I'm also planning a 1940's wedding and have gotten alot of splendid ideas just surfing the web. But first I did some research on the era. It was very Hollywood and glamour. So my gown is a replica of a starlet's day gown, very liquid sleek, sophisticated, sexy with sholder pads. The veil is very short attached to to a splendid 40's hat that lays low down near an eye, at an angle. Calla lilies were the accepted wedding flower. My centerpieces are really neat (e-mail me and I'll send you a picture). Favors are miniature calla lily candles. I'm also having a crescent moon fashioned to use as a backdrop for pictures (remember seeing those starlets sitting on a half moon looking so sad). I'll be more than happy to send anyone pictures if interested.
Edith, your ideas sound great. I have looked at the two websites you mentioned and it has made me think of things I hadn't previously thought of.
I also am thinking of this theme, but in the uk it is very dificult to create the look I'd like. I am going to keep an eye on this message board and see if I can get some more tips and ideas, to add to my limited ones already.
Hope your plans go well, when is your wedding date?
For those of you who may be considering the glitzy Hollywood era theme for the 1940's, try www.andersonsevents.com or stumps.com or mninternational.com. These companies cater basically to high school proms, but take a look - you may get some great ideas!
Hi:
No pictures. Yet. I've had so many requests though, that I will indeed post when it's over. It's good to get started early - I've changed plans at least 3 times but am really pleased with the results.
Could you send some pictures to me? Also send me any information that would help me get the dress ideas down right. I am stuck between two dresses and am not sure if they would be 1940's or not. Thanks! dallen_lc97@hotmail.com
Saturday's the day! Woo Hoo!
My dress is perfect...perfect 40's, perfect fit, and the hat rather than a veil gives it the Mae West look. My bridesmaid really hates her dress - it's 40's, but she's right, it is odd looking. I finally settled on a simple, but elegant, table setting. I selected calla lilies in a heavy, tall glass vase with bear grass; added some marbles and faux water. Decided to drape black dotted netting around the head table and cake table. Some candles. I tried everything. I trucked all kinds of stuff over to the banquet hall and this looked the best. The banquet hall provided a decorator which really made things easier too - I didn't have to actually do the decorating myself.
I will post some photos when I return from honeymoon.
Hey everybody. If you are still interested - I have selected a few photos. A lot of you had wonderful ideas - I kept everything simple, yet elegant. I went for the glamour. I was married April 29th and we're still getting notes and calls from friends telling us what a great time was had by all.
HI Edith,
I am also planning a 1940's wedding in a hotel here in Portland, OR. It was remodeled in for the Hollywood theme.Any help on flowers for that era. It also has a large screen for old movies or whatever. Any ideas would be appreciated. Table decor? Favors? Would love to see your pics.
The calla lily was the favored flower - now approximately $3.00 a stem. I received many compliments on the simple elegance of my table centerpieces - tall clear vases with faux lilies, bear grass, pink pearly marbles and faux water. People were amazed they weren't the real thing. I then donated all the centerpieces to my high school for the graduation exercise. They looked beautiful and have been stored in plastic for next year. So not only were they relatively inexpensive but I got a tax write-off for the donation.
I contacted a local bridal service and had my bouquet, those of the attendants, and the boutineers made from faux calla lilies. That WAS expensive!
My favors were very diversified. Favors for the women were miniature pewter mirrors with calla lilies around the border and a miniature calla lily candle. For the men, a miniature tape measure with a level on the top and a black satin striped match box with (you guessed it) a calla lily embossed on it with our names. For the little girls - a miniature wedding cake candle and a miniature 1940's style glass shoe and for the little boys, small hand-held toys and 3-D glasses to use with computer games or watching movies. All favors were placed in different colored draw-string bags - gold lame, gold-striped mesh, gray mesh, and colorful paisley swirl mesh. After dinner, we walked around to each guest and gave out a miniature picture frame with 2 photo ovals - one of us as kids and one now (this was the biggest hit)!
If you send me your e-mail address, I can send you the information where I found all this stuff.
Dear Edith: Please send me the photos. I am also using calla lillies for the wedding flowers. I am using the big band era theme and the inside and outside will resemble a Harlem Nightclub. I still would like to see some photos from anyone that may have some. Thanks for the help
Edith,
I am a wedding planner and am planning a 1940's theme for January. Do you have some pictures of your reception including the centerpieces? I would love to see them for inspiration. Lalrn1@aol.com
Thanks so much,
Lori
Hi Edith - I'm also having a 40s theme wedding which will take place on Sept 30, '06. I would love to see your pics of your wedding; would you be so kind and send me your photos. My email is GOjeda1638@aol.com
My theme is a combination of Hollywood Glamour & Zoot Suit/Swing era. I had handmade my invitations & lampshade centerpieces (yet to take pics of them). I had received an abundance of compliments re: my invitations.
I look forward to seeing your photos! Congrats to you on your marriage!!!!!
