Old Hollywood Inspired Wedding

Glamour and romance go hand in hand, don’t they? This Old Hollywood Inspired wedding is all a bride could imagine when seeking opulence and a classic theme. From the table setting and gorgeous wedding cake – exquisite – to the wedding dress and hairstyle, this photo shoot says Hollywood from beginning to end!

Details for an Old Hollywood Inspired Wedding

The Jessica Watson editorial is brimming full of ideas for couples who are keen on hosting an old Hollywood Inspired wedding. It works for folks who are simply in love with the vintage aesthetics and intricacies involved in creating cinematic perfection. The process of putting together the big day is pretty much similar to bringing together the various aspects responsible for creating silver screen classics.

There are two favourable approaches: you could plan a themed wedding based on your favourite classic flick or go for a blanket old Hollywood look. In either case, you are guaranteed to end up saying " I do" against a romantic and nostalgic setting much like what is seen in this editorial.

What to Look for in a Venue for an Old Hollywood Inspired Wedding

When you think about classic cinema, the glitz and glam from the roaring '20s and Gatsby-era accurately depict the image that comes to mind. It's a timeless style that fuses art-deco elegance and unbridled decadence. That in itself describes the elements that make up the perfect wedding venue for an old Hollywood Inspired fete.

The editorial took place during a workshop hosted at The Lewis Dream home, and it equally provides plenty of wedding location inspiration. An old luxurious-style mansion works as the perfect setting for such an event. A historic theater venue would equally work well for a classic cinema-style wedding.

Wedding Dresses & Accessories for an Old Hollywood Inspired Wedding

The silver screen stars complete the romanticism of that era; from their regal ensembles to their voluminous curly hairstyles. As seen from the editorial, the Old Hollywood glam is all about turning up the drama with head-turning lace ensembles. Low-cut backs, button details, and floral appliques create a refined look that is perfect for an old cinema-inspired bridal ensemble

The mermaid-style Vera Wang wedding dress features a combination of lace and nude-coloured lining. It's reminiscent of the old Hollywood aesthetic while a modern edge comes about from the silhouette and dress style. The matching veil with floral lace appliques completes the ensemble.

Reception Decor for an Old Hollywood Inspired Wedding

Glitzy, glamorous, and glittering decor combined with vintage/ dated accents are reflective of what you expect to see at an old Hollywood Inspired reception.  In general, the Gatsby aesthetic should serve as a reference for the wedding decoration process. The aged rattan-style chair is a noteworthy piece from the editorial which displays how you can merge the old with the new.

A gold and black arch featuring sequins, pearls, and selections of blooms is a great addition to both the ceremony space and the reception venue. Gold framed photo displays, chandeliers, and hanging layers of tulle or chiffon are other befitting choices for an old Hollywood Inspired wedding.

Menswear for an Old Hollywood Inspired Wedding

Silver screen legends like Humphrey Bogart, Marlon Brando, James Dean, and Clark Gable personify what Old Hollywood menswear fashion should look like. The editorial presents a three-piece dark blue suit which is a perfect look for the groom. Waistcoats are the perfect vintage accessories for men because they look dapper and are also suitable for winter or autumn nuptials.

Old-world fabrics like houndstooth, tweeds, and plaids may not be for everyone but they are a stylish choice for an old cinema-inspired wedding. The textured textiles create a stylish and fun aesthetic that suits the groomsmen for a Gatsby-themed affair.

Bouquets & Boutonnieres for an Old Hollywood Inspired Wedding

The wedding flowers used for the editorial also provide endless ideas when it comes to the floral design for an old Hollywood Inspired affair. Blooms in soft shades of pink combined with flowers in a rich orange hue, and white posies create a stunning centrepiece. The pastel pink roses seen on the tablescape as well as on the dessert table further elevate the soft and romantic aesthetic.

The bridal bouquet leans more towards the vintage side with selections of white flowers and plenty of wispy stems, and a similar arrangement is seen on the staircase. The boutonnieres are made up of a single pink bloom and feathers.

Wedding Invitations for an Old Hollywood Inspired Wedding

Working on a wedding invitation suite essentially doubles up as sharing snippets of your vision for the big day. Any bride would go with the vintage stamps and elegant writing used for the wedding stationery suite seen in the editorial. A simple white colour for the envelopes is timelessly classic and it works for the old cinema theme.

