Hollywood / Movie Theme Weddings
You've always dreamed of walking the red carpet. Then, one gorgeous day, you realized you could roll it out at your wedding.
Here's how to bring buckets of It Girl glamour to a one-of-a-kind reception.
HOLLYWOOD-STYLE WEDDINGS COVER A LOT OF GROUND. So if you're planning one, you might be envisioning last year's Oscars and the best-dressed goddesses who stole the show.
Or you might be aiming for Old Hollywood, with its ultra-chic Art Deco echos, sinuous Packards and bottomless flutes of champagne.
Either way, your guests are sure to leave bedazzled by the limelight.
Oscar-Worthy Invites
Let's start with the
request the honour of your presence business. Invitations with art deco embellishments and fonts fit the bill perfectly. So do ultra-crisp black and white ones.
Need a more whimsical option? Try custom-printed event tickets. Or if you want to go way over the top, yet short of sending a singing telegram: enclose a single pack of microwave popcorn with your invite, and tuck them into shiny black gift boxes or even a film reel canister (with a bit of twinkly star confetti).
A Star is Born (Or, What to Wear to Your Own Hollywood Wedding)
No matter your taste in gowns, you can still look like your personal shopper haunts Rodeo Drive. Drawn to Scarlett O'Hara epic-sized ballgowns? Brilliant! Willing to flaunt your assets in a slinky mermaid silhouette paired with sparkling chandelier earrings? How decadently thirties!
Splurge: indulge your inner Diva, and reserve one of those 40K dripping-with-diamonds necklaces for pennies on the dollar from an online bridal bling rental agency. After all, this isn't the day for fakes.
Or perhaps you're a fan of sleek lines. Pair a streamlined strapless, goddess column or an empire waist with a sparkly brooch. Add a long string of pearls (or two or three), and you're Deco fabulous.
Supporting Cast
As for bridesmaids — black tea-length cocktail gowns are knockouts (try to get some bling and styling detail, like a rhinestone buckle). Or, dress your ladies in pleated Marilyn-and-the-subway style skirts. Nudge the girls toward open-toed strappy sandals to show off their scarlet pedicures — extra points for rhinestone trim on the footwear — and you'll have an entourage that's red hot.
And for the men? Subtly pinstriped tuxes are irresistible. But any classic combo of black or charcoal, white or crimson is bound to impress. Take a long look at that most classic of combos — black bowties and pleated tuxedo shirts.
"What Would Rachel Zoe Do?"
When planning your hair, recall that Old Hollywood coifs are unbeatable. And if your crowning glory's merely shoulder-length, rejoice ... you've got the glamour girl look covered. Dress up your tresses in smoky temptress styles like finger waves or marcel waves, croquignole curls or ringlets, and add high gloss — with the help of a practiced pro.
Then, splurge on a makeup artist who'll go on site for you and the girls, to soak up that red-carpet treatment. Opt for Screen Siren red for your nails and lips, if you're blessed with a bee-stung pout. Dramatically arched eyebrows and even a dabbed-on beauty mark are pitch-perfect touches.
Setting the Stage
Whether old or new, Hollywood calls for silver and gold, black and scarlet ... or those scrumptious '30s shades of cream and gold, ivory and gray.
So, the ideal venue: deco. Think old movie theaters, or ballrooms boasting sweeping curves, gold leaf or red velvet curtains.
Then, add high-impact blooms like white callas or classic roses (think cream, white and sultry reds like Rouge or Black Magic) — they bring the era to life in a snap.
So does glitz in the form of golden vases and plate chargers, and chic chivari chairs. Mini Oscar trophies look stunningly luxe under full floral displays.
Vamp it up with painterly dabs of marabou feathers, or dramatic sweeps of ostrich plumes in eiffel vases. And glam up focal points like cake tables: scatter glass diamonds over satin linen that's ruched and pooled (like a starlet's satin sheets!).
Don't forget, event lighting's practically a must for this event. If budget allows, bring in potted palm trees and dramatic uplights. Luxurious ferns evoke a glam past with minimal effort.
"This Way, Sir."
How to get guests to their tables in style? Lean personalized clapboards up against your florals, or float Hollywood street signs on table card holders.
Or if you (or a friend) has mad Photoshop skills, take a page from other creatives: paste your beautiful mugs into classic movie scenes, and display the results on elegant tabletop easels. Or, simply print and frame small repros of old-school black and white movie countown numbers. Classic!
