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25 Old Hollywood Wedding Ideas to Help You Step Back in Time

September 9, 2024 | riley
old hollywood wedding ideas hero

Image by Carl Heyerdahl

More and more couples are looking to host timeless celebrations that will never go out of style–think looking at your wedding photos 20 years later and still loving every detail. That’s why the Old Hollywood theme has become so popular over the past year or so. With glamorous touches that are all about luxury, elegance, and a touch of drama, this celebration will wow your guests from the minute they arrive. So, if you’re thinking about hosting an old-fashioned soiree, we’re breaking down 25 ideas that will help your guests step back in time.

25 Old Hollywood Wedding Ideas

1. Vintage Invitations

Your invitations are the first glimpse guests will have of your wedding, so it’s the perfect time to incorporate your theme. Opt for invitations that evoke the era with Art Deco patterns, elegant fonts, and luxurious materials like foil-stamped paper or vellum overlays. To go the extra mile, consider including RSVP cards styled as movie tickets or vintage postcards, complete with black-and-white illustrations of your venue or a glamorous portrait of you and your partner.

Shop Invitations: Vintage Art Nouveau Wedding Invitation Template; 2. Old Money Wedding Invitation Suite; 3. Editable Black Wavy Wedding Invitation Template; 4. Retro Wedding Invitation Template

2. Glamorous Venue

When you’re searching for your venue, look for locations with historical significance, art deco architecture, or opulent interiors that evoke the glamour of the 1920s to 1950s. Historic theaters, old mansions, and grand ballrooms with crystal chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and marble floors are all perfect choices. Of course, you can always bring decor in if the venue doesn’t check those boxes. However, the more your venue has, the less you’ll spend on rentals.

Recommended Reading: Questions to Ask Wedding Venues Before Booking

3. Monochrome Color Scheme

A black-and-white color palette is the definition of timeless. To keep things dynamic, include textures like velvet, satin, and lace. For example, black tablecloths paired with white floral arrangements and gold or silver flatware can create an elegant tablescape. You can also incorporate subtle accents of metallics, shades of red, or even blush pinks to soften the overall look while maintaining the theme’s sophistication.

4. Marquee Signage

Nothing says “Hollywood” like your name in lights. Create custom marquee-style signage to display outside your venue, at the entrance to your reception, or as a focal point behind the sweetheart table. You could even go so far as to replicate the look of a classic movie theater marquee, complete with changeable letters to spell out your names, wedding date, or a romantic message.

5. Vintage Decor

Incorporate elements of old Hollywood into your décor by using vintage film reels, cameras, clapperboards, records, old hotel keys, etc. These can be used as centerpieces, displayed on escort card tables, or even integrated into your ceremony décor. You might also consider incorporating black-and-white movie stills or posters from your favorite classic films into your décor.

avalon wedding ceremony

Image by Amanda K Photography via Pinterest

6. Tents

We know what you’re probably thinking. How are tents Old Hollywood? They’re common at every wedding and make for a great weather backup in case you’re tying the knot somewhere where there’s a high chance of rain or snow. However, there’s something about including tents and umbrellas that feels extremely timeless. They were very common in the 50s and 60s around the pool, which is why they’re perfect when trying to recreate these decades.

7. Hollywood Glam Bridal Attire

Channel your inner starlet with a wedding dress that reflects the glamour of the era. Look for gowns with luxurious fabrics like satin, silk, or lace, and details such as intricate beading, sequins, or feather accents. If there’s a gown that you have your eye on that is not necessarily as retro as you’d like, you can opt for a reception dress that acts as a nod to the decades. Don’t forget to include classic touches like a veil, gloves, and drop earrings.

Shop reception dresses:

8. Tuxedo with a Classic Twist

For those looking to wear a suit, nothing says Old Hollywood like a classic tuxedo. Opt for a black tux with a bow tie for a timeless look, or consider a white dinner or double-breasted jacket for a more distinguished look. 

