In the 20s, a unique kind woman appeared. She smoked cigarettes, drank, danced, and had won the right to vote. She cropped or bobbed her hair, wore make-up, and danced all night. She was giddy and took odds. She was . . . the Flapper, and she and her zoot-suited companions have never been forgotten in American culture and style.
It was the first decade after the First World War, the last decade prior to the Great Depression, and the long goodbye to the silent film. Both tragically beautiful cinema stars like Gloria Swanson and Rudolph Valentino and the lurid enchantment with crime boss Al Capone’s heists and murders, it was a decade of extremes. Silent film itself may have shaped the fashions, as the stars had only style and pantomime with which to connect with audiences, so signature looks dominated virtually all style for ladies who prided themselves on being up to the latest trends.
The bridesmaids might wear flapper dresses with feathers and fringe, seamed stockings, and cross-strap Mary Jane shoes. Although the style was risqué for the time, it was also very glamorous.
Of course, prior to the wedding comes the engagement, and a halo engagement rings inspired by the Art Deco aesthetic of this era is the perfect way to begin your extraordinary journey to the altar. Halo rings are most plentiful in the classic round diamond shape, but this style can be and regularly is adapted for any diamond shape. Some of the most fashionable halo engagement rings created for 1920s brides feature center stones in pear shape and cushion cropped or bobbed for an even more striking look.
The bride’s apparel should be elegant. Knee length, dropped waist, chiffon and/or silk dresses, lavaliere necklaces, and red lipstick. Cloches were popular, bands of silk flowers worn low on the head, and Juliet style caps.
Fragrant orchids and lilies were a favourite. Brides of the 1920s favored large elaborate bouquets, filled with white flowers such as orchids, and masses of trailing greens and ribbons.
Accessories that can help bring your look into the right era include saddle heels or black pumps with low ankle straps, stocking with seams, lavaliere necklaces, and cloche or chaplet headpieces with beading and birdcage veils. Your bridesmaids can be decked out in simple fringed or beaded dresses with boas and matching chaplet bands, and the gentlemen of the wedding good time can put on the Ritz with cuffed trousers, suspenders, and fedoras.
For wedding favors, place cards can be presented in silver cigarette cases, and guests can also take home miniature Model Ts and long faux-pearl strings. Ostrich and peacock feathers make beautiful centerpieces, and if you’re artistic, working in beads and chandelier crystals will create breathtaking results. The flowers at weddings of this decade were large and elaborate; bouquets and centerpieces can include calla lilies, gardenias, and magnolias.
The distinctive beauty and vibrance of the 1920s will bring a fun, exciting feel to your wedding day and reception, and make the whole affair something that you and your loved ones will find memorable.
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