Catering to the Jet Set
The perfect Hollywood wedding combines whimsy and glam. That's why cocktail hour is the perfect time to treat your guests to a sultry lounge (bring in leather couches and loveseats), signature martinis and fresh-cut cigars. Or, win them over with concession candy and aromatic theater treats like soft pretzels, popcorn or nachos.
While your guests are peacing out at the bar, escape with your party to get a few West Coast posterity shots: the guys in tough shades, striking Reservoir Dog poses in matching Chuck Taylors; the gals voguing Charlie's Angels style.
Then when you've returned for dinner, toast the room and your love with delicate bubbly — but avoid those morning-after champagne hangovers by swiftly flipping to chocolate martinis, cosmos, or another signature spin on a chic drink. Stumped for a glam take on candy buffets? Try a gourmet popcorn bar, complete with classic red-and-striped containers for your guests to nosh from.
The Show Must Go On!
Brides who dream of Hollywood weddings can be a theatrical bunch.
So for you, maybe, it's not enough to show up as the glitterati or to treat your guests to a five-star blowout. Maybe it's also about the entrance, the exit. And in between? A jaw-dropping taste of the stage.
Star Vehicles
Limos are lovely, but what about gliding from points A to B in a classic Cadillac, circa Marlene Dietrich and Joan Crawford?
Or a Studebaker Champion, DeSoto, or even a 1930's Packward convertible, like the one Jean Harlow treasured?
Splurge: rent a Phantom.
"Who Tipped Off the 'Razzi?"
Exclusive shindigs depend on the velvet ropes. So usher your guests through the VIP cords and over the
red carpet, where a crowd of eager snappers (your photographer and assistant, or some clever sound & event lighting) lights up the room.
Then, announce your wedding party to the strains of a swelling theme song — all dripping fabulousness in their supersized, ink-black shades. (For maximum impact and lots of laughs, first practice How to Walk like a Diva on an all-girls' night in.)
Dancing With the Stars
Oh, how high the bar for Hollywood and Broadway brides! Thinking of making a sequin-spangled entrance on a trapeze swing?
Check. Planning a soaring duet between bride & groom?
Check. If your friends boast any stage chops, leverage them. Choreograph a head-turning first dance tango. Dramatize your love story in a brief and fiery musical. Dust off your tap dance shoes, fire-eating skills or glitter baton. Unveil your bridal party's inner Fame cast members on the stage or dance floor. See YouTube for all kinds of high-wire wedding performance ideas.
High-Profile Sightings
One or two adept impersonators can make your party sparkle. A Bogart and a Marilyn, say, can provide hours of fun and superb photo ops, even coax guests onto the dance floor.
(But put your performers through their paces ahead of time, so you know what you're in for. Can they think on their feet?)
But if there's no Joan Rivers to grace your event, don't despair: lifesized character cutouts make for lively polaroid snaps, which equals an on-the-spot guestbook most brides only dream of.
Swag Grab
Every VIP guest goes home with a bit of swag, so why should your A-Listers miss out? Mini-clapboard photo frames offer a remembrance to last long past the night. But an ultra-elegant little package — like a glossy black and white favor box filled with champagne bubble candy — also fits the bill.
Another fab option: fill champagne flutes with Hershey's kisses or gold Jordan almonds, and finish with a marabou boa trim around the base. Or fill Hollywood shot glasses with a single rose, or silver-coated Amorini hearts.
Talk Back!
Got any insider dish on pulling off the ultimate Hills wedding? Or has a sticky question got you stumped? Let us know below.
So our first date was dinner and a movie…and my fiance LOVES movies..he collects a lot of them on Blu Ray…I love the ideas here, but I don’t want anything “over the top”…my wedding dress is kind of a simple yet elegant look, and I don’t wanna get carried away with anything…any help or advice would be GREAT!!!
We’re having an Old Hollywood Theme, with ostrich feathers, pearls, black/red/white, zoot suits, etc. We’re having the ceremony at my church and the reception at a movie theater but I have no idea what do serve food-wise? The reception will start around 9pm-ish….any thoughts???
