Weddings were typically less of a to-do back in the day for most people, that’s for sure. Before it was an Instagram contest to get the most likes, people would DIY their weddings on a much smaller budget.
Miss those days? Relive them in these vintage photos of low-budget weddings in the 1960s and 1970s.
My mom at her wedding, where she made her own clothing and head wrap
Making your own wedding clothes is truly as DIY as it gets. Maybe they could have rustled up some coats, though. These people look like they’re freezing.
Two brothers at their joint wedding
Ha. Joint wedding. I get it.
My grandma on her wedding day with her bridesmaids, late 1960s
Bridesmaid dresses can cost a lot; Unless of course, they’re made from what seems to be an old tablecloth and some old Christmas wreathes.
Wedding day 1970
Churches are overrated. Chapels are costly. So, skip all that and get married in your house. You can shove cake into your fiancé’s mouth right there in your purple living room.
My parents when they eloped in Vegas in 1976
These wildly photogenic people ran away to Vegas in the ’70s, which has been a popular spot for couples looking to elope since the ’30s. The only money these two spent on their wedding was the ticket to Nevada.
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My aunt and uncle’s very ’70s wedding pic
Look at this hat squad right here. Look at those chunky bow ties. These ‘fits probably didn’t cost an arm and a leg, but I think the question on everybody’s mind is: Is the guy in the top left corner in disguise?
My aunt’s wedding day
Pro tip: If you’re getting married at home, make sure your dress isn’t the exact same color as the wall. You’re gonna look like a floating head.
’60s Style
Who says you need a whole suit?
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My grandparent’s wedding day, 1970
These people got married in what seems to be a movie theater, based on the decor. That’s gotta be a whole lot cheaper than renting a venue.
Grandparents wedding, 1971
HOW OLD ARE THESE TWO? These people are children. Jeez Louise.
Bride and her bridesmaids
Whatever multipurpose room these people are getting ready in probably wasn’t the most expensive spot in town. Usually you’re paying for the privilege of not being watched by an old, haunted portrait of JFK.
My great-grandfathers celebrating my grandparents’ wedding
You definitely don’t need to rent a venue for an afterparty, either. Based on the wallpaper and the furniture in the background, this is somebody’s house. And it’s probably the last time these two father-in-laws were seen getting along.
Receipts from my grandparents’ wedding, 1964
$56 for flowers! That’s about $580 when adjusted for inflation, but even scarier is the fact that today, tons of couples pay over $1,000 for flowers alone.
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