Art deco has it origins in France in 1925 and describes a type of ornamentation focused on geometric designs, bold color and outlines, and stylized forms. Because art deco decor is so distinctive and so rooted in a particular period it makes for a striking motif for a wedding.
Location
If you can find a building to have the reception in that is circa 1925, it will act as the perfect foundation for your art deco-themed wedding. For example, you could start by researching historical movie theaters in your city or state. Search for ones that are still well preserved, available for rental and built around the designated time period. Alternatively, seek out an old hotel from that time. The right place will most likely still have internal architectural details from the period including rich, festive designs on the walls and floors, such as gilded geometric sunbursts or patterns etched in frosted glass.
Wedding Invitations
The wedding invitation truly sets the tone for your wedding, thus you want it to be overtly art deco to prepare guests for the style of the actual event. You could select a simple invitation portraying signature designs or patterns of the times, such as geometric fans, diamonds or sunbursts, or a single image of a person or people dressed in 1920s garb. This period is famous for the heavy usage of a particular bold distinctive font which features a roundness of letters and a sharpness of detail.
Wedding Cake
In some ways the wedding cake is the grand finale of the wedding reception. Thus, the cake should ultimately reflect the art deco themes of the wedding in an unmistakable manner. Keep in mind however, that when it comes to a style as bold and full of expression as art deco, the sky is the limit for cake possibilities. Sharp geometric lines prevail in art deco, so many art deco wedding cakes consist of tiered square cakes as opposed to traditional round ones. Bold colors such as black, white and gold are also common. Some cakes even take period textiles or patterns and transfer them to sugar plaques to adorn the cake.
Attire
Art deco dresses for the bride or bridesmaids have a range of styles, all of them glamorous. Look for 1920s-style drop waist wedding gowns with vibrant patterns or geometric designs. Designs can be sleeveless, have capped sleeves or have long sleeves that narrow down to the wrist for a slim fit. In the 1930s end of the art deco period, women's dresses were a bit more form fitting, with a narrower waist but wider sleeves. The dolman sleeve was popular for gowns; it was a sleeve that created an effect not unlike a cape. For men, wear a double-breasted suit with braces underneath; braces are suspenders with buttons. A vest is also suitable underneath a jacket in an art deco wedding. A hat of some sort is a must, be it a fedora, panama or boater hat.
Tags: geometric designs