Have a Romantic 1940s-Style Wedding
Longing for the simpler days of a bygone era?
Did you swoon to The Notebook? Feel your heart strings twang to the tune of Pearl Harbor?
Then a 1940’s theme wedding might be for you!
Close your eyes: how do you imagine your special day?
Is it saying "I do" at a 1940’s airport hangar decked with WWII aircraft and swaying memorabilia, patriotic banners and swags fluttering in the breeze? Or do you see yourself following in soldiers' footsteps aboard a historic WWII battleship? Or kicking up your heels to the strains of big band at the VFW?
Or picture this. You've posted antique-white invites to your event held at a Hamptons or bed-and-breakfast setting. The men are lounging in white or tan seersucker jackets. An antique silver pen snuggles up to a leather-bound journal inscribed with “Our Story,” waiting for signatures.
The truth is, you can't go wrong with any of these. So, limit your vintage crush to just a few touches, or make the leap with a full-out period theme. Either way, it's simply timeless.
L. side photo by dlisbona
The Style: Simplicity
Being wartime, the 1940s was marked by rationed resources. Deployed soldiers needed food and supplies, which meant domestic extravagance ranged from "faux pas" to "forget it." So, many a bride sought simplicity.
In fact, many brides planned their weddings in the brief window before her groom left for duty ... sometimes in the space of a few days! As a result, most affairs were understated. Unfussy home weddings became the rage, being easy to plan and finance (perfect for today’s casual style!).
With fabric in short supply, a simple, reusable dress or two-piece tailored suit replaced the extravagant, wear-once wedding gown. Peep-toe heels and bold lips completed the look. Of course, 1940’s women considered gloves a fashion staple, which ranged from wrist-length "shorties" (informal) to elbow/opera length (dressy). The motto of the day: the shorter the sleeve, the longer the glove.
Occasionally, an affluent bride would don a flowing confection with a sweetheart neckline. Choosing from an array of coiffed, rolled, or long-waved hairstyles, she'd tuck traditional stephanotis or waxed blossoms into her perfectly-styled mane, waiting to spy her handsome groom in uniform.
It wouldn’t be until the post-war period that abundant fabrics and haute bridal fashion would return, along with men in double-breasted jackets (in pinstripes or the traditional black).
Getting Your 1940's On
Are you a bride who hearts that 1940's bridal style? If you're the petite type, scour the web for vintage attire, and browse local thrift shops (vintage threads tend to run small). Or, if you know someone skilled at dressmaking, design your own custom look: a one-of-a-kind gown and a 1940's theme bride make an unbeatable pair. If you want to keep it subtle, consider adding today's retro-tinged birdcage veil or even a period hat in place of the more typical elbow or cathedral-length veils.As for color, tradition eventually painted most weddings with shades of white and ivory, but in the 1940’s, brights stepped forward. Rich, vibrant shades mixed it up with bridal pastels. Many of today's bolder weddings are actually taking their cue from the past.
Fresh-Picked Florals
Vintage wedding florals were often easily-sourced blooms like carnations, chrysanthemums and calla lilies. Simple ribbons puddling to the floor served as aisle decor. Bouquet styles ranged from dainty nosegays — old-fashioned blooms clipped from the garden — to the more luxurious, oversized cascade style.And of course, something old, new, borrowed, and blue, with a sixpence in her shoe was an honored tradition — one going just as strong today, whether it's tucking a heirloom brooch or a cherished pendant into your bouquet.
A Reception that Packs a Punch
Your parents and grandparents' albums tell the story: a 1940's wedding reception was usually far simpler than today's passed hors d'oeuvres and plated meals. Most brides and grooms celebrated with cake and punch.Interestingly enough, this "retro" reception is making a comeback as brides look to simplify, but stay elegant. Happily, the cake and punch reception suits all budgets and themes, from a casual afternoon wedding to a swanky late-night party.
You won't be surprised to know that rationing in the 40’s caused many brides to bypass the ultra-elaborate cake. The alternative? A “dummy cake” that hid a home-baked sponge cake beneath. (Sound familiar?) And far from today's chocolate chambourd or guava tour-de-forces, 1940's cake flavors tended to basic white and yellow, with an occasional fruit or spice.