9. Red Lipstick and Pin Curls

When it comes to beauty, a bold red lip is a great place to start. Paired with winged eyeliner and a flawless complexion, you can channel the glamour of stars like Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth. Hairstyles should also reflect the era—think polished pin curls, sleek finger waves, or glamorous updos adorned with sparkling hairpins or vintage combs. 

old hollywood wedding flat lay

Image by Rachel Rowland

10. Incorporate Pearls

Nothing embodies timelessness quite like pearls. Whether adorning your bridal gown, accessorizing your bridal party, or enhancing your décor, pearls bring a touch of vintage glamour to any wedding. Think classic pearl necklaces and delicate earrings. You can also include the stone in your decor.

Shop pearl accessories:

11. Cigarette Girls

Cigarette girls were a staple of nightclubs and theaters during the golden age of Hollywood. For a fun and interactive element at your wedding, hire actors or entertainers to dress as cigarette girls, complete with vintage uniforms and trays. Instead of cigarettes, they can offer guests cigars, candy, or even mini bottles of champagne. This adds a touch of authenticity to your theme and provides guests with a unique experience they’ll remember.

12. Cigar Bar

If you’re not into including cigarette girls, you can still include a cigar bar. Picture your guests enjoying a fine cigar paired with a glass of whiskey or a vintage cocktail. With vintage cigar boxes, custom labels, and plush seating, a cigar bar becomes more than just a feature—it’s an entertainment moment that your guests won’t be able to stop talking about.

champagne tower wedding portrait

Image by Andrew Bayda

13. Champagne Tower

A champagne tower has become a wedding staple. During the reception, pour champagne from the top glass, letting it cascade down the tower to fill the glasses below, making for the perfect photo opportunity.

14. Vintage Getaway Car

Make your exit as glamorous as your entrance by leaving in a vintage car. Classic models like a Rolls Royce, Bentley, or Cadillac are ideal for the theme, although you really can’t go wrong. Decorate the car with a “Just Married” sign and vintage-style cans tied to the bumper to really complete the look.

15. Old Hollywood Music

Music plays a crucial role in setting the mood for your wedding. A live jazz band or big band orchestra can transport your guests back to the golden age. For the ceremony, consider walking down the aisle to an instrumental version of a classic love song from the era. During cocktail hour or your dinner, create a playlist that includes the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat King Cole to keep the vibe elegant and nostalgic.

black tie old hollywood wedding

Image by Stephanie M. Photo via Pinterest

16. Black Tie Dress Code

Encourage your guests to dress the part by setting a black-tie dress code. This not only adds to the overall ambiance of your wedding but also ensures that everyone looks their best. If you want to take it a step further, give them an assigned color (i.e., all black or red), to create a stunning, cohesive look. Just be sure to let them know ahead of time via your invites or website!

Recommended Reading: How to Address a Wedding Dress Code

17. Dramatic Lighting

Lighting is key to creating a cinematic atmosphere at your wedding. Soft, romantic lighting can be achieved with chandeliers, uplighting, and an abundance of candles. Consider using gold or amber lighting to cast a warm, flattering glow over your venue, or add a bit of drama with spotlights highlighting key areas like the dance floor or sweetheart table. 

18. Checkered Dance Floor

This iconic black-and-white design will instantly make your guests think of the glamorous ballrooms back in the day. The bold contrast of the checkered pattern is not only stunning (and makes for incredible photos) but also sets the stage for an unforgettable night of dancing. 

wedding photo booth

Image by Melody Joy via Pinterest

19. Vintage Photo Booth

A photo booth with a vintage twist is a must-have. Set up a booth with a black-and-white camera to capture the glamour of the era. Provide props like fedoras, feather boas, faux cigars, and vintage props for guests to pose with. These photos are fun keepsakes for your guests and a unique addition to your wedding album.

20. Typewriter Guest Book

This charming detail allows your guests to type out their well wishes and advice on an antique typewriter, creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake filled with heartfelt messages. Display the typewriter on a vintage desk with rolls of parchment or custom stationery, and let your guests type their hearts out.

21. Vintage Post Cards as a Guest Book Alternative

Whether featuring classic movie posters, iconic landmarks in the city where you’re tying the knot, or star-studded scenes, each postcard adds a touch of nostalgia to your big day. This unique guest book idea not only ties in perfectly with your theme but also leaves you with a cherished memento that you’ll love looking back on. This one does require a little more planning but hit up your local thrift or antique stores to collect them throughout the months leading up to your wedding.

