1920s wedding themes outshine every other decade. Look: It’s no coincidence that couples rarely plan 80s or 50s-themed weddings. The 1920s were as glamorous (and romantic) as all the movies and books make it seem. It was the decade of change, new beginnings, and first times.
There was so much to celebrate in America during what they call “The Roaring Twenties.” The first radio and telephone brought the world closer to home, connecting friends and family better than ever before. In 1920, the last American troops returned home from Europe after World War I, and the Nineteenth Amendment was passed, giving women the right to vote.
This ultra-glam era, embodied in the renowned novel The Great Gatsby, represents a lavish lifestyle and the will to reinvent oneself. Fashion took daring risks. Construction boomed. And parties, especially, became livelier than ever before.
The 1920s were as glamorous (and romantic) as all the movies and books make it seem.”
Here at PartySlate, we’re optimistic about the new year. Like the 1920s, 2021 is a year to reinvent ourselves (and the decade — which got off to a very bumpy start).
We’ve curated a list of 16 essential tips on how to plan an epic Great Gatsby theme wedding that will make your special day an unforgettable celebration. Below, you’ll find all the details necessary for a lavish Gatsby wedding. From Art Deco dance floors and flashy entertainment to intrinsic light shows and a luxuriance of feather centerpieces, we know all the ways to capture the most glamorous 1920s wedding themes.
1. Choose a Venue with Vintage Flair for a Great Gatsby Wedding
Nothing suggests a Great Gatsby wedding theme like a vintage-styled hotel reception. If you want your guests to feel as if they’ve traveled back in time, find a venue that is both jazzy and elegant.
Selecting a venue with vintage flair and antique ambiance will set the stage for all 1920s wedding themes. Abstract flooring, candlelight, antique-like drapery, and walls covered in intrinsic designs will make guests forget that they’re living in 2021.
photographer: Cattura Weddings | reception venue: Embassy
RELATED: 20 Great Gatsby Party Themes & Ideas That Will Take You Back in Time
2. Go for the Gold With 1920s Wedding Themes
The use of gold represents the lavish lifestyle many partook in during The Roaring Twenties. Gold décor was at the center of every celebration in the 1920s, and it was undoubtedly at the center of this Great Gatsby wedding. Click to see how this wedding boldly incorporated gold into every detail, including the centerpieces and tablescapes.
photographer: Bonphotage | venue & caterer: The Drake Hotel | floral: Shamrock Gardens | entertainment: Larry King Orchestra
3. Have Your Tabletops Go Black Tie for a Gatsby Wedding
This wedding reception’s design shone a light on prominent Black men and women from the 1920s era. Each tablescape featured a specific luminary. What an excellent way to get a quick history lesson while socializing.
This couple made sure that every wedding detail came from inspiration in this era (even the prohibition). We love how guests were provided 20s-theme mocktails, making this wedding as dry as the 1920s. We also adore how the table settings boasted folded napkins that resembled mini white suites with black bow ties.
photographer: Flicks By Lexi, Awol Dez | planner & design/décor: Baby Makes Memories | floral: 800 RoseBig | venue: The Pacific Club | calligraphy: NC Calligraphy | videographer: Aspired Photos | cake: Sweet Traders | makeup: Toya Watson | ceremony singer: King Rhone | dj: DJ Rizz Kay | hair: Jahmonit | ceremony band: William Thrope| rentals: Above the top party rentals | ceremony pianist: Tanisha Love | linen: MTB Rentals| photo booth: Diamond Mirror Booth
RELATED: Best Wedding Colors [Guide]
4. Send Elegant Invitations With 1920s Wedding Themes
Wedding invitations give guests a sneak peek into the look and feel of your wedding celebration. These sophisticated, lush blue invitations excited guests and highlighted the wedding theme by using The Great Gatsby design elements and font.
photography: Brian Hatton Photography | planner: Björn The Event Planner | event design: Faymous Productions | florals: Ivie Joy Floral Arts | stationary: Go Go Snap | cinematography: Andreo Studio Photo & Cinema | wedding dress: Ersa Atelier | bride’s shoes: Jimmy Choo | lighting: NYC Wedding Lighting | rings: Jordan Klein Jewelry | bridesmaids’ dresses: Vera Wang | entertainment: Sound Society Band
5. Choose Tabletops that are Black & White & Chic All Over
The Great Gatsby wedding themes should employ several extended metaphors — just like the novel. One recurring theme from the novel is nostalgia. It’s certainly a feeling that guests will experience when leaving an epic celebration.
