1940's Vintage Wedding

Bride2BeSoon1

Hi guys! Me and my fiance will be having a 1940's themed wedding and needed help on my attire. First is my dress! I want something vintage inspired, yet I still want a modern feel. Not sure if that makes sense haha. I would like a nice train on my dress. As far as dress style, I like several! I really like figure flattering dresses that show my curves, but something flowy is also nice. Any dresses you guys would recommend? FYI, I am on a budget. I don't want to spend over 500 on my dress. Next, I need help with my headpiece. I was considering a veil, but I am really loving the birdcages! Any thoughts on those? Lastly, with a 1940's inspired wedding, how color should I do my nails? Neutral? Or something bold? Thanks ladies. I appreciate it!

SugarFoote

A google images search of "1940's wedding" shows that practically none of the dresses from that period show off curves.

Several of those ladies, however, are wearing birdcage veils.

Bride2BeSoon1

Thanks for your feedback! I want vintage inspired, but I guess I still want it to be modern in a way. I definitively want a birdcage, though.

divinemsbee

If I'm getting what you want right, what you seem to want is more pin-up inspired, less 1940s bridal inspired. Take a look at the original Father of the Bride (Liz Taylor) or Princess Grace. I know they're a little off in terms of when they took place, but they're very traditional. CMGr is right in terms of 1940s bridal fashion. It wasn't really flowy or showy. And nails would be red.

If you're willing to forgo the train, and want vintage with a modern twist, check out http://www.dollycouture.com/  it's a little more 50s to early 60s than 40s, but it's definitely more of that tongue-in-cheek cheeky sort of vintage pin up look. Which seems to be what you'd like. I love the site and I was seriously considering the Beverlywood dress for my wedding. 

csweaney

Sounds like you want 1940s vintage OLD HOLLYWOOD. Thats where to sexy factor will come in. I am doing the same theme for my wedding and I found a lot of my stuff just by going on etsy.com and typing in  "old hollywood" and looking at all the items. It helped to inspire me quite a bit.

matcha

Dolly Couture, Melissa Sweet, and Justin Alexander have some darling tea-length dresses. These are more 1950's, but would be completely appropriate and awesome with a birdcage veil. Also, red lips, red shoes, and red nails. Think Marilyn Monroe, Andrey Hepburn (both of which sported tea-length gowns in movies and real life). ShopRuche also has a line of "old but new" wedding dresses. 

1940's had longer lengths, but you could modernize it with something sleek and form fitting with cap sleeves and a bit of lace. 

I would look at Cary Grant or Jimmy Stewart for fashion inspiration for the groom- dark suit, either black or grey, with a skinny tie and pocket square. Maybe a fedora?

For the reception, think big band or jazz.

There are lots of retro weddings and engagement shoots to get you inspired. Google around!

jesslynn1012

You actually might want more of a 1930s feel.  I'm using a retro pattern from the 30s to make a wedding dress for my friend and it's really body hugging and with a long train.  She's wearing a birdcage veil that her aunt is making.  I think you could probably buy something with that "feel" at david's bridal?  Or just google 1930s wedding? 

sherrilocurto

Hi!
I'm actually going for a similar look:) I thought I would never step foot in a david's bridal, but my mom persisted after searching every small botique in LA and not finding anything. I fell in love with this dress and I think it's perfect for a vintage wedding. I'm having lace sleeves put on it and wearing a birdcage veil with blue and green feathers. You should totally try this dress on! It's an Olga Cassini. Good luck!
http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Strapless-Lace-and-Tulle-Ball-Gown-CWG352_Bridal-Gowns-Shop-By-Designer-Oleg-Cassini