Even today, some receptions pivot on home-style lunch or dinner buffets lovingly prepared by family and friends. This type of hospitality — boasting an abundance of foods, usually enough for guests to grab a plate for the road! — is something you see more often in the south.
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Picnic Chic
A 1940's style wedding offers both an elegant look backward, and a clever road ahead for brides who get that sometimes less is more.So imagine your guests mingling over champagne, canapes and wedding cake, watching rounds of croquet and badminton play out on the lawn. Picture them strolling to tables covered in linen or lace, and tucking into a fresh spread of tea sandwiches and cookies, scones and fruit, chocolates and coffee — not to mention a row of glass jars filled with colorful iced teas and lemonades.
The photos: so sweet. The focus: on you, the couple, not that garish five-layer wedding cake. What could be more perfect?
ooh I love this article! I’ve known for a long time I want a simple 1940’s style wedding….and some baseball mixed in as my love is a die hard red sox fan. red white and blue colors…both navy and lighter version. baseball mitt for a ring pillow…lol :-) Thanks for the great article!
kimberly,
here are some boards i found surfing the web…
I just love your article. I am pretty far along in planning my wedding, but am so lost in all the details, I don’t even know WHAT I like anymore. Help!! How do I do a wedding board anyways? Those things are so cool. I am getting married December 19th at a local country club, everything inside. I am wearing an Oleg Cassini Gown, ivory 1940’s pillbox hat with french netting, vintage shoes, and a relatively vintage green dress for my maid of honor and bridesmaids. I am looking for a color theme of white/ivory and touches of green. I need help with the flowers, cake and centerpieces.
I included pictures of my pillbox hat and the ceremony location.
I tried to include all that I could, I hope you can help!! -desperate Lauren
lauren,
hi!! i made you a board. you said you were interested in how to make them. just head to polyvore.com and sign up then hit create. you will be able to search sets or items to put in your board. once you have the board made just hit save draft if your done or plan to come back to it later. it is a great site. so many possibilites. each time you log in you will see sets or drafts and look at them or edit them anytime you want. the best part is you can send them to your email to share etc. and every item you put into your board, it will separately list the site to where it came from. youcan save any item to your “my items” it is so much fun!! i really hope you have a great time with it!!
now for the board. i hope you can see the pics okay. i used simple white roses and thats it. i wanted to show a super romantic 40’s glam.now all of these pics are mainly winter wedding pics. for the brides bouquet, i love the rhinestone brooch on the wrap. very vintage. it has tiny pops of antique rosy pink rosebuds which i think makes it pop!! so beautiful. for the bm dress she has a bouquet of whtie roses with green berry accents. centerpieces are whites and creams with greenery. i thought the cake looked best with a simple inital and a small spray of roses. simple and elegant. for the pew markers and any florals in the ceremony venue stick with simple white flowers and flowing ribbons as shown in board. you something blue is your earrings. even if your attire isnt close to this. i would still stick with the white and cream florals with greenery and green berries for the accent. i wouldnt add green anywhere else. favors have very simple white boxes in ivory or white ribbon. this would have been a very popular color scheme then. with mainly the whites/creams taking center stage. your in luck!! cause this will make your planning/decorating sooooo easy!!
Stacie,
This is great! I am so excited. And you really channeled my thoughts here. I am thinking all roses as well, just whites and ivory/creams. I am thinking only roses for my bouquet and then roses and some greenery for the MOH and BM. The BM dress you have in the board is almost exactly what they bought, how funny! You really gave me some great ideas and really channeled my taste. You have a gift!
Lauren
Lauren,
i am so glad i could help!! and i am glad it was almost spot on with the board! i am excited as well! post your wedding pics after your married, would love to see them. have a wonderful wedding.
Hi. My fiancee is in the Navy and we want a 1940’s themed wedding as well. The colors I picked were a deep plum and lavender. The dress I want is simple and flows very well. It’s not stiff and as my mother says “it’s of Greek Goddess Style”. Oh and my fiancee and I thought it would be cute to have a picture of us taken on our wedding day to kind of replicate the famous kissing sailor one (not sure of the name of it). That’s all I really have picked out. If anyone can offer suggestions it would be appreciated. Thank you.
