Hollywood Wedding: Props, Glamour, And Glitz

what do I need to throw a hollywood themed wedding

Planning a wedding is a special but challenging task, and a Hollywood-themed wedding requires a few extra considerations to transport your guests to Tinseltown. From the invitations to the dress code and the decor, there are many elements to think about when organising a Hollywood-themed wedding. In this article, we will explore the key ingredients for a Hollywood-themed wedding, including venue, food, music, and more, to help you create a glamorous and magical experience for you and your guests.

Characteristics Values
Venue Mansion, Mediterranean-style building, or a vintage/retro space
Decorations Flowers, gold and silver colours, glitter, diamantes, crystals, fair lights, gold balloons, fancy streamers, elegant tablecloths, chic centrepieces
Dress code Black tie, red carpet glam, vintage/retro, old Hollywood
Food Mini burgers, hot dogs, cheesecake, boozy milkshakes, popcorn, champagne, three-course dinner
Music Jazz, swing, 1920s ragtime, movie soundtracks from retro musicals, vintage pop
Invitations Inspired by the Walk of Fame, red paper with gold glitter
Extras Hollywood-themed cake, awards room, photo booth, framed posters of classic Hollywood stars

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Venue and Decor: Choose a glamorous venue and add Hollywood-style decorations like gold and silver colours, glitter, and fair lights

When it comes to throwing a Hollywood-themed wedding, the venue and decor are key to creating a glamorous and memorable event. Here are some ideas to consider:

Choose a Glamorous Venue

The right venue can set the tone for your Hollywood-themed wedding. Opt for a location that exudes luxury, elegance, and a touch of old Hollywood glamour. Here are some suggestions:

  • Mansions or glamorous estates: Think grand ballrooms, intricate architecture, and lush surroundings. Consider venues like the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, a châteauesque mansion, or a Mediterranean-style mansion in Buckhead, Atlanta.
  • Historic landmarks: Look for unique and iconic locations, such as the 36-story skyscraper in Detroit's financial district, featuring Art Deco architecture and lavish ornamentation.
  • Luxury resorts: Choose a resort known for its impeccable service and glamorous settings, such as the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort.
  • Museums: Tie the knot amidst gilded halls and marble columns in a museum setting, such as the Carnegie Music Hall or the Hall of Architecture.
  • Libraries: For a unique twist on glamour, consider a historic library like the Boston Public Library, which offers ornate ceilings and a courtyard for a elegant and dreamy reception.

Hollywood-Style Decorations

Once you've selected your venue, it's time to add Hollywood-style decorations to transform the space into a glamorous movie set:

  • Colours and Accents: Gold and silver colours, glitter, and fair lights are essential to creating a Hollywood-style atmosphere. Think shimmering backdrops, glitzy centrepieces, and sparkling accents.
  • Red Carpet: Roll out the red carpet to welcome your guests and make them feel like celebrities. Add gold and silver accents, paparazzi silhouettes, and camera flashes for that extra touch of glamour.
  • Props and Centrepieces: Incorporate movie-themed props, such as Hollywood signs, Walk of Fame stars, and iconic film references. Use fair lights to create a magical atmosphere.
  • Flowers: Floral arrangements can add a touch of elegance to your Hollywood-themed wedding. Work with a florist to create arrangements that complement your venue and theme, or create your own artificial floral displays for a DIY approach.
  • Music: Create a Hollywood-inspired soundtrack with 1920s ragtime tunes, retro movie soundtracks, or vintage vocals to transport your guests back in time.

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Food and Drink: Serve American-style food like mini burgers, hot dogs, and cheesecake. Offer Champagne and boozy milkshakes, and don't forget the popcorn

When it comes to food and drinks for a Hollywood-themed wedding, there are many ways to go about it. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Food:

  • American-style food: Mini burgers, hot dogs, and grilled cheese sandwiches are fun and interactive options that your guests can enjoy. You can also serve them with a side of tomato soup or fries for a heartier option.
  • Cheese and crackers: Set up a charcuterie table or offer pre-made charcuterie cups filled with an assortment of cheeses, meats, crackers, and fruits. This can be a great way to prevent crowding at the display and ensure your guests can easily grab and enjoy.
  • Comfort food with a twist: Consider bite-sized portions of comfort foods, such as mini grilled cheese sandwiches or waffle stacks, to add a touch of elegance to familiar favorites.
  • Hollywood-inspired dishes: Oysters Rockefeller, a timeless luxury dish, can be a delicious appetizer. It embodies the extravagant tastes of Hollywood's golden era.
  • Dessert: Serve a classic New York-style cheesecake topped with a cherry or get creative with flavors like chocolate swirl, raspberry white chocolate, or strawberry champagne, reflecting the glamour of Old Hollywood.

Drinks:

  • Champagne: This drink is a classic choice for any celebration and especially fits the Hollywood theme, whether served as a toast or in the form of classy Jell-O shots.
  • Cocktails: Offer a variety of cocktails, such as martinis (with lemon twists or olives), or an Old Fashioned with its vintage charm. You can also get creative and offer boozy milkshakes or movie-themed cocktails like the Vesper Martini from Casino Royale or a Cosmopolitan, famously enjoyed by Carrie in Sex and the City.
  • Mocktails: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling cider served in champagne flutes and mixed with fruit juices like grape, raspberry, or orange creates a refreshing mocktail.
  • Popcorn: Don't forget the popcorn! Offer sweet and savory flavors, such as salted caramel or chocolate drizzle, to satisfy all your guests' cravings.

