90s weddings: how times changed

The 1990s were a decade of two completely different bridal personalities.

The early years were all about bold, over the top glamour. Think sleeves with their own postcode, pearlescent beads, glossy ringlets and cakes with architectural ambitions.

Then the late 90s arrived and everything flipped into sleek, minimalist chic. Slip dresses. Square necklines. Satin everywhere. Tiny bouquets. Middle parts so sharp they could cut glass.It was a strange and wonderful decade and couples are rediscovering its charm.

Here is how 90s weddings actually looked, why they changed so dramatically and how to bring the best bits into a modern celebration.

Early 90s: The Maximalist Era

The dresses

Early 90s gowns were heavily influenced by the 80s and the legacy of Princess Diana. Big sleeves. Full skirts. Structured bodices. Long trains. Beading that caught every flash of the disposable cameras on the tables. Many gowns were stark white with high shine satin.

The hair

Volume was the brief. Brides wore high updos with curled tendrils and enough hairspray to outlast a windstorm. Tiaras were common, as were pearl covered headbands.

The accessories

Long satin gloves, dramatic veils, statement chokers and oversized jewellery. Bridesmaids often matched head to toe in the same colour and cut.

The makeup

Matte foundation paired with frosty shadow and a mauve or brown lip. Brows were thin or heavily plucked. Blush was subtle but lips did the talking.

The cake

Think columns, fountains, staircases and many tiers. The cakes were showpieces with cascading sugar flowers and intricate piping.

The venues

Function centres with patterned carpet, draped ceilings, dim lighting and formal table settings. Traditional churches were common for ceremonies.

Late 90s: The minimalist shift

Around 1996, bridal fashion underwent a total transformation. Designers like Vera Wang, Calvin Klein and Narciso Rodriguez ushered in a fresh wave of simplicity.

The dresses

Slip dresses became iconic. Satin ruled every aisle. Spaghetti straps, clean lines, square necks and almost no embellishment. Everything leaned towards effortless and modern.

The hair

Brides embraced sleek buns, loose waves and simple half up styles. Headband veils became the look of the moment.

The accessories

Pearl studs, delicate necklaces and minimalist jewellery. Gloves mostly disappeared and brides chose small, refined bouquets.

The makeup

Soft, fresh, less powder. The brown lip stayed but the overall look became more natural. Skin was still matte, but brows relaxed slightly and eye makeup softened.

The venues

Wineries, gardens and reception spaces with cleaner design gained popularity. Couples started opting for slightly more relaxed styling.

How to add 90s cool to a modern wedding

You do not need a head to toe period piece. Pick elements that nod to the era and blend them with contemporary styling.

For early 90s nostalgia:

• Add a bold sleeve or pearl beading to your gown.
• Choose a long blusher veil or a structured headpiece.
• Style your reception outfit with satin gloves.
• Ask your cake designer for a subtle tier separation or a cascade of sugar flowers.
• Play a Celine Dion or Savage Garden classic for a first dance moment.

For late 90s minimalism:

• Wear a satin slip for the reception.
• Choose a headband veil or a sleek middle part.
• Use square fonts and clean layouts in your stationery.
• Embrace a tiny bouquet of one or two flower varieties.
• Bring in film photography for that grainy, nostalgic finish.

90s Wedding Trends We Hope Never Return

• Crunchy ringlet updos. The kind that felt permanently glued into position and had zero movement in the breeze. Beautiful in their time, but today we prefer hair that can actually move and touch nature without shattering.
• Puffy sleeves the size of small furniture. Statement sleeves are back in a chic way, but the early 90s versions were closer to inflatable arm floats. We are not ready for that level of commitment.
• Head-to-toe bridesmaid cloning. Identical dresses, identical hair, identical satin shoes. It was like a bridal army. Modern bridesmaids deserve individuality and the right to a neckline that suits them.