22. Retro Signature Cocktails

Drinks like martinis, Manhattans, and Old Fashioneds are the perfect beverages to offer to your guests if you want to tie the theme into your food and drinks. For a personal touch, create a signature cocktail that reflects your personality or love story, and name it after something special to the two of you. To finish it off, display the cocktail menu in an art deco frame or on a marquee-style sign for added flair.

23. Vintage Inspired Glassware

We know that serving drinks in glassware isn’t practical for every wedding, but if you’re hosting a small celebration, consider serving drinks in vintage-inspired glassware–even if it’s just champagne toast in coupes. Serve your signature cocktails or bubbly in glassware that sparkles under the glow of chandeliers, enhancing the nostalgic atmosphere of your celebration.

24. Vintage Wedding Cake

When it comes to your wedding cake, go vintage with intricate lace-like piping, art deco patterns, and classic white-on-white designs. Opt for tiers adorned with pearls, delicate sugar flowers, or gilded accents that sparkle. 

25. Hollywood Ending

End your wedding with a grand finale worthy of the silver screen. If your venue allows, a fireworks display can provide a breathtaking conclusion to your celebration, leaving your guests with memories of a wedding that felt like a scene from a classic Hollywood movie. 

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This Colorful Post Office Hotel Wedding Blended Egyptian and Australian Cultures

September 8, 2024 | justine

Marina and Grant’s Post Office Hotel wedding was a vibrant blend of their Egyptian and Australian heritages. They envisioned a celebration that combined tradition with modern flair, crafting a lively and colorful atmosphere for their guests. By honoring their diverse backgrounds and bringing their families together, they created an event that seamlessly fused cultural elements, resulting in a truly unforgettable day where everyone came together as one.

The day began with a beautiful church ceremony featuring a traditional Coptic crowning that honored Marina’s cultural heritage. This reverent start was perfectly balanced by a festive reception that let the couple’s personalities shine. They transformed the hotel’s dining hall into a colorful wonderland, with bright flowers on the tables and a striking streamer installation filling the ceiling. The result was a playful atmosphere that set the tone for an unforgettable celebration.

If you’re looking to add some vibrant personality to your big day, this wedding is just what you need for inspiration. Nikki McCrone captured every moment perfectly, making sure the lively and fun vibe of the day really shone through.

The Couple:

Marina and Grant

The Wedding:

Post Office Hotel, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

 

 

Creating an Intimate and Relaxed Atmosphere at Their Post Office Hotel Wedding

We wanted a fun venue where people could relax and enjoy the party. The Post Office Hotel was the perfect location because it offered great indoor and outdoor spaces while still feeling intimate enough to keep our guests close. It’s a beautiful building that doesn’t need many decorations. We love plants, and the Postie is full of them. It also suited our day’s plan perfectly—it was close to our church and had a front bar where our guests could gather and catch up before the reception officially got underway.

Thoughtful Details That Made Their Guests Feel Special

The personalized details we created for our guests came together beautifully. The place cards were small chocolate bars with customized wrappers that we designed ourselves. Each wrapper featured our guest’s name along with a little in-joke, pun, or memory we shared with them. We just wanted to put a smile on their faces, and it got people talking when they found their tables. We also provided a flier at the church explaining our ceremony’s traditional details and meanings. We wanted everyone, especially those unfamiliar with the church, to understand, appreciate, and feel involved in the ceremony. Other personalized touches included our welcome sign, which featured artwork of a matchbox because we met on Tinder, our seating chart with a lyric from our favorite band, and small cards with a QR code linking guests to a digital disposable camera app we set up so they could take and share photos. These small details really made the wedding feel like “ours.”