For a themed affair, a Gatsby-inspired stationery suite suits the wedding invitation cards, menu, and day's program. Details like gold envelopes, calligraphed script, and foiled monograms also capture the old Hollywood glam. In general, a combination of black, white, and gold colours creates a luxe wedding invitation suite for an old Hollywood Inspired event.

Food for an Old Hollywood Inspired Wedding

Guests will love being treated to a champagne glass tower showcase, simply because it's very Gatsby-esque and a true sight to behold. The cake seen in the editorial screams decadent and the theme is captured by white/black marbled effect along with the gold-toned embellishments.

Towers of chocolate-coated madeleines and Ferrero Roche chocolates are perfect for the dessert table. Having a food truck at the venue is yet another vintage-approved element that would be a perfect addition to your old Hollywood Inspired wedding. Setting up a self-serve drink station featuring a giant punch bowl is an equally befitting option for the occasion.

Table Setting Style for an Old Hollywood Inspired Wedding

Provide a grandeur dining experience for your guests by curating a tablescape that transports everyone back to the good old silver screen era. Adorn the tables with lace linens including table runners and napkins. The editorial uses a moderately-sized centrepiece but if you want to take the grandeur to a whole new level, go for large and tall pieces.

Vintage flatware, bronze charger plates, and crystal champagne flutes complete the Hollywood tablescape glam. Thick candles perched on tall candlesticks with plenty of blooms also conjure up the old cinema glitz. An old vintage trolley used as the dessert table is another lovely touch.

Favours & Gifts for an Old Hollywood Inspired Wedding

There are lists of sweet, thoughtful, and functional wedding favours that you can present to guests during your spectacular production. Themed options like feather pens, disposable cameras, antique key bottle openers, and brushed metal picture frames are all lovely choices for an old Hollywood affair.

Presentation counts, and you should consider packaging the gifts in vintage typewriter-themed favour boxes. Classics like mini bottles of sparkling cider and caramel popcorn are sweet treats that also reflect the theme of the day. Personalised champagne flutes, vintage tealight candle holders, apothecary jars, and glitter coasters are other glam wedding gifts that guests will appreciate.

Moody Romantic Styled Wedding

From Jess: “Back in November 2015, I attended The Little Workshop hosted by Michael and Carina Photography at The Lewis Dream home in Virginia. This workshop was all about embracing the graininess and love of all things film and fine art. I was definitely nervous, being so new to film myself, but I packed up my film camera and car and took the 7hr drive from Pennsylvania! I had no clue what to expect from this weekend. The whole time Michael and Carina were talking I kept thinking there was no way I would get this, but when I received my Film Scans back, I was taken aback by the sheer love and beauty that was in this shoot, I wanted to share!”

moody romantic shoot | Jess Watson Photography
Vintage stamps and calligraphy | Jess Watson Photography
floral and wheat bouquet | Jess Watson Photography
calligraphy stationery| Jess Watson Photography
gorgeous table decor | Jess Watson Photography
moody romantic couple | Jess Watson Photography
floral and wheat stair garland | Jess Watson Photography
moody romantic couple | Jess Watson Photography
Vintage floral place setting | Jess Watson Photography
moody romantic couple | Jess Watson Photography
black ruffled wedding cake | Jess Watson Photography
beautiful red head bride | Jess Watson Photography
lace details | Jess Watson Photography
Groom in navy suit | Jess Watson Photography
overflowing floral arrangement | Jess Watson Photography
Pear shaped sapphire engagement ring | Jess Watson Photography
Bride with lace veil | Jess Watson Photography
moody romantic couple | Jess Watson Photography

Credits: Photographer: Jessica Watson Photography // Planner: Wit Weddings// Florals: White Magnolia Designs// Desserts: Buttercream Bakeshop // Make Up: Kristine Marie Artistry // Hair: 1213 Hair Studio // Dress: Vera Wang from The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel // Veil and Headpiece: Vera Wang // Jewelry: Belesas // Models: Dorian Maris and Jason Pevey// Stationery: Stephanie B. Design // Photo lab: Richard Photo Lab// Workshop hosts: Michael and Carina Photography //Venue: The Lewis Dream House, Virginia