OUr space …Your experience in provo, Utah

Porshe, Ferrari, and more fast cars

Fast Cars at Sparks Event Center

Have you ever dreamed of hosting an event that transports guests to another era? Whether it's the roaring '20s, the swinging '60s, or the funky '80s, creating a unique vintage and retro event can be a magical experience filled with nostalgia. The key to making your event truly special lies in the details—curating the right venue, such as Sparks Museum and Event Center in Provo, Utah. Décor, music, and activities that capture the essence of the past. Here’s how you can bring your retro dream to life.

1. Choosing the Perfect Vintage Venue

The right setting can make or break the vibe of your event. Look for spaces with historical charm—perhaps a speakeasy-style bar, an old movie theater, a retro diner, or a historic mansion. If an authentic vintage space isn’t available, choose a blank canvas venue and transform it with vintage furniture, signage, and props to set the tone. Sparks Museum and Event Center in Provo, Utah is filled with decor from the past. They have classic cars on display, gas pumps and petroliana signs throughout the space making it a perfect choice.

Black beaded 20 style flapper dress antique umbrella and beaded clutch purse on an antique window pane

Flapper dress and beaded purse

2. Setting the Scene with Décor

Once you’ve secured the venue, it’s time to decorate! Think era-appropriate furniture, neon signs, vinyl records, antique mirrors, and nostalgic posters. Vintage suitcases, typewriters, rotary phones, and jukeboxes can add to the ambiance. Layering textures like velvet, lace, or leather will enhance the retro feel, while a color palette inspired by the era will bring everything together.

3. Dressing the Part

Encourage guests to dress according to the era you’ve chosen. Whether it’s flapper dresses and suspenders for a Gatsby-style gathering, leather jackets and poodle skirts for a ’50s rock ‘n’ roll party, or bold neon outfits for an ’80s throwback, attire plays a big role in immersing guests in the experience.

4. Curating the Ultimate Playlist

Music is the heartbeat of any retro event. Create a playlist that reflects the chosen decade—jazz and swing for the ’20s, rock ‘n’ roll for the ’50s, disco for the ’70s, or synth-pop for the ’80s. If possible, hire a live band or a DJ who specializes in vintage tunes to keep the energy alive.

wurlitzer antique jute box and an antique brass cash register

Wurlitzer antique jute box

5. Offering Classic Food & Drinks

A vintage event isn’t complete without a menu that matches the theme. Classic cocktails like old fashioneds, sidecars, or martinis pair beautifully with retro-inspired appetizers. Think of dishes like deviled eggs, shrimp cocktails, or diner-style milkshakes to add authenticity.

diner style milkshake

6. Incorporating Nostalgic Activities

To make your event interactive and unforgettable, add activities that reflect the era. Consider a swing dance competition, a classic movie screening, a vinyl listening station, or even a vintage photo booth with era-specific props. If your event has a ‘70s or ‘80s theme, arcade games and karaoke can be a big hit.

boy and girl in yellow dress doing a swing dance in an event venue with bistro lights and other teenagers dancing

7. Capturing the Moment

To preserve the nostalgia, hire a photographer or use vintage-inspired Polaroid cameras to let guests take home memories. A retro-themed event hashtag can also encourage guests to share their experiences on social media.

photos from a poloroid camera

Instant photographs

8. Sending Guests Home with a Retro Memento

As a final touch, give your guests a small keepsake to remember the night—personalized vinyl records, mini jukebox keychains, custom matchboxes, or vintage postcards make great parting gifts that align with your event’s theme. With many venues to choose from look for something that sets your event apart from the rest. Sparks Museum and Event Center in Provo has done that for you.

vinyl record

The gift of a vinyl record






Special thanks to these locally owned wedding venues from around the country who continue to inspire us and support us daily!

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Your Wedding, Your Way at Sparks Museum and Event Center in Provo, UTah