Following in Downton Abbey’s footsteps, ITV’s The Halcyon has swept onto our screens promising glamour, bustle and dazzling London society intrigue. Watching Kara Tointon as singer Betsey Day, head to toe in sequins, singing sultrily in the glam hotel bar we couldn’t help but take some cues from the 1940s. Check out our pointers to add some of the decade's style to your wedding day...
The recent popularity of the period drama has sparked the rise of weddings influenced by the vintage look. Think how The Great Gatsby set off major 1920s vibes - it's no wonder that we're so eager to jump into the elegant world of hey-day 1940s London! Whilst known for its wartime austerity and simplicity, the 40s had an undercurrent of ballroom elegance. Not that we're Mystic Meg, but, it's fair to say that the timeless will always be classic. Predictions aside, with vintage taking off in a big way, we're raising our glasses to these ideas for a sophisticated 1940s wedding flavour with just a touch of glitz...
Wedding correspondence...
Recreate the telegram or go for invitations printed on antique-white - we think that simple accents of royal blue and silver would look perfect. This will immediately set the tone for your upcoming nuptials, whilst adding some good old fashioned charm to the proceedings.
Arrive in style...
Pull up to your wedding ringing of throwback nostalgia in a vintage car, a true classic. You'll make a VIP entrance by arriving in high society style and we think that this would make a fabulous photo point outside your venue!
Meet me at the bar...
Get giddy with the era's *love* for gin and wisecracking, try an infusion for a modern spin and don't forget to add a twist of lemon. To toast and keep the conversation sparkling, perhaps go for some vintage-style champagne flutes to mark the occasion. Another fun idea would be to have live cocktail mixing, where your guests could shake together a signature or experience a taste from the decade. Fancy a real throwback? - a punch bowl wouldn't go amiss in the centre of the buffet.
Elegant touches...
For your colour scheme, take note from the classics: gold, silver, black and white. To recreate a glam night at The Halcyon, look to crystal, marble and plush velvet effects for tripping the light fantastic. You could also incorporate pearls into the decorations for a lustrous finish.
Hitting the right note...
The music of the decade was swinging, literally. Popular genres included the height of the big band, jazz and swing. Hiring a live band for your wedding would be a great call to get the toes of your guests tapping - especially devoted to old time classics. Scout around and see what talent you can find for a true showstopper!
These are just a few of the ways to make your wedding sing. To further set the tone, why not take a peak at our 'Wedding at the Halcyon' Pinterest board for more inspiration? 🍾
Photo credits: Pinterest