Raise a Glass to the Roaring Twenties: a 1920′s Wedding Theme
Whether you long for Great Gatsby or gangster glamour, a roaring twenties wedding theme can put an unforgettable spin on any wedding. So if you're tempted to tie the knot amid the trappings of vaudeville, theater and jazz, here are some inspirations to start you out.
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 invoking Eliot Ness, Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, Bugsy Malone and John Dillinger. As for you and your intended, how about spending the day as the undisputed king and queen of gangsters, Bonnie and Clyde?
Audacious Attire
Have a seamstress design the bride's gown with an "intermission hemline" (shorter in front and longer in the back). Dropped waistlines and pleated skirts were favored in the twenties, and make for a gorgeous wedding dress reminiscent of today's asymmetrical styles.For a headdress, try a Juliet cap, coronet or a simple band of silk flowers worn low on the forehead. Also key: stockings with prominent seams in the back, a stylish and alluring look for '20's women.
As for bridesmaids, try gorgeously beaded flapper dresses with long, dangling necklaces, feather boas and those sexy seamed stockings. Don't forget the bright red lipstick!
Zoot suits and English driving caps, suspenders and wing tip shoes: these took center stage in 1920's-era fashion for grooms and groomsmen. Many formal wear shops carry appropriate selections, or know of a shop that does.
Setting the Stage
For a roaring 1920's wedding theme, think bright lights, rough men and romance.Although known for high crime, the twenties also established itself as the Jazz Age, when heels flew to the Charleston, and flappers glittered on the dance floor. Music hit an upbeat note, hemlines shrank, and the economy and general mood were euphoric.
Theme your invitations from the start — they'll set expectations before your guests 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 guests to produce it. Be original! Use different passwords for different guests, using your high school nickname for an old friend, and a childhood pet name for your grandmother.
Also, let your guests know on the invitation that dress up isn't required, but 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 Lucky Luciano table, and a Bonnie and Clyde head table. Long cigarette holders, so popular during that era, make one-of-a-kind place cards when you attach a personalized tag.
Another great idea for your theme: plan contests. Have the disk jockey organize a few between blistering sets of jazz and swing. Hand out prizes for the best dancers and costumes. You'll also score huge points setting up a photo booth (decked out with some great period props) so your guests can snap a few souvenir photos and record all the fun and finery.
With a roaring twenties wedding theme, your guests will talk over your big night for months to come — and you'll have a lock on one-of-a-kind memories and fabulous photos of you and your 'Clyde'.
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I really like the cake that is at the top of the page…does anyone know where I can a full picture of the cake??
Taryn,
I could not find the exact cake but if you google image draped wedding cakes you will find a huge pic selection of similar styles.
we want to orginise a 1920′s bachelorettes party for my best friend. where do i begin?
Christa, I thought this was great….
Have all the girls dress in flapper dresses and feather headbands. If your dressing up any tables, then use simple candles combined with feathers. This could be alot of fun!!
Christa,
Entire photo shoot here…
And see this
Great tips to look at…
I am looking for some really cool, but somewhat inexpensive centerpiece ideas for a 20′s theme. The actual theme is All That Jazz, so I have some good decoration ideas running around in my head, but I am stumped when it comes to table decor.
I am open to all suggestions related to the reception; it does not have to be JUST centerpieces. Anyone got any ideas?
Sarah,
One of my personal faves for this theme is picture frames and use photos of old hollywood stars or in this case musicians. Add candles. Feathers would be ideal since they used those during that time period.
* le rouge theme
* sophie/johnny wedding
Sarah,
wow! look at this! martini glasses but the props are amazing!
Dont overlook sheet music from back in the day. it would look pretty awesome tied in the tablescapes.
Sarah,
Some cool ideas here…
Hello ladies, I was thinking of doing a platinum wedding with a twist of 1920′s.. not really sure how or what.. but I want it with elegance, meaning I really what to dress more up to date but accessorize to the fullest… like the feathers, headbands, boas things like that… Please help with any input.. I think my reception will be more of the 1920′s in case people don’t feel comfortable participating. So it would be the normally wedding and we will wear clothing that can still be worn 1920ish… but when people come in the reception I was thinking of having pearl like necklaces, boas, hats, canes, feathers, etc being handed out as people come and have 1920 music like jazz playing in the back ground until the reception really got started .. then party like they did in 1920… Please any suggestions … Help! :shrug:
Missy,
I think I amy have jsut the wedding to inspire you.
* look at this
* some real weddings
* loads of info!
Missy,
* this is pretty great
OMG!! I LOVE IT!!
Please keep them coming…so I really think I’m going to go through with it…Thank you so much!
I’ve been planning 1920′s wedding for over a year now….I’ve gottin everything i need so far besides the most important…my dress! i’d like to have a fun flapper dress (more modern style) but when i google all that comes up is skimpy costumes. There was one good webiste…. http://www.unique-vintage.com where my bridesmaids found their dresses….but still didnt find anything that caught my eye. Any suggestions would be awesome! Thanks!
Stacy,
* check out this dress
* here is Jenny Packham Sicily ( dont know about the site just showing the dress)
* claire wedding dress
Also google search each of these to take a look…..
Jenny Packham Petra wedding dress
” ” Joy wedding dress
” ” Veronique wedding dress
” ” Happiness wedding dress
* this is very pretty Add the headpiece with veil and your done!