This wedding perfectly utilized a black and white color scheme. Black and white feathers appeared on every table, highlighted by gold silverware and candle holders. Candles, feathers, curtain tassels, and gold accents created a chic ambiance that complemented the 1920s design elements.
photography: Brian Tropiano Photography | planner: Bob Gail Events | décor: Revelry Event Designers | video: Elysium Productions | catering: Nobu Malibu | rentals: Bright Event Rentals | lighting: Peterson Event Lighting | linens: Luxe Linen | entertainment: Dash Entertainment | specialty entertainment: Bob Gail Music | printed goods: Prim & Pixie
RELATED: 14 Black and White Wedding Ideas for a Stunning Celebration [Photos]
6. Dazzle With Deco Green and Gold Lounge Areas
This Great Gatsby-themed wedding celebration will make you feel like you’re a guest at one of Jay Gatsby’s notorious parties. We love how a lux lounge area is adjacent to the Art Deco dance floor, allowing guests to relax after dancing to “The Charleston.”
Without a doubt, emerald velvet sofas and gold cocktail tables (along with elegant candles and shimmering crystal chandeliers) are destined to create a perfect ambiance for even the most luxurious 1920s wedding themes.
photographer: Steven Dray Photography & Jade Devore Photography | event branding & décor: Marbella Event Furniture & Decor Rental | floral: Hens and Chicks | venue: Pittsburgh Opera House | rentals: All Occasions Party Rental | linens: Lendable Linens | lighting design: LUXE Creative
7. Make a Grand Entrance or Exit at Your Great Gatsby-Themed Wedding
The Roaring Twenties were captivating, exceptional, and outright historic (to say the least). 1920s wedding themes should be just as grand. This Great Gatsby wedding in Florida greeted guests with impressive feather arches and silver vases overflowing with white feathers. We also love how large glass vases lined the aisle with crystal details and glimmering candles. But that was just the beginning. To wrap up the night, a stunning firework display bid guests farewell.
photographer: Adam Opris Photography | planner: Jackie Ohh Events | floral + décor: Xquisite Events | venue: The Mar-a-Lago Club
RELATED: 11 Ways to Make Your Modern Wedding a Timeless Celebration [Photos]
8. Cue the Jazzy Entertainment for 1920s Weddding Themes
1920s wedding themes need lavish details and vibrant lighting. We love how this wedding took these elements to the next level. As soon as guests entered the “burgundy cherry blossom forest” that was projected onto every wall of the venue, they were completely immersed in this spectacular celebration. The wow-worthy moments continued with unforgettable live entertainment. The wedding reception included Gatsby flapper acts, acrobats, lollipop performances, burlesque shows, and a magic act. All this action brought a vibrant energy to the room — the same energy you would have found in The Roaring Twenties.
photography: PS Photography and Films | planner: Bustled by Christina Nicole | event production: Bill Hansen Catering & Event Production | floral: Andres Aguilar Designs | venue: THE TEMPLE HOUSE | projection mapping: United Projection | make up/ hair design: Sissi Ceballo | violinist: Esther Anaya | caterer: Bill Hansen Catering & Event Production
9. Dress to Impress at Your Gatsby Wedding
If you plan to host an epic Great Gatsby wedding, expect your guests to dress to the nines. Although, we all know that all eyes will be on the couple. This bride wore a beautiful beaded gown and polished off the look with a stunning pair of Valentino heels and a vintage faux fur wedding shawl. It was both simple and elegant. If you want to play the part of a 1920s gal, you have to dress the part.
photographer: Margaret Soss | planner: Couture Events Chicago | floral: Anthony Gowder Designs | dj: O’Dea Entertainment Inc, | stylist: Ruffolos Hair Salon | makeup artist: Blush Events | furniture rental: AFR Event Furnishings | chair rental: Prestige Wedding Decoration
RELATED: Best Wedding Centerpieces [Guide]
10. Deck out Your Bar With a Deco Design
The Great Gatsby took place during a time of new production and wealth. This glittering gold bar area may not take up much space, but it definitely catches our eye and aligns perfectly with The Great Gatsby wedding themes. A counter shaped like a “gold bar” is an incredible way to serve drinks. This Roaring Twenties-themed wedding is detailed with glitter, glam, gold, and imaginative designs — but the shimmering gold bar with vertical Art Deco designs was definitely the cherry on top.
photographer: Dove Photography | planner: AMG Events and Visuals | décor: Ruth Ridgeway Designs | venue: Hyatt Regency Greenwich
11. Select a Gold Tent for Great Gatsby Glamour
We love how each special moment of this wedding night took place in a different environment. A see-through tent with white linen and a white matte satin aisle runner (designed with a modern ombre style) was created to capture the union of the bride and groom. After the ceremony, guests transitioned to a custom gold tent with beautiful drapings. A custom gold and black mirrored bar, crystal-draped chandeliers, and luxe gold chairs highlighted the beautiful diamond-shaped feasting table.
photography: All Bliss Photography | planning & design: Melissa Porter & Asheville Event Co. | floral design: Blossoms at Biltmore Park | venue: Biltmore Estate | videography: Pie & Mash Filmworks | ceremony music: Amati Chamber Music | reception music: EastCoast Entertainment and Perfect 10 | hair & makeup: Faces by Seven | invitation & printed materials: Durante New York
RELATED: 7 Rose Wedding Centerpiece Ideas [Photos]
12. Wow With Innovative Seating Charts
Upon entering this wedding, guests were greeted by flapper girls who served them their table assignments — a very unique way of providing the seating chart. Names and table numbers were attached to mini Champagne bottles with a cute straw that guests could use throughout the reception. We love how this idea elevates having fun and celebrating (with the same levity seen at a 1920s party).
