Planning A Roaring 20S Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

The 1920s wedding theme is a popular choice for couples, thanks to the enduring appeal of *The Great Gatsby*, *Downton Abbey* and vintage style. To plan a 1920s wedding, you'll need to think about how to set the tone from the very beginning, from the invitations to the tablescapes. The three main Gatsby colours – black, gold and white – are a great place to start, and you can incorporate these across the room, from the tablecloths to the wine glasses.

Invitations and save-the-date cards

When it comes to the design, there are a few key elements to consider. Firstly, the colour scheme should reflect the era, with black, gold and white being the three main Gatsby colours. You could also incorporate art deco patterns or geometric designs, which were popular in the 1920s.

Another way to add a touch of the 1920s to your invitations is to include vintage-inspired details such as feathers, beads or rhinestones. You could also use a vintage-style font or add a touch of glamour with gold or silver foil.

Finally, don't forget to include all the essential information your guests will need, such as the date, time and location of the wedding, as well as any dress code or theme details.

Tablescapes and centrepieces

To create the perfect tablescapes and centrepieces for a 1920s wedding, you should incorporate the three main Gatsby colours: black, gold and white. Use these colours in any combination you choose and continue that pattern across the entire room. For example, you could have white tablecloths with white, gold and black plates, gold tableware and black wine and water glasses. You could also string white beads around the edges of the tables, and incorporate extravagant candle holders and feathered centrepieces.

For a 1920s-themed wedding, you could also include a cocktail hour, with whiskey, martinis and champagne. You could also serve devilled eggs, shrimp cocktail and finger sandwiches as a starter, with fruit cups, marshmallows and an upside-down pineapple cake for dessert.

For the dress code, you could wear a vintage 1920s wedding dress or a modern gown with vintage accents. The Flapper dress should feature a beaded back, draped cap sleeves and waist silhouettes. You could also wear a veil or an alternative hair accessory like a rhinestone hair clip, fascinator with feathers or a pearl headband.

Food and drink

The 1920s was a time of decadent parties and glamorous fashion, so it's a great theme for a wedding. To create a 1920s-style wedding reception, you should incorporate the three main Gatsby colours: black, gold and white. Use these colours in any combination you choose and continue the pattern across the entire room. For example, you could have white tablecloths with white, gold and black plates, gold tableware and black wine and water glasses. You could also string white beads around the edges of the card, gift, cake and dessert tables, and incorporate extravagant candle holders and feathered centrepieces.

For the wedding menu, you could serve devilled eggs, shrimp cocktail and finger sandwiches as a starter. For the main course, you could have most meats, potatoes and any vegetable combinations. For dessert, serve fruit cups, marshmallows and an upside-down pineapple cake. You could also include a 1920s-inspired cocktail hour, with whiskey, martinis and champagne.

To add to the atmosphere, play loud music from the Roaring Twenties and encourage your guests to dance.

Music and dancing

To get your guests excited about the theme, give them ideas and places to go online for inspiration. You could suggest that they wear vintage 1920s dresses, flapper dresses with beaded backs, draped cap sleeves and waist silhouettes, or vintage-inspired modern gowns with geometric patterns and sequins. Men could wear three-piece suits, with hats and canes.

For the reception, you could string white beads around the edges of the tables, and incorporate extravagant candle holders and feathered centrepieces. Use the three main Gatsby colours – black, gold and white – in your table settings.

Dress code

For a 1920s wedding, it's important to get your guests excited about dressing up. You could include suggestions for places to find inspiration online on your invitations.

For the bride, a vintage 1920s wedding dress or a modern gown with vintage accents would work well. A flapper dress with a beaded back, draped cap sleeves and waist silhouettes is ideal. A beaded gown in sequin fabric and geometric patterns would also be perfect. Brides can wear a veil or an alternative hair accessory like a rhinestone hair clip, fascinator with feathers, or a pearl headband. Bridesmaids should wear a darker colour to focus attention on the bride.

For the tables, you could string white beads around the edges, and incorporate extravagant candle holders and feathered centrepieces. Art deco and 1920s tablescapes often incorporate the three main Gatsby colours: black, gold and white. Use these colours in any combination and continue the pattern across the entire room. For example, you could have white tablecloths with white, gold and black plates, gold tableware and black wine and water glasses.

For the guests, a vintage 1920s dress code would complete the 1920s feel.

Frequently asked questions