WHITE Weddings 073

Black and whiteA black and white theme can, in theory, be used in the summer as well, but in the cooler months it can make a more dramatic statement. That’s because you can use more in the way of artifi cial lighting to heighten the glamorous effects as well as sparkling crystals, fairy lights, fake snow, etc, which aren’t appropriate in the summer. This theme is a favourite amongst celebrities who either dress the entire bridal party in black and white, or alternatively get all the guests to wear black and/or white, and then make themselves and their attendants really stand out against that backdrop in bright, eye-catching colours.

1920sThe ‘roaring twenties’ weren’t called that for nothing. This was the decade when people really were kicking up their heels in Europe and North America after the horrors of WW1, and before the harsh realities of the coming depression in the 1930s had raised its ugly head. Flapper outfi ts were sexy and cute – wedding dresses of the day were very fl attering – and some of their music and dances like the Charleston and the jitterbug made rock ‘n’ roll jiving look positively tame. It is ideal if your venue is Art Deco in style.

1940sThe 1940s do not hold happy memories for everyone still around to tell the tale, as WW2 ravaged much of Europe and elsewhere. However, the second half of the decade saw people enjoying life again with glamorous satin and silk gowns – very fl attering styles for a wedding outfi t – plus romantic big band music that everyone still loves to dance to today.

1950sThis one is perfect for the rockers! Ducktail haircuts and winkle-picker shoes for the boys, prom dresses, crinolines and soft curls for the girls, American diner style food and drink and as much rock ‘n’ roll as you can handle. This theme can be a wild one, but even granny will remember her jiving days and show you young folks how to do it at your reception.

1960sEven if you or your parents do not have a fondness for the Beatles, the 1960s was one of the most interesting decades in recent times in terms of other music

Flowers are essential components of any wedding theme

(Pic

ture

: Bac

h Tr

an a

t fl i

ckr.c

om, C

C-BY

)(P

ictu

re: F

FG a

t fl i

ckr.c

om, C

C-BY

)

and of course, fashion. Think Twiggy, Mary Quant, mini dresses and fl at shoes or ‘kinky’ boots, long hair and big eyes, collarless suit jackets for the boys. Or if you prefer the latter part of that decade, go for the hippy/fl ower power look – beautiful long fl oaty dresses, endless love beads, fl oral shirts for the guys, and fl owers, fl owers everywhere; plus some of the best music of the 20th century whether it’s the Mersey sound of the UK or the emerging Tamla Motown sound from the USA.

RIGHT: This black and white setting from Confetti includes lace corner place cards (£3.99 for 10), white camera (£2.99), black lace ribbon from £4.99 and tassel organza favour bag (£7.99 for 10)

Candles and leaves for an autumnal theme

Themes.indd 73Themes.indd 73 13/11/09 11:40:34 am13/11/09 11:40:34 am