All Aboard! - The Most Unique 1950s Vintage Railway Wedding Theme, to Inspire Your Day

If you’ve been toying with the idea of planning a wedding that’s a little less traditional, a little bit old school and a lot more like you… consider this your sign to go for it! John & Christine’s 1950s vintage-themed wedding will stay with me forever, and I’m certain their guests will feel the same. After all, how often do you get to travel on a steam train...never mind get married on one?! Iconic doesn’t even begin to cover it.

John & Christines personalised rail way train

Bride groom and vintage singer dancing on the platorm

Botlton Abbey Railway Station sign

Their celebration was held at the beautiful Bolton Abbey/Embsay Railway Station. From the moment I arrived, it felt as though time had slowed down, the air filled with nostalgia, the station alive with history, and the whistle of the steam train setting the perfect scene. As a vintage wedding singer, I’ve performed in many unique venues, but this one truly made me gasp!

The beauty of choosing a venue with such character is that you don’t have to do much to “dress it up.” The railway already offered a perfect vintage backdrop, but what made the day really special were the guests. (Who you really do have to rely on to go all in when you create a themed brief). And luckily, this crowd sure did. With a 1950s dress code, everyone rose to the occasion. Men in suspenders and trilbies, ladies in swing dresses and perfect pin-curls and even an Elvis wig made an appearance! It felt like stepping straight into a rock ’n’ roll time capsule. And of course, I couldn’t resist joining in. Sporting this on brand colourful 1950s swing dress, a Vinted steal originally from Voodoo Vixen.

But of course, the star of the day (besides the newly weds!) was the steam train itself. The famous Flying Scotsman, manufactured in Leeds, which felt like a little wink to my home city. Guests boarded for different journeys throughout the day, each one themed by decade. The ceremony began with a 1920s/30s vibe, followed by a 1940s afternoon tea, with more eras to follow.

While the train carried guests between stations, I had the rare chance to wander the empty railway platform like some sort of vintage VIP. Of course, I took this opportunity to take some stylised pictures. A blissful and strangely peaceful moment amidst a lively afternoon celebration. Following their 1940s afternoon tea on the train, the wedding party hopped off the train and onto the platform, where I awaited, ready for an hour of lindy-hopping! With a setlist jam packed of 50s hits and a few on the nose vintage railway themed songs. The atmosphere that afternoon can only be describe as electric. The sun was blazing, spirits were high, and as soon as the music started, the platform/dance-floor came alive. Rock ’n’ roll spins galore, couples waltzing romantically and lots of shaking hips, it really was an hour of pure joy. It really doesn't feel like work for myself as the singer, when the couple and guests are just high on vintage vibes!

After this much enjoyed Turnover hour. The guests were then treated to a rustic hog roast, in the platform cafe, before boarding back on the train for a 60s/70s inspired soul train celebration to end the night. My only regret from this whole day is not joining them on board for their PM party!

During our early discussions, it was clear that John & Christine wanted something unique and unforgettable. And I think it’s safe to say they absolutely nailed it. Their wedding wasn’t just about tradition, it was about creating memories, having fun, and celebrating their love in a way that felt authentic to them.

As someone who’s been singing at weddings for almost two years now, I can honestly say this was one of the most inspiring wedding days I’ve ever been part of. Just look at the gallery pics, is this not a vibe?! As well as just a cool novelty, this wedding day reminded me exactly why I love what I do, because music, much like a vintage theme, has the power to transport us and make moments timeless!

So if you’re in the wedding planning inspiration stage, take this as your encouragement. Your day doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s pinterest board. The most memorable weddings are the ones that truly feel like you. Maybe that’s a steam train journey through the decades, a Hollywood-style speakeasy dripping with glamour, or something completely different. Your theme doesn’t even have to be vintage, it could be as simple as a bold colour palette or as fun as your favourite movie franchise. Whatever you choose, if it reflects YOU then why not go for it? And I can guarantee that your wedding suppliers will be just as excited to be on board (pardon the pun) as you.

Speaking of suppliers...if your themed wedding vision does perhaps lean vintage and you’d love a soundtrack to match...then get in touch! All the best, Abbi-Kaye (Viva la Vintage) x MORE REAL WEDDING INSPIRATION BLOGS!

- BLACK WHITE & BEAUTIFUL - THE ULTIMATE MONOCHROME WEDDING INSPO - AUTUMNAL, ALTERNATIVE OCTOBER WEDDING INSPO

- CEREMONY EXIT SONG IDEAS!

Stop look listen, trains sign

Dancing in the sunshine infront of the train

Inside of the first class cabin of the steam train, wedding buntin decorated the seats

Scening shot of the bride and groom in their 50s outfits walking down the platform into the sunset

Bolton Abbey Railway Station Sign

railway cafe filled with guests in their 1950s get up enjoyinh wedding cake

British railways timetable (running order of the wedding day)

sceice sunset shot of the train and the platform

guests boarding the railways station

shot of the flying scotsman from the vintage looking platform

inside shot of the railways cafe decorated in vintage signs

window shot from inside the train onto the platform with a vintage lamp on the table