Inspirations for a Great Gatsby-Themed Wedding

Photo: Copyright 2012 Trinidad Weddings

“The Great Gatsby” – a book penned by author, F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925, is once again out in a movie version, with its world premier on May 10,  2013.

Previous movie versions were done in 1926, 1949 and 1974. The book has been regarded as  one of the most popular American novels of all time.

It has also been called a landmark novel for the iconic 1920’s era – which was characterized by immense economic boom, parties and all-out decadence.

Bridal fashionistas everywhere are going to be inspired by the sheer glamour that the 1920’s continues to evoke, even up to today.

 

Here are some ideas if you want to have a retro,1920’s wedding:

Gown  and Accessories– the 1920’s were all about creating a long and lean silhouette on women, so dropped waist dresses were in style. You can also opt for dresses with illusion (sheer) necklines, many layers of fringe, tiers, pleats or heavy beading.

Accessories can include: jeweled sashes, beaded clutches, Mary-Jane and T-strapped styled shoes, layers of pearls, bridal headbands or fascinators, bands worn across the forehead, cloche (close-fitting) hats and any accessories featuring: ostrich feathers, glitter, sequins and crystals.

Groomswear – Single-breasted, neutral-coloured suits would suit Gatsby-inspired grooms well; as would, bow ties and ties, fedora hats, waistcoats and spectator shoes. Pin-striped suits were also popular for men during the 1920’s.

Bar choices – If you’re going with this theme, your bar is going to be one of the main focal points. This is because the 1920’s were also known as the time of Prohibition in the USA - when alcohol was banned nation-wide. What cropped up, were “speakeasies,” – establishments that sold liquor illegally. In the book, the “mint julep” is Jay Gatsby's famous drink of choice. Other good beverage options that would work well with this theme would be champagne and gin-based cocktails.

Cakes and décor design – Gatsby-inspired weddings will feature the Art Deco design style, which encompasses  bold, geometric shapes and lines (which were often repetitive.) Designs such as: the sunburst pattern and chevron (a zig-zag repetitive pattern) were also trendy during the 1920’s.  Gold, black and white are colours that would suit a Gatsby-inspired wedding well.

Music - Fitzgerald coined the term the “Jazz Age” for the 1920’s, so of course, having some light jazz played will be sure to enhance your theme.  Live performers were also popular

during the 1920’s; for a modern day option you could have a saxophonist or a small band.

 

FOR MORE GREAT GATSBY INSPIRATION, VISIT OUR BOARD ON PINTEREST:  
http://pinterest.com/trinidadwedding/great-gatsby-inspired/

 

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Mint Julep Cocktail
1. Fill a tall glass or silver tumbler with crushed ice
2. Put 2 sprigs of fresh mint in another glass
3. Add 1/4 oz. of water
4. Add 1 tsp. sugar
5. Muddle ingredients well
6. Add 3 oz. of bourbon
7. Stir gently, but thoroughly
8. Strain into glass with crushed ice
9. Garnish with fresh sprigs of mint

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A Groom’s Ring Guide

From classic to the dramatic! Tastes in engagement rings span a wide spectrum of choices. So it’s easy to see why a groom can become slightly overwhelmed.

Some couples prefer to go ring shopping together. This is particularly so if the bride is very specific on her likes and dislikes. However, if this is a solo job for the groom-to-be, it means having to do some research on her preferences for diamond cut, gemstone colour, diamond size, ring settings and type of metal (gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum etc.)

Here are some tips when choosing an engagement ring:

1.  Setting your budget – The majority of grooms spend about 10-15% of their annual income on the engagement ring. Of course, this varies, but it is important to have a price range in mind before you venture out ring shopping.

2.   Use her existing ring styles as a starting point – This can clue you in on her style; for example, some brides feel it may be better to be demure and understated with their jewellery choices, others feel quite the opposite! Observe whether her rings are more simple or more ornate or whether they are more antique or more modern.