The Benefits of Collaboration and Organization in Wedding Planning

Planning a wedding while managing everyday life can be challenging, so we found using a very visual to-do list incredibly helpful. Our house had a large poster frame where we used sticky notes to track each task. We organized the notes into columns for things we needed to “decide on,” “book or organize,” “buy,” and “make.” It’s incredible how many small details pop up during wedding planning—whether you think of them at random times or they come up in conversations. Having a central place to jot down these tasks allowed us to use our planning time more effectively. Our other key advice is to plan your wedding together. You want the day to reflect you as a couple, so both partners should have a say in the details. It’s fun and ensures one person isn’t shouldering the load alone. Also, creating a shared email address for all wedding contacts was a lifesaver.

How They Adjusted Their Post Office Hotel Wedding Budget Without Compromising on Essentials

At the start of our planning, we discussed our budget and, fortunately, aligned closely on what we thought was reasonable. With the cost-of-living crisis impacting our planning, we had to make slight adjustments, which we had anticipated. Instead of cutting anything, we focused on finding ways to save money. Neither of us was interested in cars, so we skipped the limousine or classic car and opted for a spacious van that accommodated our entire bridal party. We also saved by designing our stationery and signage ourselves, a task we both enjoy. Additionally, we chose the POV disposable camera app as a more affordable and convenient alternative to physical disposable cameras. While we didn’t splurge on anything, we carefully organized our budget to ensure we could afford the photographer and videographer we wanted and prioritize food and drink.

Setting the Tone for Their Fun-Filled Reception with Middle Eastern Drummers

One moment we kept talking about after our wedding was our entrance to the reception, which flowed seamlessly into our first dance. We kicked things off with a performance by traditional Middle Eastern drummers. To blend our Egyptian and Australian cultures, we arranged for the drummers and band to do a bespoke performance of “Are You Gonna Be My Girl?” by Jet, which then transitioned into the traditional entry music. We had all our guests surround the dance floor to take in the performance, and our bridal party made a group entry rather than walking in pairs. This meant that when we entered, we were immediately surrounded by all our guests. They were also able to join us on the dance floor for our first dance with the drummers, which really helped kick off the night with a lot of energy. The whole thing lasted about 40 minutes! So many people came up to us afterward, telling us how loud, fun, and different it was. It was extraordinary to share that moment with everyone, setting the perfect tone for the fun reception we wanted.

Making Their Wedding an Extension of Their Big, Loud Families From Cocktails and Props to Late-Night Snacks

We wanted our wedding to truly reflect who we are as a couple and the vibrant nature of our families. Our families are big, loud, and welcoming, so we aimed for our wedding to be an extension of that spirit. We focused on elements that would enhance our guests’ enjoyment of the day—personal touches, dance floor props, and a selection of cocktails on arrival, including some virgin mixes for our pregnant friends. Since we love food and our families do, too, we made sure there was plenty of it. This included a sweet treat after the ceremony, extra meat and jugs of gravy with the main meals, three wedding cakes, and a sneaky late-night snack of chips and gravy on the dance floor.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Nikki McCrone
Event Planning –
Venue – Post Office Hotel
Floral Design – Urban Antidote
Wedding Morning Catering – Chef Victoria
Cake – Sweets by Sue
DJ – DJ Danny Farah
Videography – Ruby O’Dowd
Wedding Dress – Evie Young
Groom’s Apparel – Politix

 

Congratulations to Marina and Grant on their colorful Post Office Hotel wedding, which beautifully blended Egyptian and Australian cultures. A special thank you to Nikki McCrone for capturing every beautiful detail and memorable moment that this couple will cherish for the rest of their lives.

Combining tradition with personal touches is the key to making your wedding truly your own. By thoughtfully integrating elements that reflect your heritage and unique style, you create a meaningful and memorable celebration. If you’re looking for more inspiration on how to blend these aspects seamlessly, check out our guide for creative ideas and practical tips.

 

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Warm Desert Chic Fall Korakia Wedding

September 5, 2024 | kailey

Eleni and Daniel wanted their wedding to be anything but ordinary; they aimed for a celebration of everything they loved. With the venue and November’s ambiance setting the stage, they embraced a moody color scheme and a desert-chic style. Every detail was carefully planned, from the dark florals and candles to the unique decor and furniture, all coming together to make their Korakia wedding vision a reality.

