Based on the look and feel of the film of Stephen King’s Carrie, by Brian De Palma, along with influences from designers Meadham Kirchoff and Molly Goddard, this shoot has its heart in the 1970s–1980s, in Americana, a bubblegum palette, and tongue-in-cheek, stylised tastelessness. I’ve always been drawn to kitsch, society’s underbelly, the darker side of surface sweetness, and I wanted to tell this story as well as showcasing the look itself. I’ve always loved fashion houses’ ad campaigns and how the connotations, stories and subtexts exist beneath the images themselves. This approach was behind the entire kitsch wedding ideas vibe.
Words by Erin of Way Out Wedding. Images by Paola De Paola Photography.
Kitsch Wedding Ideas
Classroom Kitsch
The shoot speaks to young brides mostly, given the sugary colours, the pom pom festival wear, and the clash of styles, from sequin and satin, slips for a bohemian glam look, to vintage, to festival bridal. I think it’ll appeal to the creative bride who loves a deeper meaning in her fashion choices. When I first had the idea of the shoot, I wanted a school sports hall so that we would have the look of proms and reunions we’ve all seen in the movies such as Carrie, Back to the Future, and Grosse Point Blank. Even though it’s not a school, Budworth Hall in Essex ticked all the boxes in terms of look and feel with its retro pastel blue walls and shiny wooden flooring, as well as being an up-and-coming wedding venue.
Sugary Sweetness
And a lot of the looks are inspirational for bridesmaids’ outfits, too! I’ve worked with Paola, Lauren, Gwenda, Lou, Hayley, Louise, Charlene and Ruby on other shoots, and I know they’re as open as I am to more avant-garde, ‘out there’, conceptual themes. I knew they’d bring the vision to life and so much more. And the other vendors were chosen on recommendations from the above suppliers, plus on seeing their previous amazing work on Instagram – I knew they would all also ‘get’ what I was trying to do. And they did – exceptionally so. I was on cloud nine!! I made the glitter soles for some of the shoes. The key to recreating this look is to embrace colour, namely pastels and candy shades – all sugary sweet and fun. And to mix up the styles – you don’t have to match anything at all. And raid Flying Tiger for kitschy sweets for your favours! Disco balls, streamers, and sequins are your go-to prom props. Basically, have fun and don’t be afraid to dive headlong into the 1970s-1980s American nostalgia!
The Video!
Absolutely adore this sugary sweet Americana inspired bridal shoot. How about you?
Suppliers
Creative director and stylist: Way Out Wedding / Photographer: Paola De Paola Photography / Dresses: Ombreprom; Heart Aflutter; Coast; L.O.M.; Federica Bruno Couture / DIY tulles: Bespoke Bride / Shoes: Natacha Marro; stylist’s own / Veils, headpieces and crown: McFayden Millinery / Sashes: Hard Felt Designs / Accessories: stylist’s own / Flowers: Bohotanical / Cake: French Made / Stationery and table styling: Beyond Vintage / Plates, cutlery, sugar sticks: The Sweet Party Shop / Venue: Budworth Hall / Videographer: Patrycja Purgal / Light-up letters and cinema sign: Locke and Busby / Props: A Peculiar Dream / Hair: Lovehairbylou / MUA: Charlene Williams / Models: Ruby Lorcan; Matilda Oliver; Caitlin Walsh
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