Remember, the key to a successful Hollywood-themed wedding is to embrace the glamour, luxury, and fun of the theme, and food and drinks play a crucial role in achieving that.

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Music and Entertainment: Create a Hollywood-themed playlist or hire a jazz or swing band. You could also have a photo booth and props for guests to take fun photos

Music is one of the best ways to capture the Hollywood theme for your wedding day. By appealing to multiple senses, you can create a truly immersive atmosphere for your guests, making them feel like they've stepped into a Hollywood movie.

For a vintage Hollywood wedding, the soundtrack could include 1920s ragtime tunes, movie soundtracks from retro musicals, or jazz and swing numbers. You could hire a band that performs vintage-style covers of modern pop songs or jazz classics, or go with a pianist for a more intimate vibe. If you're looking for something more modern, curate a playlist of your favourite old-time tracks to get your guests in the mood to dance the night away.

To enhance the guest experience, consider adding a photo booth with Hollywood-themed props. Guests can take fun photos with props like oversized sunglasses, feather boas, and top hats, creating memorable keepsakes of your special day. You can also set up a backdrop resembling the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with a red carpet and gold stars, for guests to strike a pose and feel like celebrities.

In addition to the music and photo booth, you could also organise a mini awards ceremony as part of the entertainment. Have someone bring a video camera and conduct interviews with your guests, making them feel like Hollywood stars. Ask lighthearted questions about their "latest movie roles" or "red-carpet-worthy outfits". These videos will be a fun memento of the wedding, capturing the joy and glamour of the occasion.

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Dress Code: Encourage guests to dress up in glamorous, red-carpet attire. Suggest specific actors or characters for them to emulate, like James Bond or Marilyn Monroe

To encourage your guests to dress up and get into the Hollywood spirit, it's a good idea to specify the dress code on the invitations. This could be "black tie", "red-carpet glam", or "Hollywood glamour".

You could suggest that your guests dress up as specific actors or characters, such as James Bond or Marilyn Monroe, as this will give them a clear idea of the theme and help them to get creative with their costumes. For example, you could suggest that the men dress up as Sean Connery's James Bond, in a black tuxedo, or as Roger Moore's Bond, with a more casual safari jacket and hat. For the ladies, suggest they emulate Marilyn Monroe's iconic style with a figure-hugging dress and blonde curls, or her famous pink dress and white fur stole from the film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes".

If you want to give your guests more freedom, you could suggest a particular decade as a starting point, such as the 1960s or 1970s, and ask them to dress as their favourite actor or character from that era. This could include the uber-cool fashion of Ron O'Neal in "Super Fly" or the classic looks of Doris Day and Rock Hudson in the 1960s.

For your own wedding attire, you could take inspiration from old Hollywood stars' weddings. For example, Natalie Wood's hooded bridal veil or Elizabeth Taylor's pale yellow wedding dress. You could also look for vintage-inspired selections at bridal shops or find an actual vintage dress online.

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Invitations: Make DIY invitations inspired by the Hollywood theme, using red paper, gold glitter, and other glamorous touches

If you're looking to add a Hollywood theme to your wedding, there are many ways to do so, from the venue to the decorations, music, and of course, the invitations.

For a DIY invitation inspired by Hollywood glamour, consider using red paper, gold glitter, and other glamorous touches. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Start with a base of sturdy red card stock paper, which can be easily found at craft stores. Cut the paper into a fun movie ticket shape, adding a unique touch to your invitations. For an extra touch of glamour, use gold glitter card stock for the backing layer. This will add a sparkly, luxurious feel to your invitations.

Embellish the invitations with gold glitter belly bands, which can be found at craft stores or online. These bands will help tie together all the elements of your invitation, from the card itself to any inserts or RSVP cards. You can even add a monogrammed wax seal in a metallic shade for a cohesive and elegant look.

Don't forget the envelopes! Opt for classic red envelopes, or for a subtler touch of glamour, choose cream-coloured envelopes with gold glitter envelope liners. This will create a stylish and elegant invitation suite that your guests will adore.

Finally, set the tone for your Hollywood-themed wedding by including a dress code on the invitations, such as "black tie" or "red carpet glam." This will ensure your guests arrive ready to celebrate in true Hollywood style!

Frequently asked questions

A Hollywood-themed wedding is not complete without a glamorous dress code. Guests can be encouraged to dress up in black-tie attire or 'red-carpet glam'. For the happy couple, it's worth doing some research into the styles of the time. For instance, you could take inspiration from Natalie Wood's hooded bridal veil or Elizabeth Taylor's pale yellow wedding dress.

For a fun twist, you could opt for an all-American menu. Mini burger sliders and hot dogs can be served as canapes, followed by cheesecake and boozy milkshakes for dessert. Alternatively, you could go for a fancier option, with a three-course dinner like those served at celebrity award ceremonies. Don't forget the champagne!

Music is one of the best ways to capture the theme of your wedding. For an old Hollywood wedding, the soundtrack could include 1920s ragtime tunes or movie soundtracks from retro musicals. Alternatively, you could hire a jazz or swing band for a live performance, adding a touch of glamour and atmosphere to your event.

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