Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding inspired by the Roaring Twenties and the iconic Great Gatsby? From attire to decor, here's a guide to help you and your guests travel back in time to the Jazz Age. For brides, soft silhouette gowns with Art Deco lace appliques, crystals, pearls, rhinestones, and sequins are a perfect fit. Grooms can opt for a classic tuxedo or a dark suit. Guests can join in on the fun with flapper dresses, feather headbands, and long pearl necklaces. To complete the vintage vibe, set up a photobooth with 1920s props, play black-and-white silent movies, and don't forget the champagne tower!
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What You'll Learn
Bridesmaids: beaded gowns, geometric patterns, and sequins
If you're a bridesmaid at a Gatsby wedding, you'll want to embrace the opulence, glamour, and razzmatazz of the 1920s. It's all about the embellishments, with beaded gowns, geometric patterns, and sequins being key features.
For a modern take on the Gatsby theme, consider a simple slip dress with Art Deco-inspired beaded patterns. Intricate Art Deco beading is a defining feature of 1920s fashion, and combining this with metallic corded lace appliqués will create a stunning, glamorous look.
If you want to lean into the vintage aesthetic, consider a beaded Adrianna Papell gown. Adrianna Papell gowns are known for their intricate beading and geometric patterns, and you'll be able to wear the gown again, as they are gorgeous and timeless.
For a more glamorous look, opt for a gown with hand-embroidered silver strands, Swarovski crystals, pearls, rhinestones, and sequins. The embellishments on this type of gown will add a touch of sparkle and decadence to your look, ensuring you shine brighter than the chandeliers at the venue.
Finally, if you want to add a subtle touch of the Gatsby theme to your look, consider a gown with geometric lace. Geometric lace was customary in the 1920s, and a romantic frock with macramé lace and beautiful neckline details can be a stunning and classic choice.
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Groomsmen: classic suits or tuxedos
If you're a groomsman at a Gatsby wedding, you can't go wrong with a classic suit or tuxedo. The 1920s theme calls for formal vintage attire, so a dark suit or tux will fit the bill perfectly.
You can add some Gatsby glamour to your look with some vintage accessories. A hat, such as a trilby, is a great way to add some 1920s flair to your outfit. A vintage walking stick with a silver head will also give your look that extra touch of sophistication and elegance. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even consider growing or styling your moustache to fit the theme.
For an even more authentic 1920s look, consider wearing a double-breasted jacket. This style was popular during the Gatsby era and will give your outfit that extra bit of vintage charm. If you want to go all out, you could also wear a waistcoat underneath your jacket. This will help to complete the vintage look and give your outfit a more polished and put-together appearance.
When it comes to colours, black and gold work very well for a Gatsby wedding theme. You could also opt for silver and black if you prefer. And don't forget the shoes! A pair of shiny black dress shoes will complete your groomsman look and have you stepping out in style.
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Guests: flapper dresses, feather headbands, and trilby hats
If you've been invited to a Gatsby-themed wedding, you might be wondering what to wear. The good news is that the 1920s theme offers a lot of fun options for guests. For women, flapper dresses are a great choice and suit many different body shapes. Look for drop-waisted silhouettes, beaded backs, draped cap sleeves, and fringe. You can also add a nod to the theme with a feather headband or a pearl headband. Dresses from the early 1920s were mid-calf length, while those from the latter part of the decade rose to the knee. T-strap shoes are another fabulous accessory and are perfect for dancing the night away.
If you don't want to go all out with a flapper dress, you can still give a nod to the theme with a simple slip dress, a piano shawl, or a long skirt and a long-sleeved blouse, dressed up with beads and 1920s-style makeup. Men can also get into the spirit with a classic suit or tuxedo, a vintage walking stick, and even a new mustache! Trilby hats and sharp double-breasted jackets are also a fun touch for the gents.
Don't forget that the Gatsby theme is all about glitz and glamour. Think sparkling metallic elements, Art Deco beading, and geometric patterns. Whether you go for a simple or extravagant look, you're sure to fit the theme and have a roaring good time!