* gorgeous
* this is very pretty
* heh look at this, could you imagine adding long pearl necklaces and a 1920′s style headpiece with veil? This would be perfect!
* so would this
Sorry for all the posts but I keep finding dresses!
I think I may have found something that would work, I think it is gorgeous!!!
* look at this and the price is amazing.
* another one
Here is my 1920′s wedding dress!!!! It has ostrich feathers =)
Stunning!!!
I am trying to come up with some ideas for a Roaring 20′s wedding. My fiance and I always refer to one another as Bonnie and Clyde so we thought why not run with it. We live in Chicago so we are looking to find a unique yet not to exspensive venue, hopefully something related to Al Capone.. Any ideas are welcome.
Nessa,
I don’t have a venue but I have some pics and ideas…
* like here
* more ideas
* more pics
* lots of links
* love this!
My Fiancee and I are also having a roaring 20′s themed wedding in April of 2011 we found two halls that would work Drury Lane in Oakbrook and The Belvedere Chateau its on 103rd & Roberts Rd, we went with The Belvedere because we fell in love with it and it was more in our price range!
Hope this helps have fun and Congrats !!
Hi, my fiance and I are doing this theme also. I needed ideas for name car holders, I was thinking hanging tommy guns with the names on it on bars, so it looks like a jail. If any one has invites can they send me a pic of what they did?
Luvablemeshell@aol.com
Thanks!!!!!
brides,
*1920′s wedding theme
*1920′s wedding decor
* mob style real wedding
*wedding tips and ideas
*1920′s gangster style wedding
*1920′s gangster theme birthday party
brides,
ya’ll are gonna love this site with cool pics.
*1920′s mafia wedding theme forum
My sister wants a 1920′s ganster style wedding, I would love to surprise her with some incredible ideas. Also if anyone has any suggestions on were we could find decorations for the theme that would be great. Thanks!!!
Wow!!! this time era was amazing what would happen if this time was still the same as the 1700′s
Does anyone have any ideas for flowergirls. We want to incorporate out 4 nieces into the wedding party, but not sure how to based on the 1920′s theme. Any ideas would be great.
Hi Kirsty! :wave: here are some beautiful flower girls from the ’20s and early ’30s. Click this image for larger and/or hit up the original pics, some of which are large and detailed!
Credits ….
1) June 10, 1928. This is my favorite! Love this gorgeous wedding party with their radiant smiles, finger-waved hair, sassy flapper dresses and those enormous bouquets. The flower girls are wearing the same things, smaller, and carrying gorgeous ferns. Hit the link so you can see those adorable silk tulle headbands with side poufs on the flower girls. 2) Gollings family archive. Look at these sweet girls wearing cap veils with a floral coronet sewn in. 3) Walthamstow, London. Very similar style. 4) Barber and Yarrow. These girls are wearing simple floral wreaths, worn low on the head in the 20s style. Check out those sweet 1920′s Mary Janes with knee socks, this is very consistent in the pics. I hope this helps a little!
Hi Ladies –
Flickr is a wonderful source of inspiration, there are so many incredible 1920′s and gangster themed weddings there, all showing off some really creative couples who just went nuts! The results are amazing pics, and guests who are clearly having the time of their lives.
Click here for the larger versions of this photo board, and then check out the credits below … many of the pics belong to longer 20′s wedding sets that are well worth checking out!
We had our 1920′s wedding in October 2008 and it was so much fun…
take a look at all the photos at MyPhotoAlbum (Katy C.)
I designs art deco invites and each place had a peacock feather and a candle with everyone’s name on..
Everyone got dressed up and we had soooo much fun…
I highly recommend it!!
How was the wedding ceremony itself actually done, did it tie in with the theme??? Where did you get that from? Thanks.
Hi, I am getting married in March with this same theme. I was wondering if you could email me a copy of your wedding invitations? And any techniques or ideas that helped you create everything would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Brittany
tampafl17@hotmail.com
Hello
I am trying to organise a bonnie and clyde themed wedding for myself and hubby to be. It will be in the next 12 months. I would like my dress to be themed but definately different from what guests may show up in as it will be costumes only for dress
Thanks
Jenny
I am looking for entertainment, a gangster raid to take place at a wedding with gangster theme. If you have information, please forward.
Thank you
do you have examples of feather docaration for centre pieces and venue decorations
Hi!
I am also having a 1920s wedding -inspired bythe great gatsby and Casablanca. I am not kean on the whole “gangster”-theme -so how do I incorporate elegance without touching upon speakesasies, gangsters etc.? For the centerpriece I was thinking of having big branches in vases with feathers and fowers dangling down – with pearls on string between? What do you think?
Anna
Any ideas for a wedding arch to say the vows under,With the twenties theme?
Take a look at our wedding website – its is themed on 1920′s and has lots of links, images and ideas for dressing in a 1920′s theme…
katytroy.wedquarters.com
Hey I would like some more ideal on this 1920′s wedding I want every detail to be captured. Reception mostly.
I am having a 1920′s wedding and I need an idea for my reception, when my guest come in. I would like to have place cards set up on a table to tell each one where to be seated. Maybe in the form of movie tickets from the 1920′s. Please give me some ideas that maybe I can use, simple but very unique.
For your centerpieces, use large martini glasses with a floating candle or do a tower vase with feathers and sprinkle small feathers around the centerpiece instead of rose petals. You could also bye boas and place over the back of the chairs for your guest. This looks great when used all together.
Happy Planning