Dominique,
i love the photo op. great idea. are you wanting 1940’s hollywood or more casual 1940’s. once i know the right style i will pull ideas!!
Hi. We are going for something more casual than we are formal. I mean we don’t want it too casual that people don’t dress up for it, but we want the food and such a little less fussy.
Dominique,
here are some links that are perfect!!
*wedding centerpiece ( it looks like you just plucked them from a garden) which is exactly what would have happened!!
*just beautiful and romantic!! this is sooooo within the era right down to mason jar centerpieces!!
*style me pretty real wedding
*beautiful again!
*WOW! this would be so great in your colors!!
*another beauty
*part2
*oh wow!!! the purple wedding
Dominique,
i made ya a board. i gave ya a reception of potato salad and sandwiches. you could actually add macaroni salad etc. would be a great feast!!smile.
hope you enjoy it!!
I’m absolutley ecstatic to have my 1940’s themed wedding, however, i was wondering if having the wedding by a lighthouse would throw off the theme? Also, instead of gloves for my dress i was leaning more towards sleeves that point over my hand (towards a finger) instead, does that flow as well?
Julia,
love the venue. Think 1940’s Hamptons wedding.
*some ideas real wedding
*style me pretty
*kaitlin and will wedding
*vintage real wedding
julia,
more links…
*hamptons wedding board
*hamptons wedding
*real weddings brides magazine
*1940’s wedding boards
*this is really simple and pretty ( this could be done in blue or red, just any color!!)
*this site is fun to look at
Hi my name is Heather..im getting married in march 2010 and i am dying for a 40s theme..i kinda want yellow involved but no pink..and i cant find anything to help with decorations or something to go with the yellow..or for my brides maids..any ideas or sugestions??
heather,
first waht does your venue look like? this usually gives me the first clue to finding complimentary colors. there are many colors that go with yellow. it really depends on “how” 40’s you want it to be? a little or a lot? do you want the elegant upscale 40’s wedding or the backyard style ( low key). cant wait to hear from you!! then, hopefully, i can put together some ideas for you. also, besides pink are there other colors even with the dress or tux colors you would dislike? thanx!!
heather,
i got a reply but it didnt show. i just wanted to confirm your colors, lavender and mint? simple backyard wedding?
heather,
i made you a modernish 1940’s theme wedding board. i thought i would add touches of the the 40’s. i kept it a garden look, yet classy. the invites is hard to see but they are white with a green vintage swirl in fern…
*better invite pic
i made this wedding as simple as possible. you could make it more casual or upscale depending on what you prefer. i gave it that just picked look which would have happened then. i hope it wasnt the supper club look you wanted?!? i thought the lavender and green would be gorgeous like this. this really wouldnt be hard to pull together. just tell the florist, i need simple, garden centerpieces lots of greenery with shades of purple lavender to a deep color keeping the shades to 2 or 3 only. to cut costs use whats in season, and the greenery can stand in for the “green” without having to add an extra color of flowers. fillers are very important in these centerpieces using a “few” main flowers. simple white linens, white napkins. let me know what you think.
well..my wedding we are plannin on having a small about 150 people there..but he wants outside so im tryin to go with that idea i love that becuase of the greenery and the spring flowers..but keep in mind i live in a wonderful place that is VERY WINDY so just in case i have to go with the church wedding what could i do for a cheap decoration in there..by the way i LOVE the invitations. My dress is kinda modern but very simple creme color with little train and some touches of embroydery.is that going to look okay with the 40’s theme
heather,
the dress will be fine. you could also add a birdcage veil to make it even more 40’s.