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Live music: jazz and the Charleston
Live music is a must for a Gatsby-themed wedding, and jazz and the Charleston are the perfect choices to transport your guests back to the Roaring Twenties.
The Jazz Bands
Jazz was a staple of the Gatsby era, and there are many bands that can bring the sound and atmosphere of the 1920s to life. The Speakeasy Bootleg Band, for example, offers a unique blend of "seductive saxophone and foot-stomping, infectious rhythms", perfect for a Gatsby party. Radio Gatsby is another band that performs unique interpretations of 1920s jazz, as well as other genres like Big Band Swing, Motown, and contemporary pop, ensuring there's something for everyone on the dance floor.
The Charleston
The Charleston was all the rage in the 1920s, and it's the perfect dance to get your guests moving and immersed in the Gatsby theme. The Speakeasy Bootleg Band, with their energetic jazz and vintage swing, is sure to get your guests up and dancing the Charleston. Their performances evoke the secretive underbelly of 1920s raffishness, creating an authentic Gatsby-era atmosphere.
The Gatsby Orchestra
For a truly immersive experience, consider hiring a full orchestra. The Gatsby Orchestra, for instance, can provide the perfect musical backdrop for your wedding, with their blend of vintage and contemporary sounds.
The Music Selection
To truly capture the Gatsby vibe, a mix of jazz and swing music from the 1920s to the 1940s is ideal. Think about including some well-known jazz standards and swing tunes that will get your guests in the Gatsby spirit.
By incorporating live jazz and the Charleston into your wedding, you'll create an unforgettable experience, taking your guests on a journey back to the glamorous and exciting era of The Great Gatsby.
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Drinks: champagne towers and cocktails
When it comes to drinks at a Gatsby wedding, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, champagne is a must, as it was a popular drink choice in the 1920s, the era in which The Great Gatsby is set. In the novel, Gatsby is known for hosting lavish parties with abundant champagne, so this should definitely be reflected in your wedding drinks selection. You could even create a stunning champagne tower, which has become a popular trend in recent years and will surely impress your guests. The cost of a champagne tower can vary depending on factors such as the number of tiers, glass rental fees, and champagne selection, but it is typically between $150 and $500. However, keep in mind that some venues may have restrictions on champagne towers due to safety concerns.
In addition to champagne, cocktails were also popular in the Roaring '20s, so be sure to offer a variety of cocktail options for your guests. You can get creative and offer signature cocktails inspired by the theme, such as a Champagne Martini or a Sidecar Cocktail. Gin and liquor cocktails were also mentioned in the novel, so you could include those as well. Set up a well-stocked bar with a variety of liquors and cordials, just like the extravagant parties described in The Great Gatsby.
To enhance the Gatsby theme, consider serving drinks in elegant coupe glasses, which were commonly used during that time period. These glasses are also ideal for stacking in a champagne tower due to their short and wide shape. You can even replace the champagne in the tower with a mixed drink or cocktail for a unique twist.
Whether you choose to focus on champagne, cocktails, or a combination of both, be sure to provide plenty of options for your guests to enjoy. Abundance and extravagance were key elements of Gatsby's parties, so ensure your drinks selection reflects that. Don't forget to have non-alcoholic options available as well for guests who don't consume alcohol.
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Frequently asked questions
The 1920s was an elegant era, so think formal vintage attire. For men, a classic suit or tuxedo with a vintage walking stick and a hat will do the trick. For women, the flapper style of dress is a great option, with T-strap shoes. You can also add long strings of pearls, 1920s-style flapper hats, and feather boas.
Black and gold work well for a Gatsby wedding theme, but silver and black are also a good option.
Avoid anything that makes you look like you're wearing a costume from a period drama. You can always choose a low- or drop-waisted silhouette to avoid this.
You can try Unique Vintage, PrettyGuide, Babeyond, ModCloth, Adrianna Papell, Macys, and Amazon for Gatsby-style wedding outfits.
The 1920s was all about cocktails, so expect a cocktail bar at the wedding. It's also a good idea to learn the Charleston and some Jazz moves before you hit the dance floor!