photographer: Altf Photography | planner: Andrea Eppolito Events | floral: Destinations by Design | venue: Waldorf Astoria, Las Vegas | videographer: Pure Light Creative | entertainment: Mike Fox
13. Offer Signage & Bubbly With 1920s Style
Fans of The Great Gatsby movie will instantly recognize this Art Deco font. Art Deco signage is an important addition to all Great Gatsby wedding themes. This wedding featured an Art Deco sign thanking friends and family for joining the celebration. To show their appreciation, the couple placed mini take-home Champagne bottles around the sign. Signage is important in any wedding, so why not add some Gatsby-style to it?
photographer: KV Photography | planner: Jamie O’ + Co | floral/décor: Lee Forrest Design | venue: The Ballroom at Church Street | paper goods: PaperGoodiez | entertainment: Our DJ Rocks | cigar rollers: Corona Cigar Company | cloud effect: Standing Ovation | transportation: MMI Limos
RELATED: 9 Unique Wedding Ceremony Ideas for a One-of-a-Kind Celebration [Photos]
14. Go Gatsby-Glam With a Flashy Dance Floor
The Roaring Twenties had a glamorous and elegant vibrancy that no other decade acquired. This Gatsby wedding embodied all that and more. The dark geometric dance floor beautifully complemented bright white florals and gold décor found throughout the venue. The celebration culminated on the dance floor with flashy flapper girls performing a spectacular show for everyone to enjoy.
photographer: Alain Martinez Photo & Cinema | venue: The Breakers Palm Beach
15. Create a Glow With Gold Décor
This wedding boasted more glamour and glitz than you could ever imagine. We love how gold and navy blue were beautifully combined for this wedding color palette. Moreover, an impressive custom-made reception stage stole the show with its shimmering luxurious fabrics, mirror panels (with so much pizzaz), large gold frames, and crystal chandeliers. Towering urns with gorgeous white feathers and crystal candelabras will elevate the most sensational Great Gatsby wedding themes.
photographer: RAG Artistry | décor: Elegance Decor | venue: Union Station | cake: Jewell Events Catering
16. Incorporate Lavish White Feathers into your Florals
In Jay Gatsby’s world, no party was put on without the presence of creative décor. This wedding incorporated the bright, fluffy feathers into every floral piece (even the bouquet). Next to the green florals, these white feathers popped, creating a beautiful roaring 20s ambiance. Feathers and pampas lined the tables, making the perfect centerpieces. This glamorous Great-Gatsby wedding reminded us that white feathers match with everything.
photo and video: Sam and Sola Studio | event planning: Hallea Events | florals: BAHTOH | venue: Hotel Sorrento | HMUA: Pacific Brides | stationary: The Fancy Cat Studio | rentals: CORT Party Rental and Vintage Ambiance Rentals and Yay! Parties Co. | transportation: British Motor Coach | music: Emma Caroline Baker
Read on to learn more about how to plan a glamorous Gatsby wedding using PartySlate.
What is a Great Gatsby-Themed Wedding?
A Great Gatsby-Themed Wedding is a glimpse into the iconic celebrations represented in The Great Gatsby, a classic American novel set in The Roaring Twenties. It’s a night spent in 1920s attire — anything beaded, sequined, velvet, or ruffled — surrounded by vintage fabric, feather centerpieces, and a lot of glitzy gold décor. There are many ways to go about planning your dream Gatsby wedding. PartySlate offers an extensive selection of professional wedding planners and designers to help create your celebration.
How Do You Throw a Great Gatsby Party?
1920s wedding themes are always popular, as everyone loves celebrating this iconic decade. Any party in the 1920s was very secretive (hence the underground speakeasies), so consider hosting your celebration in the evening. Send out invitations far in advance so your guests can find the most dazzling outfit. Moreover, add glam to your invitations with an Art Deco look and feel — choose geometric lines, patterns, and plenty of gold.
Next, focus on photo-worthy décor. Head over to our real events page for more inspiration or read our Great Gatsby party themes & ideas article.
How Do You Decorate for a 1920s Party?
Bring any idea from these glamorous Gatsby-themed weddings to life with the help of Partyslate. Find your team of wedding vendors — from a wedding planner to entertainment company — with our curated list of top wedding vendors.
Moreover, check out our Wedding Idea Gallery for additional inspiration. You can use the filters to search for specific wedding ideas such as aisles, invitations, or more. After all, decorating for a 1920s party requires a lot of intrinsic detail. Lighting, florals, and glamorous entrances — it all matters. Our team at PartySlate is here to make your wedding as glamorous as any 1920s celebration.
featured event planner
BOB GAIL EVENTS
We love the Bob Gail Events talented team and their passion for seamlessly executing events, particularly events with themes. photographer: Brian Tropiano Photography