Who knew growing up would mean throwing parties that celebrate... well, growing up? From ‘90s Bollywood sangeets to college-themed cocktail nights and mehendis straight out of your school art class, nostalgia is clearly the mood this wedding season. Couples everywhere are swapping over-the-top glam for good ol’ feels- think retro playlists, childhood snacks, and décor that screams main-character energy from the past!
From Nani-Ghar Vibes To Y2K Parties, Nostalgia Is The Cool New Wedding Trend!
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Image via @thegirlwithideas
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If weddings could feel like a warm hug, this theme would be it. Think brass décor, crochet runners, old-school steel dabbas filled with mithai, and your nani’s playlist playing in the background. Set up chai stations with cutting chai glasses, or a pickle-tasting counter (yes, we said it!) for that ghar ka touch. Favours can be nostalgic too, like homemade ladoos or embroidered handkerchiefs wrapped in vintage fabric. Don’t forget photo corners with framed old family photos and handwritten recipes for aww-worthy moments.
Y2K/ 2000s Nostalgia
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Channel your inner Mean Girls and Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai era energy! Think metallic streamers, disco balls, pink and purple lights, flip-phone props, and playlists packed with Britney, Backstreet Boys, and Bollywood remixes. Go full-on kitsch with butterfly clips, chokers, and glossy invites. You can even set up a “burn CD” style photobooth backdrop or an old-school “chatroom confessions” corner. Party favours? Mini lip glosses, disposable cameras, or even friendship bracelets! How cool would that be?
90's Childhood Nostalgia
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Think candy-coloured joy, comfort food, and memories that smell like crayons and rain! A childhood nostalgia-themed event is all about tapping into your inner kid. Picture decor with building blocks, hopscotch corners, and tables named after your favourite cartoons. Snack stations can serve things like our fave childhood candoes, Maggi, Frooti, Cup Noodles, and ice cream sandwiches- the ultimate throwback fuel! Add games like musical chairs, board games, or a “birthday party” style cake-cutting moment for that wholesome energy. Pro tip: make your invites look like old report cards or slam books, and send guests home with goodie bags filled with stickers, candies, and bubble blowers for a perfect ‘bachpan’ vibe! Create a “childhood snacks” counter with Gold Spot, Phantom cigarettes, Melody toffees, and Uncle Chips. Game idea: a Bollywood quiz or Antakshari showdown. For favours, give out cassette-shaped keychains or mini snack hampers wrapped in retro newspaper prints.
School/University Days
Image via Shimoni and Jash
For couples who met on campus or just miss the carefree days of bunking lectures, this one’s a total mood. Turn your venue into a “canteen nostalgia zone”- chalkboard signs, bench-style seating, and snack counters serving Maggi, chips, and cola in glass bottles. You can add “class photo” booths or yearbook-style guestbooks for friends to leave messages. Dress codes? Uniform-inspired fits or college merch! Favours like notebooks with doodled covers or custom badges make for perfect throwbacks.
Sitcoms & Shows
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Whether you’re a F.R.I.E.N.D.S fanatic or a The Office addict, a TV show-themed event is the ultimate fan fantasy. Create zones inspired by your favourite sets- a Central Perk-style lounge or a neon-lit Euphoria afterparty. Trivia games, custom cocktails named after characters, and themed photo ops make it all come alive. Add some show references into your décor (“IYKYK” style), and for favours, think tote bags with iconic quotes or collectible pins.
Arcade Games & Retro Video Games
Image via Image via Amala and Aditya's Carnival, Pinterest and @socialsbyenvelop
Step into your own mini gaming carnival! Bring in vintage arcade machines, air hockey, and Pac-Man setups to unleash everyone’s competitive spirit. Neon lighting, LED signage, and glow-in-the-dark wristbands set the mood. Add popcorn and candy counters for a funfair touch. You can even personalize scorecards with wedding hashtags. For favours, go quirky — think Rubik’s cubes, funky badges, or glow sticks! Pro tip: a “high score” leaderboard with wedding trivia is a great icebreaker!
Fair / Mela Feels
Image via Rani Pink
Colourful, desi, and bursting with fun, this theme is all about chaos in the best way possible! Go big with fairy lights, bunting, stalls, and traditional games like ring toss or balloon darts. Serve street-style snacks like chaat, candy floss, and popcorn. Set up mehendi and caricature counters for interactive fun. Hand-painted potlis or mini juttis make adorable favours. We especially love the idea of mela-style activities like a parrot or tarot reader.
Sports-Themed Soirées
Image via Kinjal and Nihar, Shimoni and Jash and Blisskraft
For the sporty souls, this theme scores major points. Turn your after-party into a stadium vibe with team jerseys, banners, LED scoreboards, and goalpost photo booths. You can even have mini games — foosball tables or penalty shootouts! Signature cocktails can be named after your favourite teams. As for favours, go with custom caps, sweatbands, or mini whistles.
Karaoke or Disco!
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This one’s for couples who believe no party is complete without a mic drop! Bring back disco fever with mirror balls, shimmer curtains, and a killer playlist that jumps from ABBA to Honey Singh. Set up a karaoke stage and let guests channel their inner rockstars. Tip: include a fun award system for “best singer” or “most dramatic performer.” Favours can be retro-style sunglasses or vinyl-themed coasters.
Bollywood Retro
Image via Puja and Mihir
Because what’s an Indian wedding without a little Bollywood drama? Go full glam with filmi posters, vintage props, and OTT décor. Each corner can be inspired by a different decade- think ‘70s disco, ‘90s romance, or 2000s masala. Add a “movie premiere” entry setup with a red carpet and paparazzi cutouts. And of course, the playlist has to be all-time Bollywood bangers! For favours, go with popcorn boxes, movie tickets, or personalised clapboards.
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