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Increasingly more couples wish to host timeless celebrations that can never exit of fashion–think your wedding photos 20 years later and still loving every detail. That’s why the Old Hollywood theme has grow to be so popular over the past yr or so. With glamorous touches which might be all about luxury, elegance, and a touch of drama, this celebration will wow your guests from the minute they arrive. So, for those who’re eager about hosting an old-fashioned soiree, we’re breaking down 25 ideas that can help your guests step back in time.
25 Old Hollywood Wedding Ideas
1. Vintage Invitations
Your invitations are the primary glimpse guests can have of your wedding, so it’s the right time to include your theme. Go for invitations that evoke the era with Art Deco patterns, elegant fonts, and splendid materials like foil-stamped paper or vellum overlays. To go the additional mile, consider including RSVP cards styled as movie tickets or vintage postcards, complete with black-and-white illustrations of your venue or a glamorous portrait of you and your partner.
Shop Invitations: Vintage Art Nouveau Wedding Invitation Template; 2. Old Money Wedding Invitation Suite; 3. Editable Black Wavy Wedding Invitation Template; 4. Retro Wedding Invitation Template
2. Glamorous Venue
Once you’re looking for your venue, search for locations with historical significance, art deco architecture, or opulent interiors that evoke the glamour of the Twenties to Fifties. Historic theaters, old mansions, and grand ballrooms with crystal chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and marble floors are all perfect decisions. In fact, you’ll be able to at all times bring decor in if the venue doesn’t check those boxes. Nevertheless, the more your venue has, the less you’ll spend on rentals.
Beneficial Reading: Inquiries to Ask Wedding Venues Before Booking
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3. Monochrome Color Scheme
A black-and-white color palette is the definition of timeless. To maintain things dynamic, include textures like velvet, satin, and lace. For instance, black tablecloths paired with white floral arrangements and gold or silver flatware can create a sublime tablescape. It’s also possible to incorporate subtle accents of metallics, shades of red, and even blush pinks to melt the general look while maintaining the theme’s sophistication.
4. Marquee Signage
Nothing says “Hollywood” like your name in lights. Create custom marquee-style signage to display outside your venue, at the doorway to your reception, or as a focus behind the lover table. You could possibly even go to this point as to copy the look of a classic movie show marquee, complete with changeable letters to spell out your names, wedding date, or a romantic message.
5. Vintage Decor
Incorporate elements of old Hollywood into your décor through the use of vintage film reels, cameras, clapperboards, records, old hotel keys, etc. These will be used as centerpieces, displayed on escort card tables, and even integrated into your ceremony décor. You may additionally consider incorporating black-and-white movie stills or posters out of your favorite classic movies into your décor.
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6. Tents
We all know what you’re probably considering. How are tents Old Hollywood? They’re common at every wedding and make for an important weather backup in case you’re tying the knot somewhere where there’s a high likelihood of rain or snow. Nevertheless, there’s something about including tents and umbrellas that feels extremely timeless. They were quite common within the 50s and 60s across the pool, which is why they’re perfect when attempting to recreate these many years.
7. Hollywood Glam Bridal Attire
Channel your inner starlet with a marriage dress that reflects the glamour of the era. Search for gowns with luxurious fabrics like satin, silk, or lace, and details similar to intricate beading, sequins, or feather accents. If there’s a gown that you’ve your eye on that shouldn’t be necessarily as retro as you’d like, you’ll be able to go for a reception dress that acts as a nod to the many years. Don’t forget to incorporate classic touches like a veil, gloves, and drop earrings.
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8. Tuxedo with a Classic Twist
For those trying to wear a suit, nothing says Old Hollywood like a classic tuxedo. Go for a black tux with a bow tie for a timeless look, or consider a white dinner or double-breasted jacket for a more distinguished look.
9. Red Lipstick and Pin Curls
In relation to beauty, a daring red lip is an important place to begin. Paired with winged eyeliner and a flawless complexion, you’ll be able to channel the glamour of stars like Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth. Hairstyles also needs to reflect the era—think polished pin curls, sleek finger waves, or glamorous updos adorned with sparkling hairpins or vintage combs.
Image by Rachel Rowland
10. Incorporate Pearls
Nothing embodies timelessness quite like pearls. Whether adorning your bridal gown, accessorizing your bridal party, or enhancing your décor, pearls bring a touch of vintage glamour to any wedding. Think classic pearl necklaces and delicate earrings. It’s also possible to include the stone in your decor.
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11. Cigarette Girls
Cigarette girls were a staple of nightclubs and theaters through the golden age of Hollywood. For a fun and interactive element at your wedding, hire actors or entertainers to decorate as cigarette girls, complete with vintage uniforms and trays. As a substitute of cigarettes, they will offer guests cigars, candy, and even mini bottles of champagne. This adds a touch of authenticity to your theme and provides guests with a novel experience they’ll remember.
