Gatsby has inspired party-goers for generations now, especially with the newest generation of movies, interactive plays, and NYE-themed nights. It’s the perfect style for any time of the year for your wedding, but it’s an exceptionally thoughtful option for winter weddings, as the luxe gold, black, and glam lend perfectly to lavish interiors.
While a Gatsby-themed wedding has the potential to be absolutely stunning, it also runs the risk of coming across a bit costume-y, in the sense that Gatsby is a popular party theme, and the prevalence of the movies means you may accidentally run into something that feels more like a themed event than your special day.
The good news is that you’re in the right place. Here’s how to tastefully and creatively host a Gatsby-themed wedding while keeping the event 100% you:
Choose a Vintage (or Vintage-Inspired) Dress
If you want to stand out and feel like you belong amongst Hollywood’s golden era, then you need to go for either an authentic vintage or a vintage-inspired dress. The glamorous Hollywood look will often be marketed as 1920s or 1930s, so start your search there and focus on striking satins, jeweled details, or lace to truly embody the Gatsby luxury.
Have Your Guests Dress in the 1930s
One of the easiest ways to avoid the costume problem is to tell your guests the inspiration is the 1930s, not the 1920s. The 1930s were characterized by long, beautiful gowns rather than the flapper dress. Think of the 1930s as the 1920s’ luxurious older sister. She’s perfect to emulate for that gorgeous, striking Gatsby-inspired wedding that doesn’t look like a costume event.
Choose a Striking Venue that Fits the Bill
One of the best and most effective ways to plan a Gatsby-themed wedding is to book wedding venues that exude the stunning glamour of the 1920s. A great venue that looks the part means you can spend less time and effort trying to dress it up, and, since it’s part of that old-world high society, you’re already halfway there to enjoying your own roaring 20s wedding.
Look for venues that offer high gilded or even painted ceilings, drop-down chandeliers, statement staircases, and velvet drapes to fit the bill. You’ll find these venues in older properties, so narrow down your search to buildings 100+ years old, and you’ll find that stunning, luxury detailing that’s essential for planning a Gatsby-themed wedding.
Choose Gold and Glitter Details
Another easy and timeless way to further decorate your venue is to choose gold or glitter details. Details are the keyword here. Art-deco-inspired gold candlestick centerpieces can bring that old-world design into your décor without it looking gaudy.
Choose the Right Music
You can absolutely have hit or modern music, but if you really want the space to feel like a Gatsby event, then you’ll want to stick with swing music. The good news, however, is that there are so many bands that cover modern songs with that vintage feel, so your guests can sing along in this glamorous world you’ve designed for your big day.
Rent a Vintage Car
Finally, ride from your wedding ceremony to your reception or from your reception to your honeymoon in style by either renting a vintage car or opting for a more traditional choice, such as a horse and carriage. There are companies and even drivers that offer services in vintage vehicles, providing a luxury experience.
