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Sure, the country was in a depression, but the Art Deco styles of the
1930s were roaring full steam ahead.
Looking to make you nuptials really swing? Then take a cue from the
styles of the 1930s. Here's what you need to know to throw a hopping
affair reflective of this energetic-and complex-era.
Marriage in the '30s
The 1930s was a troublesome decade in American history. The Great
Depression began to have a dramatic effect on people's lives in 1929, and
Americans escaped their own problems by reading about the lives of the
rich and famous. Ironically enough, Hollywood glamour thrived in the midst
of the hardship, with sexy stars like Jean Harlow and Marlene Dietrich
packing the theaters.
The lore
The Art Deco era emphasized the sleek and modern, and wedding fashion
reflected this style. Receptions during the Depression were small, with
young brides fantasizing about a large affair that only the fabulously
wealthy could afford. After reading about Princess Marina of Greece's
wedding in 1934, many soon-to-be wed wished they too could be "queen
for the day." The glamorous Art Deco bride became a more common sight
as people finally began to have more spending money. Plus, with the repeal
of Prohibition, couples no longer had to worry about having a
"dry" reception.
Doing
it today
Brides today who choose to celebrate with an Art Deco-style affair will
want to go for all-out glamour. Though weddings of the time often took
place in a private home or garden area, a modern bride should look for a
grand ballroom at a hotel or an elaborately decorated supper club. This
gives a Hollywood feel that captures what the people of the time longed
for.
Keep the flowers and decorations in soft, muted pastels, which give a
classic and antique look. As for the menu, a concentration on the finer
things in life will continue that celebrity-wedding aura. Serve plenty of
dainty hors d'oeuvres accompanied by martinis and cosmopolitans. The cake
should still be a classic white tower with your own choice of delicious
filling, but top it with a retro-style cake topper, possibly the same one
your grandparents used.
The music will truly make this event move. In the 1930s, a number of
new dances emerged from the Charleston. Even today, swing dancing is all
the rage, and many young guests, as well as the older ones, will enjoy
grooving to the fast-tempo two-step, the jive, the lindy hop and both East
and West Coast Swing. Just like at a Jazz Age celebration, you might want
to have dancers show your guests some moves (or just put on an exciting
floor show). However, since there are so many different steps, a better
idea is to offer a lesson at a co-ed bridal shower or at the rehearsal
dinner.
There are two distinct styles for wedding gowns from the 1930s. The
first, from the early part of the decade, was slinky and bias-cut and
taken right from the Hollywood starlets. These floor-length gowns tended
to be made of lace, silk and satin with a long train. The second, from the
end of the decade, reflected the newfound prosperity of the nation, with
its Gone With The Wind-style full skirt and lots of ruffles, flounces and
petticoats. The dress you choose is up to you. The large elaborate
bouquets of the time, however, might make a fuller dress seem like
overkill; modern brides must keep a certain balance. A Juliet cap, worn on
the back of the head and attached to the veil with a few sprigs of tiny
flowers, will complete this look, or, in fitting with the "queen for
a day" mystique of the era, wear a rhinestone-studded tiara. As a
last touch, any bride will look lovely making her grand entrance from a
car circa 1930.
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