3.  Know her ring size– The last thing you would want to happen is to try to propose with a ring that just won’t fit her finger! It is much better to err on the side of the ring being a bit larger, since then, it is easier to re-size. A good tip is to place one of her rings on your pinky finger and make a mental note of where it stops or if you can manage it, without her seeing, trace the inside of one of her rings on paper.

4.  Research what diamond cut she prefers – Modern brides have many choices in terms of diamond cuts. The most popular one is the traditional round cut (circular diamond). However, others are also gaining in popularity such as the “emerald” cut (rectangular), the “princess” cut (square-shaped), the “marquise” (which looks like a teardrop that is pointy on both ends) and the “pear” (teardrop). |

5.  Colour – Clear diamonds are the favourite of the majority of women. However, some more unconventional ladies may not mind a coloured gemstone at all. Popular colours now are pink and yellow diamonds and even sapphires, after the fashion of the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton’s ring.

6.  Find out the store’s policy – Be sure to ask the jeweler about the policy on returns and refunds and also about repairs, adjustments and diamond upgrades.

For more articles & tips, join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/trinidadweddings or visit our website http://www.trinidadweddings.com

 

 

TrinidadWeddings.com...giving a voice to "solopreneurs"

One thing I’ve learned about being in the wedding industry in Trinidad and Tobago, is that in the majority, the industry consists of small to medium-sized operators or vendors; and of the small ones, there are micro-operators.

These “solopreneurs” are the ones who have taken their love of decorating, consulting and creating and made their hobbies into sideline businesses.

When I started TrinidadWeddings.com in mid-2004, one of the visions was to create a “voice” or “platform” for those very solopreneurs – the people who would never be found in their amazing niches if it wasn’t for the internet and the TW Wed-Zine magazine.

Eight years later, we are more than ever committed to finding avenues where buyers can “support local” and where our advertised vendors can get maximum value.

This is why we will be partnering with Eventuality Limited for The Ultimate Epicurean and Boutique Market on October 27 at the Crown Plaza’s Ballroom.

It’s the first installment of markets for the Holiday season and is designed to facilitate independent vendors or independent business owners who need additional opportunities to market their services through in-house promotions and on screen advertising.

Andrea Coutain, Event Developer for Eventuality Lifestyle Events says “This event is different from the other “markets” as a vendor gets more than a table; vendors are given event marketing support leading up to the event and product marketing support at the event.”

 
There will be fantastic products and sampling from the Sweet and Savory section, make-up demonstrations and products in the Wellness and Beauty section. Customers can try on fashion clothing and accessories in the Jewelry and Apparel section and get home essentials at the Home, Art and Décor section.

TrinidadWeddings.com will be there to offer advice to brides-to-be and to offer a selection of top-quality bridal jewellery, hair ornaments and sashes. TW Wed-Zine magazines and bridal emergency kits will also be on sale.

Entertainment will be provided by Peter Louis of the band Zandolee and Random Rewards to customers throughout the day.

The Ultimate Epicurean and Boutique Market is supported by TrinidadWeddings.com, Heartbeat 103.5FM – Radio for Women, Gourmet Market by XE, AVit Support and First Batch Gourmet Cookies – Homemade from Scratch.

Admission is free of charge to the public, so I hope to see you there!

For more information on this event or future events check:www.facebook.com/theultimateepicureanandboutiquemarket or email at info@eventualityltd.com

The Be-jewelled Bride

From classic to the dramatic! Tastes in bridal jewellery span a wide spectrum of choices. Some brides feel it may be better to be demure and understated with their jewellery choices, others feel quite the opposite.

These are the brides that won’t shy away from “glam-ing” it up with a statement necklace, a bold pair of earrings, a glamourous cocktail ring or a show-stopping bracelet. Ideally, your jewellery should accentuate your best features like your eyes, cheekbones, décolletage, neck and hair.


The only word of caution is to be careful not to over-accessorise, so that your natural beauty and gown can bask in the limelight and not your baubles and bangles!


Here are some tips when choosing your bridal jewellery:


1. Use the embellishments on your dress as the starting point – for example, if your gown is adorned with crystals, pearls, silver or gold embroidery; your jewellery could reflect those accents.


