The Great Gatsby has continued to be iconic almost 100 years after the book being published, especially after the release of the 2013 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. From fashion to music to culture, The Great Gatsby is a complete vibe. Its glamor, excess, and unforgettable style are what makes for fabulous themed parties, and of course themed weddings.

For the bride dreaming of a Gatsby-esque wedding, we have the top tips for making your wedding as fabulous and glitzy as Gatsby’s own parties!

The Dress

For brides planning a Gatsby-themed wedding that want a dress that stays on-theme, there are SO many gorgeous options! For an authentic feel, drop waist dresses were super popular in the 1920’s. As were art-deco designs and deep v-neck dresses (which are actually making a comeback and shouldn’t be too hard to find these days). Wedding dresses that incorporate some feathers or sequins are also an excellent way to tie into the Gatsby aesthetic – you can never have too much bling!

We also love these fun options for a wardrobe change, if you’re wanting a second look for your reception.

Gatsby-Esque Details

Play up the 1920s theme throughout your wedding day look with a bird cage veil, rhinestone or beaded heels, or a flapper headpiece.

The Ride

Photo-op alert! If you can locate one, an amazing idea for the couple’s photos would be to be posing in front and riding in a similar style car as Gatsby iconically drove in the movie. While Gatsby drove a yellow Rolls-Royce, any yellow 1920’s looking ride will suffice! It also makes for a great exit at the end of the reception.

The Cake

Even the cake should be glamorous! You can’t go wrong with an art-deco white and black cake, it fits in absolutely perfectly.

The Glitz & Glam

Sequin Bridesmaid Dresses

Make sure your leading ladies are dressed to the nines with sequin bridesmaid dresses. There are so many fun options for glamorous bridesmaid dresses, including art-deco designs that really pay homage to the time period.

For the Groomsmen

We love a full 1920’s look with a white tuxedo jacket and black pants. It feels so Frank Sinatra and Gatsby-esque, and will look amazing in pictures!

Pearls & Feathers

Have a table set up for guests to get in on the themed fun! We love this idea of having strands of pearls and feathers available for guests to celebrate the happy couple in true Gatsby style. Level up the gents with suspenders and hats.

The Lighting

Play up the drama of the space with chandeliers and set the mood for your reception with colored uplighting. We recommend a warm yellow glow for a true golden Gatsby feel. However,  pink, blue or purple are also super fun! Green lights may be less common, but definitely play into the green light Gatsby had at the end of his dock, which is such an iconic element of the book and film.

The Cocktails

Don’t neglect the bar for your Gatsby themed wedding – it was the prohibition after all! Despite alcohol being a no-no, the 1920s created some of the most notable cocktails in history – ones that are even popular to this day. 

Champagne Tower

Pictured above, all you need is great champagne and a ton of glasses!

The Bees Knees

Ingredients:

• 1 oIce
• 2 ounces gin
• 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce honey simple syrup
• Lemon wedge

Mint Julep

Ingredients:

• 8 mint leaves
• 1/4 ounce simple syrup
• 2 ounces bourbon
• Garnish: mint sprig
• Garnish: Angostura bitters (optional)

Highball

Ingredients:

Any spirit cut with a mixer over ice

Dubonnet

Ingredients:

• Ice
• 2 ounces gin
• 2 ounces Dubonnet
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• Twist of lemon

Ward 8

Ingredients:

• Ice
• 2 ounces rye whiskey
• 3/4 ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 3/4 ounce fresh squeezed orange juice
• 3/4 teaspoon grenadine
• Seltzer

Clover Club

Ingredients:

• Ice
• 2 ounces gin
• 1 egg white
• 1/2 ounce raspberry syrup
• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Twist of lemon

Fallen Angel

Ingredients:

• Ice
• 2 ounces gin
• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 dashes white creme de menthe
• 1 dash Agnostura bitters
• Sprig of mint

The Centerpieces

Gatsby-themed centerpieces have so many options, you just have to get creative! We love these tall and simple feather centerpieces on I Do Y’all, but you could add some sparkle, pearls, and even some florals to really make it pop.

The Music

If you’re trying to stay true to the Gatsby theme, there’s no other choice except your own Big Band! We’re talking trumpets, saxophones, trombones, piano, guitar, and singers – the full experience! They’re super classy and will take guests right back to the 1920’s out on the dance floor.

The Details

Use the Gatsby font throughout your special day to highlight your theme. Great places to use it:

• Ceremony Programs
• Welcome Signage
• Dinner Menus
• Invitations
• Save the Dates

Fireworks

As you may remember in the movie, no Gatsby party is complete without a grand display of fireworks! For couples looking to add a little extra sparkle to their reception celebration or grand exit, fireworks may be a terrific idea and will certainly make for some great memories.

Happy Gatsby wedding planning!