Wednesday April 17, 2013 | 0 Comments
Five Tips To Pull Off a 20′s Style Wedding
With the world’s gaze fixed firmly on Hollywood’s imminent silver screen adaptation of The Great Gatsby, fashion and lifestyle media have turned their focus to the roaring 20′s – the party fuelled backdrop to one of the most famous stories of unrequited love of the past century.
The 1920s were a period of great optimism and hope, following the atrocities of the 1st World War and whilst prohibition told hold, people continued to party like they never had before. Illegal liquor consumed in secret back-street parties, or speak-easies, to the sound of the Charleston, set the scene for these raucous, care free days. The good times rolled and the arts and cultural scenes flourished. It was an era of great social chance – exciting times and fabulous fashions – a fabulous era to inspire the style and aesthetic of your wedding day.
Here are a few suggestions to help you achieve a glamorous 1920′s inspired wedding – you can pick up more tips via my book, Style Me Vintage: Weddings.
1. The Dress
Fashions of the 1920s loan themselves to those with a more petite frame (small bust, narrow, slim hipped, athletic figure). This body shape works beautifully with the short, beaded, tasseled ‘flapper dress’ that most people associated with the 1920s. Opt for a t-bar shoe with a closed toe and mid-heel – great for dancing in.
You can pick up replica designs from companies like LeLuxe Clothing.
Designer Katya Shehurina has created some beautiful 20′s inspired dropped gowns for brides.
2. Hair and Makeup
The finger wave is such a timeless elegant look that works beautifully as a bridal style on both short and long hair, though not all stylists are accomplished in achieving this look so make sure you book in a hair trial.
I adore the finger curl styles of the 1920s – look to the Downton Abbey girls (see series 3 which was set in the 1920s) and you get the picture.
3. Accessories
Kate Moss has inspired brides the world over by choosing a Juliet cap wedding veil, which were hugely popular in the 1920s. The fancy and elaborate head-wear worn by the flapper girls to the lavish parties they would attend has hugely influence bridal accessory designers too. You can also never fail with pearls for a 20′s inspired wedding – wear them with your dress and drape them around your table center pieces.
Take a look at the head bands worn across the forehead just like the flapper girls by designers including Donna Crain.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, commission Etsy designer Kat Swank to create a truly unique, luxury and show-stopping style headpiece crafted from upcycled vintage material.
4. Entertainment
Rather than opt for a traditional disco DJ why not consider something more akin to an authentic 1920′s sound? If budget is important, save hits from The Charleston, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and the like in to an iPod playlist. Alternatively, there are lots of bands who cover this type of music though most will travel.
Think about setting up your own speak-easy style bar where cocktails are served in teacups (like the gin used to be!) and beer in bottles concealed in brown paper bags?
Create your own cocktail menu and have fun naming your drinks – look to famous 20’s film stars or movies for inspiration.
Consider projecting a silent movie on to a wall – silent movie stars like Clara Bow were huge in the 1920s – a great film to look up is ‘Pandora’s Box’ or ‘It’.
5. Details and Décor
Use stationery to set the scene and tone of your wedding – art-deco inspired fonts, motifs and other imagery can be incorporated in to aspects of your stationery, cake design, room décor etc.
Complete the scene by hiring or sourcing your own vintage props and paraphernalia – try getting hold of an old Victrola and get your florist to fill it with floral blooms that tumble to the floor and encourage your guests to dress speakeasy style; spats and fedoras for the gents, flapper frocks and headpieces for the ladies.
For general inspiration, look to the hit TV series Boardwalk Empire, Chicago (feat. Catherine Zeta Jones) and of course The Great Gatsby.
The 1974 version featuring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow is a visual treat for those who enjoy vintage 20′s style.
Annabel Beeforth is the writer behind the award winning wedding British wedding blog www.lovemydress.net. She is also author of Style Me Vintage: Weddings (Chicago Review Press)