2. Know what metal types will complement your dress – Some fashion experts recommend that brides who wear “bright white” gowns should stay away from gold wedding jewellery and should choose platinum, silver hues or pearls instead. They also claim that off-white gowns match well with gold or silver wedding jewellery, as well as rose-gold. Gowns in shades of ivory tend to look best with gold jewellery.


3. Match your jewellery with your personality – If you’re a traditional or classic bride, jewellery encrusted with pearls, crystals, diamonds and cubic zirconia are all excellent choices. If you veer more to the unconventional, you can try Marcasite jewellery, coloured gemstones, or pearls in shades of blue-grey, black, cocoa, pink, peach or lavender. If you love medieval-inspired looks, you can even try “browbands” which are romantic and worn across the forehead, reminiscent of medieval princesses.


4. Match your necklace to the neck-line of your dress – V-neck dresses lend themselves well to Y-drop necklaces, lariat-style necklaces or necklaces with a drop pendant. Halter dresses do not necessarily have to have a necklace but brides can opt for elegant earrings and a bracelet instead. Sweet-heart necklines can follow the same rule as for halter dresses or a choker or pendant necklace can be worn.

Asymmetric or cold-shoulder necklines usually do not require a necklace either, since this can sometimes be distracting and take away from the cut of the gown. Round necklines tend to go well with round necklaces or chokers.


5. Selecting your headpiece – if your gown is very ornate, it may be best to go with an understated headpiece; however, if your dress is simple, you can use a more eye-catching headpiece such as a jewelled or beaded tiara or even a jewelled bun-wrap.

Return to: http://www.trinidadweddings.com

Hot Bridal Accessories for 2010

Bridal jewellery will be bolder this year! Perhaps this reflects the new wave of brides who want to personalise their look or simply just be unique; by incorporating traditional elegance with their own modern flair.


Here is the “glam list” for this year:


Bold Colour – Modern brides are now exploring coloured gemstones and crystals instead of the traditional clear crystals, diamonds and pearls. Some brides are even opting to match their jewellery with the colour of their bridesmaids’ dresses, for example sets in sapphire, turquoise, onyx, ruby and emerald. Some brides even choose to match jewellery to their shoes, if they have chosen to wear a coloured shoe!


A new spin on classic pearls – Brides who love pearls are now going a fresher route and choosing pearls in lovely blush colours, black, grey or even cocoa-coloured.


Statement Necklaces – Stylish “bib” necklaces are all the rage this year or for those who think those are too daring – long, layered necklaces or chunky “torsade” necklaces (multiple strands of pearls or beads, twisted and held together with a clasp) can also be just as dramatic. These types of necklaces are best for simpler wedding gowns and also work especially well for sleek strapless-styled dresses.


Wrist Wear- There is still the trend of statement cuffs (filigree, studded or solid) as well as stacks of varied bangles, for example pearl bangles interspersed with diamond or rhinestone bangles. Bracelets featuring a single dangling charm are also in vogue.


Earrings – Chandelier and shoulder sweeping earrings are still “in,” particularly those that are in the art deco style.


Finger candy – apart from the engagement ring, trendy brides are now wearing cocktail rings, which feature large real or faux gemstones.


Head Gear - The shorter, face framing “bird cage veil” will be all the rage this year. Pill-box hats were seen on Oscar de la Renta’s runway and various types of hats were also used by Carolina Herrera. Ribbon headbands or headbands that incorporate plumes and crystals will also be popular. Daring brides can even opt for mini top hats!


Gloves - Short gloves, especially in black, will also make a come-back this year.


Eco-friendly jewellery – There is now greater interest from brides about jewellery that is ethically-mined, recycled or hand-crafted.

For 2010 Bridal Fashion Trends, click here ( *you must be a member of the TW site to view, registering is super easy and takes a few seconds! Click on the link for instructions on how): http://www.trinidadweddings.com/Planning/Fashion/BridalFashion2010/tabid/235/Default.aspx

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