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love the 40's!

deedeedoodeedeedoo
First Comment
in Wedding Reception Forum
hey everyone! You all have such good ideas so I was wondering if I could get some input...

I want a vintage themed wedding- the 1940's are 'IT' for me- i love everything about that era! We don't have a TON of money, but I was wondering if anyone had any affordable ideas for decorations, centerpieces, etc. for our reception. I want everyone to get that old 40's feel as soon as they walk in! Our colors are red and black... I just don't know what to do with them! Any ideas would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
 xoxo! denise
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Re: love the 40's!

  • deedeedoodeedeedoo
    First Comment
    oh and maybe cute favor ideas too??? Wink
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  • mehgankmehgank
    2500 Comments Third Anniversary
    If you're going for a more Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers theme with the black & white tiled floor and such, that's more of a 1930s theme than 1940s. But, let's not argue semantics.

    For centerpieces, you could do mason jars with votive candles inside and then black and white photos from 1940s weddings or movies on the outside. You could also add simple vases about 6" or smaller with groups of red roses.

    For favors, you could do something that people will actually use, since the 1940s were during WWII and rationing was going on. Think measuring spoons, or old style keys, etc.

    I also saw a wedding theme in the most recent edition of The Knot that's pretty similar. I can't find the link right now, but if I do, I'll post it for you.
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  • zippitybzippityb member
    2500 Comments 5 Love Its
    You could also go the Casablanca route.
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  • Sue-n-KevinSue-n-Kevin member
    Seventh Anniversary 5000 Comments 25 Love Its First Answer

    Totally agree on Casablanca.

    Here is a link to the Oscars for the 1940-49 time period:

    http://www.filmsite.org/oscars40.html

    I'm an old movie buff, so of these I'd recommend you see "Piladelphia Story", "Casablanca", "Best Years of Our Lives" (about soldiers returning home after the war). This will give you a feel for high society, love & romance, and post war years. Look at the dresses, things scattered around.

    The years before 1946 were times of war and material items were scarce. Food was rationed, and there were scrap metal drives to get metal for the war effort. The times after were much better, a victorious feeling. Those returning soldiers had many babies, resulting in the baby boom (my generation).


    Simple red roses and black & white pictures would be great. You could google for postcards or movie star pictures from that era.

    Music: link here to the most requested songs: http://www.popculturemadness.com/Music/Pop-Old/1940.html

    Glenn Miller, Jimmy Dorsey were mostly instrumentals, the "Big Band Sound".

    Good luck. Sounds like fun.

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  • mehgankmehgank
    2500 Comments Third Anniversary
    The Andrews Sisters, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Django Rinehardt (sp?), Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Artie Shaw are all artists you could look into getting music for the reception as well.

    Are you planning on doing a print like polka dots or damask or stripes? That would help us find stuff for you, too.
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  • jenn.danieljenn.daniel
    2500 Comments
    I really like the Casablanca soundtrack.  oh, and I'm watching the movie right now. :)

    You could do your hair in a 40s style and maybe wear a hat.
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  • AutumnEnchantmentAutumnEnchantment
    1000 Comments Combo Breaker
    If you look on my planning site, I have a few DIY projects that might fit in.  In the 40s, they did a lot of decorations themselves and apparently threw together weddings in a matter of days so keep it simple!  I'm doing a cake-and-punch sort of reception.
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  • deedeedoodeedeedoo
    First Comment
    ooh! good ideas so far!!!
    as far as music, i'll have no problem with that. i listen to all that music already! and yes, i plan on wearing my hair up, probably in victory rolls in the front [ill hafta grow my hair out as the wedding gets closer]. i dont know yet if im gunna use any kinda print.... we've been engaged less than a month so i dont have anything set in stone yet. I just took the date request form into the Church today!

    i know what i want as far as attire and music. guess i really just need ideas for the reception: decorations, centerpieces, favors... so keep the ideas coming! im loving everything so far!!    Kiss
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  • bellaxanthebellaxanthe member
    500 Comments

    Favors - Sweetheart pins were popular for the girls and fellas of wartime.  How about love letters written between the two of you in the style of a wartime sweetie, wrapped around a votive.  I'm making hair flowers for all the ladies to clip in while we have a swing dance inspired reception.  Perhaps some vintage packaged candies, neatly wrapped. 

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