News & Articles
Vintage Hollywood
5 Jun 2007
Forget the frou frou pomp of the last decade. Vintage Hollywood is setting the hottest trend for weddings – inspired by the elegance of movie stars from the 30s, 40s and 50s.
Think plunging necklines, the swish of a fishtail, sleek hair swept into a chignon and the sultry red pouts of sirens like Marlene Dietrich, Katherine Hepburn and Josephine Baker.
Wedding planner Marisa Welcome says brides are turning to the romance of lace, pearls and feathers to bring to life the glamour of Hollywood’s vintage era.
“We’re seeing a lot of dresses with lace overlays, pleats, veils with lace borders and elegant fascinators detailed with pearls or feathers,” says Marisa.
Bridal gowns are emerging in sophisticated shades that shimmer and dance under lights.
“Brides are looking very romantic – in ivory, blush, champagne and latte, with pewter and dusty rose proving popular for bridesmaids.”
The founder of A Lavish Affair wedding planning says the classic contrast of black and white is also striking a chord, infusing cabaret drama into modern weddings.
“Black and white can work beautifully for Hollywood glamour, with a simple cut and the striking red lipstick. It’s almost a little bit burlesque.”
For accessories, jewel-encrusted hairpieces and feature brooches are catching the eye, with perfumed blooms to carry the mood of romance through the air.
“Brides are moving towards softer, more romantic blooms like peonies, gardenias and freesias or heirloom roses like the Safari or the Julia,” says Marisa.
For the guys, sharp black suits hanker back to the jazz cool of Frank Sinatra, turning boys into men.
“You can’t go past a nice fitted suit with a matching coloured tie – nothing stripy or glary. Just a groom who looks stylish and confident, like he’s stepped off a movie set.”
For opulent reception centres, couples are seeking out grand ballrooms with ornate fittings or cocktail weddings at city hotels with spectacular nightscapes – with ‘gala’ style wedding invitations detailed with art deco flourishes or an emblem. The music is mellow jazz, or party swing – with red carpet arrivals in vintage rides such as Bentleys, Buicks and Jaguar Mark 5s.
Marisa says the vintage revival offers timeless appeal, and a chance for couples to feel like true stars on their wedding day.
“Simple old world elegance is so timeless. You can look back on your photos in twenty years with pride. And you can still be adventurous and take risks with the little things – because the elegance is always in the details.”
