Roaring Twenties Wedding Theme

Whether it’s the Great Gatsby or gangster glamour, a roaring twenties wedding theme can put a fun and unusual spin on any wedding. If you're interested in becoming husband and wife amid the trappings of vaudeville, theater and jazz, here are some great ideas to get you started.

The 1920’s had a style all its own. And with a twenties wedding theme, the planning will be a blast. Start by transforming your wedding party into a “speakeasy,” with costumes resembling Eliot Ness, Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, Bugsy Malone and John Dillinger. You and your future husband might dress yourselves up as Bonnie and Clyde.

Audacious Attire

Have a seamstress design the bride's gown with an "intermission hemline," making it shorter in front and longer in the back. Dropped waistlines and pleated skirts were a popular look in the twenties, and make for a beautiful wedding dress. For a headdress, try a Juliet cap, coronet or a simple band of silk flowers worn lower on the forehead. Don’t forget stockings (pantyhose) with prominent seams — that was a big look for women in the twenties.

Your bridesmaids can dress in flapper dresses with long, dangling bead necklaces, feather boas and seamed stockings. Remember the bright red lipstick — no twenties reception would be complete without it!

Zoot suits, English driving caps, suspenders and wing tip shoes were the craze for grooms and groomsmen in the roaring twenties. Most tuxedo shops will either carry great selections from the era, or know of a shop that does.

Setting the Stage

For a roaring twenties wedding theme, think glittering lights, rough men, and romance. Although known for high crime, the twenties also distinguished itself as the Jazz Age with the likes of flappers and the Charleston. Music was upbeat, skirts were short and the economy — and moods — were soaring. This latter feel's the one you want for your wedding.

Think about your invitations from the start — they'll will set the mood for your guests before they even walk through the door. Here's a cute idea: include passwords on the invitation; then have two friends pose as bouncers at the door, and ask entering guests to recite it. Be original. Use different passwords on different invitations, depending on the guest. For example, when inviting an old school mate, use your nickname from high school as the password. If your grandmother had a pet name for you, use that as her password. Also, let your guests know on the invitation that although attire from the era isn't required, it's definitely encouraged ... and it's sure to add to their fun.

Now name your reception tables according to your theme. Set up an ‘Al Capone’ table, a ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ table, which can be used for the wedding party, and a ‘Lucky Luciano’ table. Attach guest names to the long cigarette holders so popular during that era.

Another great idea for your roaring twenties theme: mention on the invitations that the reception will involve some contests. Have the disk jockey organize them, in between playing plenty of jazz and swing. Hand out prizes for the best dancers and costumes. You can also set up a booth (decked out with some great "period" props) for your guests to have souvenir photos taken before they head home.

With a roaring twenties wedding theme, your guests won't forget your big night — and you'll enjoy long-lasting memories of you and your ‘Clyde’.

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