Let the Good Times Roll With a 1920s Wedding Theme

Ideas for incorporating the '20s into a modern celebration.

Let the Good Times Roll With a 1920s Wedding Theme

By Alison Bonn

Photo: Danny Baker for Epic Imagery

Thanks in part to HBO's hit series, Boardwalk Empire, the golden '20s have roared back into style and are influencing everything from the clothes people wear to the cocktails they consume. The decade legendary for flappers, jazz, art deco, and prohibition offers a lot of fashionable opportunities for enhancing wedding décor, whether you choose to completely infuse the day with a 1920s theme, or simply add a few favorite vintage-inspired elements here and there.

The Essentials

For starters, selecting a venue such as The Oviatt in downtown Los Angeles, which was built in 1927 and is an excellent example of art deco architecture at its grandest, is an ideal way to set the tone for a roaring '20s reception. There's no need to scour the town looking for a vintage wedding dress when designers such as Claire Pettibone naturally infuse elements of the era's fashions into her gowns today. And red lips combined with a stylish bob are requisite finishing touches to completing this bridal look.

Clockwise from left: Entrance to The Oviatt Hotel, Los Angeles, TheOviatt.com; Dandelion by Claire Pettibone, Clairepettibone.com; NARS "Cruella" Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Sephora.com; Modern bride with classic 1920s hairstyle courtesy of Yitzhak Dalal.

The Details

This Gatsby-inspired save-the-date will absolutely help guests get excited about an upcoming 1920s celebration. Pretty parasols will shade ladies from the summer sun, while keeping in line with the theme of the day. At the end of the night, you and your groom will make quite the statement as this 1927 Packard whisks the two of you away in classic luxury. Last but not least, these vintage-inspired purses would be the perfect bridesmaid's gift.

Clockwise from left: "Gatsby" Save-the-Date Postcard, Lucky-luxe.com; Off-White Gilded Parasol, Lunabazaar.com; 1927 Packard, available to rent at Classiclimos.com; Vintage Flapper Purse, Whitinganddavisbags.com.

The Fun Extras

You may be surprised to learn that some items you know and love got their start during this innovative period, such as Chanel N°5, which was released in 1921, or cocktail rings, which were as much of an accessory staple then as they are now. These glasses are a chic nod to one of the favorite cocktails of the day: the gin martini. T-strap heels reminiscent of the adorable pair below, made it easy for party gals to dance the night away without worrying that their footwear might fly off their feet. It was all about looking good and having fun!

Clockwise from left: Juicy Couture Coral Flower Adjustable Cocktail Ring, bloomingales.com; Long Stem Martini Glasses, Ravencroftcrystal.com; Kelly Katie Sashay Sandal, DSW.com; Chanel N°5 Eau de Parfum, Chanel.com.

 

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