past with the present in a playful way.

Colorful water bottles and flowers
Photos courtesy of Feather and Stone


Hold a Pre-Wedding Photo Shoot

Plan a themed pre-wedding photoshoot, such as picking your favorite movie as a child and reenacting it through a photoshoot) and then display a few pictures at your welcome table for guests to see when they enter, notes Corsi.

Couple riding in vintage car
Photo courtesy of Katie Edwards


Showcase Through Signage

Signs are an easy and fun way to incorporate a theme or inspiration motif. “We’ve had couples work with designers to create tongue-in-cheek references for their signage that amplifies a vibe without being distracting visually,” says Caitlin. “This can be great for couples with a more timeless aesthetic who still want a playful touch of nostalgia on their wedding day.”

Till death light up sign
Photo courtesy of Tony Gambino Photography

 




Hero photo courtesy of Katie Edwards

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About the Author

Aisle Planner Editorial Team
Aisle Planner Editorial Team
The Aisle Planner Editorial Team is a collective of creative writers, editors, and former event pros who obsess over weddings and special events—and the businesses behind them! Drawn to refined details, design, and creativity, our team provides intelligent and straightforward articles with insights, practical tips, and expert guidance in putting Aisle Planner's "Power of One" behind your business.