The fabulous ’40s can be defined by two distinct looks and periods. During the second world war, everything was very much make do and mend: homemade dresses and cakes, bunting, wild flowers – perfect for a DIY wedding! When the war ended, however, there was a wild celebration – think pin ups, glamour and glitz for your inspiration. Take a look our our 1940s wedding ideas board below- we hope you see something you like!
Dresses & Suits
For an early ’40s inspired look try a pretty yet simple; capped sleeve; mid-length tea dress or if you’re going for more of a pin up look try a dramatic, floor length gown accentuated with a (fake!) fur stole. Both should obviously be complimented by victory rolls and a striking red lip. The ’40s marked a relaxation in men’s fashion, suits became more relaxed and comfortable and tweeds and corduroy were introduced. Try a colour palette of browns and blues and finish your look off with a hat, be it a baker’s cap or a fedora.
Cake
Here’s your chance to go full W.I.(!): get a member of the family to help you make your cake and leave it naked and decorate with pretty wild flowers. On the other hand, you could go for full glamour inspired by old Hollywood with an elaborate design accentuated with gold.
Decor
Hire a village hall or marquee and fill it with banquet tables, vintage china and bunting inspired by a V-Day street party. Or a regal stately home with minimal yet glitzy accentuating is the other perfect fit.
Flowers
The flowers popular in the ’40s have made a comeback, and as they were so recently unfashionable they are relatively cheap. Carnations, tulips and peonies will all look stunning and on trend. Bulk them out with gypsophilia and wild flowers.
Image Credits
1. Decor, cooper-photography.co.uk
2. Decor, shelldemar.com
3. Decor, haywoodjonesphotography.co.uk
4. Decor, kristamason.com
5. Decor, rachelhayton.com
6. Flowers, cooper-photography.co.uk
7. Flowers, kristamason.com
8. Flowers, nataliebray.com
9. Flowers, jamesgristphotography.co.uk
10. Flowers, facebook.com/McFarlane-Photography
11. Cake, alishacrossleyphotography.com
12. Cake, carlybish.com
13. Cake, etsy.com
14. Cake, moblalbum.com
15. Cake, sarahvivienne.co.uk
16. Bride, etsy.com
17. Bridal hair, thebridalstylists.co.uk
18. Bride, annamariestepney.co.uk
19. Bride, sarahtreble.co.uk
20. Shoes, bhldn.com
21. Grooms, etsy.com
22. Groom, rincondecaballeros.com
23. Groom, miamorefoto.com
24. Groom, lauragordonphotography.com
25. Page boys, elegantweddinginvites.com
Author: Kate Lovell
Our very first writer for The Gay Wedding Guide with over 300 articles written. Unfortunately, she no longer writes for us as she left to focus on other copywriting and projects but she'll always have a dedicated place in our hearts here at The Gay Wedding Guide.