They couldn’t have chosen a more perfect setting for their big day than the historic 1920s Moroccan hideaway. Surrounded by lush gardens, a serene fountain, and a Moorish archway serving as their altar, the courtyard offered a stunning backdrop for their vows. After the ceremony, they moved poolside for the reception, where guests were welcomed by beautiful tables adorned with lush floral arrangements and Edison bulb chandeliers hanging above each one. The setup seamlessly blended with the natural surroundings, adding to the enchantment of the event.

If you love the desert landscape and moody, sensual tones, then this is the perfect inspiration for you. Luckily, Let’s Frolic Together captured every detail and moment so you can swoon over it and pin it to your mood board.

The Couple:

Eleni and Daniel

The Wedding:

Korakia, Palm Springs, California, United States 

Incorporating Personal Style into Their Big Day

I saw the Berta dress of my dreams, and nothing even came close. Everything was planned around the dress. I knew I wanted boots to bring in that desert vibe, and I came across these white Chanel boots that completed the look. Dan’s suit was timeless, and the accessories were special to him, making the look different from a typical wedding look. We both love fashion, and our styles came together for this day.

Two Highlights of Their Korakia Wedding: The Emotional First Look and a Cozy Retreat

We have two memorable moments. The first look was incredible; after postponing our wedding four times due to the pandemic and restrictions, it was the moment when everything finally felt real and exciting, like “we made it.” We were both so happy to see each other that we each got teary-eyed. Another special moment was before the first dance when we sneaked back to our room to share a cocktail and some small bites. We highly recommend this private moment amidst the exciting chaos of the day.

Keeping It Short and Sweet with a 20-minute Ceremony That Wowed

We wrote our own vows from scratch, and our officiant made his part truly unique to us by incorporating our families, dogs, and friends—it was incredibly special. We also knew that no one wanted to sit through a long ceremony, so we kept it to 20 minutes, which was the perfect length.

How Clear Communication with Loved Ones Can Simplify Wedding Planning

Set expectations with family and friends from the start. Share your goals for the day, where you’d like them to be involved, and where you’d prefer them to take a backseat. Doing this from the beginning ensured a drama-free planning process and allowed us to focus on what we wanted rather than what was expected.

Celebrating Their Korakia Wedding Their Way with Every Small Touch

We’re proud that we truly made the day our own. Having attended weddings that felt very traditional, we knew that wasn’t the right path for us. Despite family questioning many of our choices around decor, music, and more, we embraced our vision. The amazing thing about Korakia was that we worked with every vendor to perfect even the smallest details. We handpicked every element, from the music and food to the drinks, decor, and even the utensils. It may sound trivial, but each tiny detail came together perfectly to realize our vision. When we walked into the reception, it was exactly what we wanted. Our photographer even captured guests with their mouths dropped open at the sight of our celebration.

Palm Springs Charm and the Unique Appeal of Korakia

My husband and I love Palm Springs for its retro aesthetic, friendly locals, and beautiful homes—it’s such a cool place. Korakia Pensione was the first location on our list, and we put down the deposit within hours of seeing it. It’s such a special place; you’re transported out of California and into a Mediterranean locale. I didn’t get that “feeling” from any other venue.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Let’s Frolic Together
Event Planning – The Walk Down the Aisle
Ceremony + Reception Venue – Korakia
Floral Design – Layered Vintage
Catering – F10 Creative
Officiant – Randy Lioz
DJ – Dart Collective
Invitation Design – Wildhouse Ink
Wedding Dress – L’Fay Bridal
Bridal Accessories – Cartier + Chanel
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Baltic Born
Groom’s Apparel – The Kooples
Rings – Kristin Coffin + Cartier
Rentals – Signature Party Rentals + Planks & Patina + Archive Rentals

 

Congratulations to Eleni and Daniel on their warm, desert-chic fall Korakia wedding. A special thank you goes out to Let’s Frolic Together for capturing all the special memories and stunning elements that this couple will cherish for the rest of their lives. 

This wedding beautifully demonstrates how the location and tones can set the tone and bring everything together. If you’re starting to plan your big day and need more ideas, visit our venue and color palette guides to build a solid foundation for the wedding of your dreams.

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