Jessi,
Some wedding receptions have a dinner reception at 9. Personally I think that is a bit late. I would stick to a great hors d’oeuves and dessert reception. Make sure you have plenty on hand and a great selection, whether choosing the appetizers or JUST a dessert/champagne reception. This is VERY fitting with your theme.
* example article
* more links
Jessi,
* A guide to help determine the amount you will need
Also consider having potato or pasta bars, etc. Make sure you check the price on appetizers compared to buffets or desserts. It could be more expenisive or cheaper.
Can you suggest where to get the printed ticket invites? They are so cute. I’m planning a hollywood sweet 16. Thanks
OMG Katie, So am I! When’s your party?
i want those custom printed movie stubs! Where did you get those done at? All the ones that I can find our cheesy looking! Thanks
batiekaker@gmail.com
so what is this about black cream and gray? instead of red…how would that work exactly?
Amanda,
* pics
* pics
* more pics
* black and silver
* boards and pics
We are getting married Sept 2010 in a restored movie theatre. I want to incorporate the movie theme into my wedding but not go over the top, after all it is still a wedding. Our colors are black, white, dark purple and hot pink. We couldn’t decide between the purple and pink so we went with both. I need an idea for a cake, flowers that match my colors and favors that incorporate our movie theater venue.
Brandey,
* Oh I really like the filmstrip cake ( this is so simple but really makes the statement)
* various ideas
* neat decor ideas
* LOVE IT! who doesn’t like a bag of popcorn!
* and here is one I was gonna suggest. ( Walmart carries boxes of candy in boxes just like they give at the theater, you could have an assortment, with or without a ribbon tied around it and enjoy tag) if you have access to a candy counter and can do a makeshift one. the guests could come up to the counter and present a admit one coupon and grab their favor. It would be fun! This candy is only 97 cents a box.
* here are your colors
Brandey,
* ideas
* more ideas
* this style bouquet has that theatrical look to it which is what i would do.
* or this
* and this
* add a few dark pink blooms to this like the dark pink callas that have the purpleish edges.
the flowers you choose need to have a “show” quality to them.
Brandey,
* another cake
* real wedding
*like this alot
Brandey,
I had to return and comment on the knot wedding. Look closely at the wedding reception tables. They have pics of old hollywood actors/actresses. That is neat!
Brandey,
You could have some really nice custom posters designed incorporating your engagement picture into a movie poster or a couple of different posters if the theatre has some outside poster cases or even mount them to styrene board and place them so your guests can see them as they enter the reception area! We photographed a couple who did the very same thing and if was so unique and they get to keep it to hang up later! Here is a sample.
where did they get it done? my idea was the Mr. & Mrs Smith movie DvD cover. I would love to know how I can make that happened.
have the cake’s icing be of fondont & looking like a curtain. you know, like how a theatre’s curtain swags a bit? you could incorporate the colors of your wedding in edible glitter on the cake’s icing, too.
(btw, i’m getting married in a restored 1928 theatre myself!)
enter the reception area on a red carpet. look online at oriental trading company. also, google movie themed wedding and movie themed centerpieces for ideas (i did that) have fun!
I’ve been doing a bunch of research and something consistent that keeps coming up is lack of major color. Thus black and white. I’m not much of a black person, although black and chanpagne is gorgeous, for my own I’m going with cream and gold in all shades. Playing up our monogram but only in a few key places and we’re having prohibition era cocktails being served on trays by waiters so no one will have to go to the bar and order their own. We’ve chosen an old hotel in Charleston that has a beautiful courtyard with lush greenery and a fountain so the it will be more like a ritzy garden party. Think “monster-in-law”. The cp’s will me flutes, engraved with our monogram (the engraved lines will be gold leafed) and filled with the feraro rochet candies wrapped in brown and gold foil and a couple of votives at the base. Thank you all for all the advice. You’ve really helped me figure out my perfect day so I won’t be stressing.
Hi there everyone,
I’m a bit stuck and need a little 3rd party guidance. I will be married in Feb/Mar 2011, we just started planning and my groom and I both love the old hollywood/art deco motif. However I’m not certain I’m crazy about the black and white. I like the idea of old movie stills or deco sillouhettes but we’re on a rather limited budget and I’d rather have great food and minimal decorations. And want to skip the flowers if possible. Help!!!!