technically in the 40’s ribbon and greenery would have fit the bill for more low key celebrations. when yousaid spring flowers i said that is it!! most would call it a wildflower theme wedding ( which you can google wildflower wedding theme to read about theme ideas and outlines) but i would have the florals both personal and in decor, in bunches of wildflowers, you can still have the main colors lavender and green. this is a perfect way to have florals without having to choose any particular color. it will look like you went into the garden and gathered up your bouquets etc. this is soooooo era-like. i talked to my mom and she said the 50’s were not much different( she was born in 43′). you could just tell your florists you want spring bouquets. very reasonably priced, i guarantee you flowers will be stunning and inexpensive. now, if you wnat more of the 40’s vibe, then have beautiful ribbons from the benches, puddling elegantly on the floor. think the silkier version of tulle. for the front have a arch in greenery and spring flowers. or rent two urns and have lots of greenery with springflowers. another option is due to the mixed floral arrangements, let the girls pick a color and a flower that they like and have their bouquets made up of that one flower. if you decide to have these invites with the ferns, why not have ferns up front, set on columns. omg!! i have a wedding for you to look at! it will fit the bill and give you the look your after! i almost forgot about it!
it is a garden wedding which is what i would go with.
*real wedding
this is what they would have done, or had an all white wedding. you can still choose more of the lavenders etc. so if you go indoors you can bring the outside in. do the exact replica of what you love from the setting. this can be what you draw your inspiration from. it should make decorating really easy. another idea for your alter(if indoors) is get urns and secure tree branches( think dogwood, or any fruit branches) in them to make your alter. this will give you the “feel” of trees, omit the aisle ribbons, and set a generous sprinkle of spring flower petals up the aisle.
heather,
*vintage wedding
*vintage garden wedding
*vintage wedding style me pretty
*style me pretty wedding ( this is really vintage looking, love the milk glass) style me pretty has alot of beautiful weddings all categorized.
*the knot sean and terri
*the knot ( i love how they have clippings framed)
*vintage real wedding (my mom saw this one and she said this was definitely what they did)beautiful huh?!?
you are soo awsome…thank you soo very much..i have alot of ideas..and actually i went to an antique shop and got like 40 vases for like $5..and my mother and i have decided for table toppers to put purple pebbles and fill up with water and then just place a flower in there…i love your ideas so much..you are a God send for every woman who is planning a wedding..and i know how needy we can get..lol…thank you so very much..your the best
heather,
you are most welcome! i wish you a wonderful wedding day and marriage!
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I did a vintage wedding at Pine River Ranch out of Leavenworth Washington in August 2009 The photographer is Dinea out of Olympia Washington http://www.dineaphoto.com Wonderful ideas and the cake I did was two suitcases on top of a real vintage suitcase. We had a lot of fun with this. Check out the attendants hats
hello im getting married oct.2009 and really want a 40s theme wedding, like from the notebook kind of vintage and i cant find any ideas on decorations to dresses, i dont want black and white i was thinking pink champane color, any ideas
cassie, hi here are some ideas as well as pics. as you could see pink stood out to me even in those perfect invites!! i talked to my mom and she said weddings then, were usually all white maybe a touch of blue or pink. cake and punch reception were the norm. i see this wedding at a great house( the one in notebook was martin’s point place no weddings there just pics) if you need to look. google image 1940’s inspired dress if you plan to put a style (which is so in today 40’s shoes too!) for the wedding party.
also google image 1940’s inspired wedding shoes and 1940’s wedding cake for ideas. the links and pics below have houses in them as you see, i personally think any of these would work! i carefully selected a these pics with the couple’s charm and their sass. i was torn between the mood boards but you can pick and choose from all of them. lots of white ribbons and greenery with mums, carnations or roses( i would use roses) everywhere. outdoors would be better on a great lawn or niceee porch.
i think the couple’s wedding would have been low key, at the house, her in a short wedding dress of the era. it would just suit them!! smile!! i sure hope this helps! i am glad i could cause i love that movie and watched it a million times!! so i’m glad i knew the movie’s type. post pics of your wedding when done! and write back if you need more help! good luck!
* “The Notebook” inspired wedding/reception
* The Notebook wedding theme? (Yahoo Answers)
* Stephanie James Couture
* Inspiration Board: Garden Chic
* Vintage Pink & Green
* Pink and Brown Inspiration Board
the invites below are from Linda & Harriet letterpress handwriting invites(they would fit perfect in your theme as “the letter”)
cassie, this might sound a little crazy but, when I thought of a 40’s wedding the first thing I thought of was feathers. If you could incorporate feathers to the centerpieces or your dress. Also im not sure what their called but you should wear one of the little caps with just a little veil covering your face. Good luck!