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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Bridal Gown Trends for 2011

2011 is beginning to seem like the year for fashionista brides – from the Royal wedding of Kate Middleton, to the weddings of: model Kate Moss, American actress Reese Witherspoon, British songstress Lily Allen and on August 20^th, American reality-TV star Kim Kardashian, in her stunning Vera Wang creation.

Here’s what’s trending in bridal collections this year:

Texture – gowns will be adorned with fabric flowers and petals, dramatic ruffles, accordion pleating and tiers. The Royal Wedding has also seemed to cause a resurgence of lace and wedding gowns featuring sleeves but in a more modern way; for example, with the use of non-traditional lace patterns, lace as an overlay over coloured fabric or with the strategic placement of lace appliqués to create “illusion” necklines or sleeves. Apart from lace, we are seeing more use of sequins, pleated tulle and metallic embroidery. The layering of fabrics is also popular this year, with many dresses featuring shimmer fabric or satin, under tulle or lace.

Colour – Reese Witherspoon got married this year in a blush-pink Monique L’huillier gown and Kate Moss’ vintage-styled John Galliano gown had accents of gold on the skirt. This year, rosy-hued dresses will be popular as well as pale gold, nude, café or latte-coloured gowns. Dresses will also continue to feature black accents, particularly in the form of sashes, rosettes, cummerbunds and touches of black lace.

Style - Strapless gowns are still “in” but have become more swoon-worthy with sheer or illusion necklines or back views, some which are particularly vintage in style; quite reminiscent of the 1920’s.

The ball gown is also back, featuring voluminous tulle skirts or skirts that seem floaty. layered and ethereal. Corseted bodices are also all the rage for brides who want a more figure-hugging look. Minis and tea-length gowns have also been seen this year. They are perfect for outdoor weddings or for brides who prefer a second dress for partying in, at the reception! Asymmetric, halter and cold-shoulder necklines, which were widely seen in 2010’s bridal collections, continue to be trendy this year; along with popular silhouettes such as the trumpet skirt and the mermaid gowns. Many designers are also featuring tiered and ruffled skirts, this year.

Accents – bodices or sashes encrusted with pearls, sequins, semi-precious stones and crystals that lend an extravagant, estate jewellery feel, are quite “on trend” at the moment. As in 2010, floral underlays and nature-inspired motifs have continued in popularity this year.