I am also doing this theme and I wasn’t too keen on the idea of black and white either. Don’t get me wrong, everything I own is black and white because it can be paired with other accenting colors, but the thought of my wedding with black and white and accents of red seems less than perfect :) SOOO, I have decided on black and champagne. It still gives it that ritzy glam appeal without being so drab! I think it’s incredibly classy and glamorous :) :) :)
try deep royal jewel tones such as maroon, emerald, burgundy, and indigo…these keep the glamor and depth without further financial commitment.
Hi, I was going to do an old hollywood themed wedding, but decided to go to vegas instead(its always been what i wanted) but i bought the old cigarette holders for party favors i was going to take a ribbon in my wedding colors and get song lyrics and love quotes printed on fancy paper in another wedding color and our monogram on some more paper in fancy colors. Then have the the papers alaminated with song lyric showing on one side and the monogram on the other then tie it to the cigarette holder. my colors were going to be black,white, silver and blush pink. Anyways i have the cigeratte holders if anybody is interested in them i payed $145.00 for 145 of them. but i will sell them for a $100.00 if anybody is interested they are still inividually wrapped. my e-mail is sawdustangel4@hotmail.com
wow! all these ideas are sooo adorable!
i cant wait until my wedding! i love the cake. thats my favorite! =]
love all of your ideas and
gotta love the ideas!!! magnificent and fantastic!
Im going a 1930s wedding does anyone know what i can wear or where to go staffordshire
I am on prom committee and I need some ideas on how to decorate the tables. Any suggestions?
Try a tabletop chandelier and use tealights in it..
OKAY IM NOT A BRIDE BUT OUR SCHOOL IS HAVING FAIRWELL FRESHMAN DANCE IN MAY. OUR THEME IS OLD HOLLYWOOD..AND YOU TOTALLY BROUGHT LIGHTS INTO US FRESHMAN STUDENT COUNSIL MEMBERS….THANKS :P:D>-
ALSO IF ANYONE HAS IDEAS…PLEASE SEND ME A EMAIL… RONERYONE@AIM.COM
This is a cute idea … have your guests throw popcorn instead of birdseed or rice when you leave the ceremony (AIR-popped oil-free popcorn … so it doesn’t stain your dress!)
I’m getting married in feb my wedding is going to be a 1940 old hollywood and miltary themed i’m having some trouble comeing up with idas to decorate, is any body has any tips please help me if you can. very much thank you. christina smith
I love this theme. Its on that I have always liked and decorating is a sanp…especially if you want to stay unthentic to the time period. You’ll need to start gathering things in the next two months that won’t be available later – specifically 4th of July decorations like American Flag printed banners and festoons, red white and blue rosettes. Decorate your space – the more industrial the better (thing nat. guard armory or school gym) and decorate it up as a USO Show. complete it with a stage for a local band ( check college music departments- they range from free to $400 a set and can play all the popular big band music of the era. To give it a more bridal feel, incorporate things that were used then, like your mom or aunts crystal punch bowl and cups, white paper honeycomg wedding bells and paper streamers.. if you’re looking for something cute you can get olive clored mylar bags printed with your names and fill them with favors. When finished they will resemle MREs (Meals Ready To Eat) that are given to services people to this day when on maneuvers. This is quite possibly a theme that will give you THE MOST bang for your buck..and it will be a wedding that no one will forget. Good Luck.
This is really great! we are planning an awards banquet with “old Hollywood”as the theme.
I love all of your ideas. I am planning an Old Hollywood themed wedding in an old movie theatre. Instead of a guest book I am actually having a graphic designer re-create an old Hollywood poster and I will have the guest sign the poster instead of a guestbook!
Did you ever do this? I would love to see what how it came out. I am at the end of my wedding plans and getting the final touches and that sounds like a great idea. My email is carolynpinz@aol.com
Thanks!
Hi, I am the MOB (Mother-of-the-Bride) and we are planning an Old Hollywood theme reception. Loved all your ideas . One more thing we are doing is having center pieces made with an Eiffel tower vase (clear) with about 23 ostrich feathers instead of flowers. There will be a floral light in the bottom of each base. It illuminates the feathers and will create quite a beautiful look at the evening reception, 15 floors up overlooking the Memphis. As an added fun touch, we’ll be passing out Elvis sunglasses to all our guests. Thank ya, thank ya very much.
I love your stuff! It’s the best! I’m not even getting married, but I *so* want some of this stuff when I do.