12. Cigar Bar
In the event you’re not into including cigarette girls, you’ll be able to still include a cigar bar. Picture your guests having fun with a advantageous cigar paired with a glass of whiskey or a vintage cocktail. With vintage cigar boxes, custom labels, and plush seating, a cigar bar becomes greater than only a feature—it’s an entertainment moment that your guests won’t have the option to stop talking about.
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13. Champagne Tower
A champagne tower has grow to be a marriage staple. Through the reception, pour champagne from the highest glass, letting it cascade down the tower to fill the glasses below, making for the right photo opportunity.
14. Vintage Getaway Automobile
Make your exit as glamorous as your entrance by leaving in a vintage automotive. Classic models like a Rolls Royce, Bentley, or Cadillac are perfect for the theme, although you actually can’t go improper. Decorate the automotive with a “Just Married” sign and vintage-style cans tied to the bumper to essentially complete the look.
15. Old Hollywood Music
Music plays an important role in setting the mood to your wedding. A live jazz band or big band orchestra can transport your guests back to the golden age. For the ceremony, consider walking down the aisle to an instrumental version of a classic love song from the era. During cocktail hour or your dinner, create a playlist that features the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat King Cole to maintain the vibe elegant and nostalgic.
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16. Black Tie Dress Code
Encourage your guests to decorate the part by setting a black-tie dress code. This not only adds to the general ambiance of your wedding but in addition ensures that everybody looks their best. If you ought to take it a step further, give them an assigned color (i.e., all black or red), to create a shocking, cohesive look. Just remember to allow them to know ahead of time via your invites or website!
Beneficial Reading: Tips on how to Address a Wedding Dress Code
17. Dramatic Lighting
Lighting is vital to making a cinematic atmosphere at your wedding. Soft, romantic lighting will be achieved with chandeliers, uplighting, and an abundance of candles. Think about using gold or amber lighting to forged a warm, flattering glow over your venue, or add a little bit of drama with spotlights highlighting key areas just like the dance floor or sweetheart table.
18. Checkered Dance Floor
This iconic black-and-white design will immediately make your guests consider the glamorous ballrooms back within the day. The daring contrast of the checkered pattern shouldn’t be only stunning (and makes for incredible photos) but in addition sets the stage for an unforgettable night of dancing.
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19. Vintage Photo Booth
A photograph booth with a vintage twist is essential. Arrange a booth with a black-and-white camera to capture the glamour of the era. Provide props like fedoras, feather boas, faux cigars, and vintage props for guests to pose with. These photos are fun keepsakes to your guests and a novel addition to your wedding album.
20. Typewriter Guest Book
This charming detail allows your guests to type out their well wishes and advice on an antique typewriter, making a one-of-a-kind keepsake stuffed with heartfelt messages. Display the typewriter on a vintage desk with rolls of parchment or custom stationery, and let your guests type their hearts out.
21. Vintage Post Cards as a Guest Book Alternative
Whether featuring classic movie posters, iconic landmarks in the town where you’re tying the knot, or star-studded scenes, each postcard adds a touch of nostalgia to your big day. This unique guest book idea not only ties in perfectly along with your theme but in addition leaves you with a cherished memento that you just’ll love looking back on. This one does require a little bit more planning but hit up your local thrift or antique stores to gather them throughout the months leading as much as your wedding.
Image by Nikki Daskalakis
22. Retro Signature Cocktails
Drinks like martinis, Manhattans, and Old Fashioneds are the right beverages to supply to your guests if you ought to tie the theme into your food and drinks. For a private touch, create a signature cocktail that reflects your personality or love story, and name it after something special to the 2 of you. To complete it off, display the cocktail menu in an art deco frame or on a marquee-style sign for added flair.
23. Vintage Inspired Glassware
We all know that serving drinks in glassware isn’t practical for each wedding, but for those who’re hosting a small celebration, consider serving drinks in vintage-inspired glassware–even when it’s just champagne toast in coupes. Serve your signature cocktails or bubbly in glassware that sparkles under the glow of chandeliers, enhancing the nostalgic atmosphere of your celebration.
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24. Vintage Wedding Cake
In relation to your wedding cake, go vintage with intricate lace-like piping, art deco patterns, and classic white-on-white designs. Go for tiers adorned with pearls, delicate sugar flowers, or gilded accents that sparkle.
25. Hollywood Ending
End your wedding with a grand finale worthy of the silver screen. In case your venue allows, a fireworks display can provide a panoramic conclusion to your celebration, leaving your guests with memories of a marriage that felt like a scene from a classic Hollywood movie.
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