18 Old Hollywood Wedding Ideas to Satisfy Your Inner Celeb
Ready for your closeup? We've got all of the Old Hollywood wedding inspo you'll need for your red carpet moment.
If you've always dreamed of getting married like a celebrity, then Old Hollywood wedding style is probably right up your alley. This wedding aesthetic taps into the glamour of decades past and is inspired by the allure of Tinseltown between the 1930s and 1950s — the era that gave us silver screen icons like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. A Hollywood glam wedding is filled with ornate decor and other eye-catching accents, from crystal chandeliers to feathers, red roses, and lots of sparkle to create an event that's luxurious and elegant (so that you can pretend you're a celebrity for the day, natch). The best part? Pulling off an Old Hollywood glamour wedding is easier than you might think!
Start planning a celeb-worthy big day with these Old Hollywood wedding ideas.
Invitations
For your wedding stationery, think timeless elegance with a bit of glamorous flair to really amp up the wow factor. By adding details like gold envelopes, foiled monograms, and calligraphed script), you'll achieve an invitation suite that's seriously luxe.
Personalized ring box
When you're not flaunting that sparkly ring of yours, a personalized jewelry box is a worthy place to keep it safely stored. A monogrammed velvet option feels indulgent (but totally justifiable) and will never go out of style.
Beaded shoes
No A-lister would be caught on the red carpet without a fabulous pair of shoes, so it's only natural that you'll need to rock a show-stopping style for your Old Hollywood wedding. A beaded pair of stilettos does just the trick, but if you're not wearing heels, you can opt for glitter sneakers, sequined flats, or intricately embroidered loafers to achieve the same glamorous effect.
Wedding bouquet
If you're carrying a wedding bouquet, stick to bouquet shapes that are more on the traditional side. Tighter arrangements and symmetrical shapes will help you achieve a more formal look compared to a loosely-arranged bouquet with abundant greenery. Classic red roses, calla lilies, and orchids are just some of our favorite blooms for a Hollywood glam wedding.
Wedding dress
Channel your inner 1930s siren by rocking a curve-hugging Old Hollywood wedding dress for the big day. When choosing your Hollywood glam wedding dress, look for vintage-inspired details, such as long trains, off-the-shoulder necklines, slinky fabrics (à la Meghan Markle's reception look), and fit-and-flare silhouettes.
Earrings
Diamond studs and dangle earrings are two failsafe options for any Old Hollywood wedding, but we're also really into the idea of pearl cluster earrings, seen here. This demure style gives a slight nod to 1950s glamour.
Bridal clutch
Whether you pack your entire wedding day emergency kit or just toss in a tube of lipstick with your cell phone, a bridal clutch is a must for your Old Hollywood wedding. A satin envelope clutch is reminiscent of vintage purses.
Wedding venue
If there's one way to take your Hollywood glam wedding to the next level, it's by choosing a venue with historical grandeur and opulence. Look for traditional spaces, such as ballrooms, theaters, and mansions that were built around the early 1900s and still retain their original charm (like Astor Hall at the New York Public Library, pictured above).
Ceremony decor
Don't skimp on your ceremony decor. Even if you can't go all out with tall floral aisle markers and fancy backdrops, you can transform almost any space with a simple combination of rose petals and candles leading to the altar. Upgrading your wedding chairs to a decorative style, like Chiavari chairs or ghost chairs, is another way to make impact.
Crystal chandeliers
What would an Old Hollywood wedding be without sparkly chandeliers? If your wedding venue doesn't already have chandeliers in place, consult with local rental lighting companies for other options or use strands of crystals throughout your wedding decor to mimic the look.
Tuxedo
Grooms can achieve a dapper look for their Old Hollywood glamour wedding by wearing a black tuxedo and bow tie. Fashion-forward grooms who want to try their hand at the latest menswear trends can swap out the standard tux jacket for a velvet or colored option instead.
Limousine arrival
Make your big newlywed debut (or your newlywed sendoff) in a vintage limousine that looks like it came straight out of a retro movie.
Photo booth
A red carpet paves the way for your grand entrance at the reception, but it's also something that your guests will totally love. Cameras disguised as mirrors are the latest take on the photo booth trend, and they fight right in with an Old Hollywood wedding theme. Encourage everyone to dress to the nines so that they're ready to strike a pose!
Over-the-top floral installations
Create a focal point in your reception space with an elaborate floral installation. It can be purely decorative, like this all-white fireplace filled with flowers, or you can use it as the backdrop for something more practical, such as your wedding sweetheart table.
Reception table numbers
Etched mirror table numbers are an ultra-glamorous way to enhance your tablescapes. Showcase them with crystal centerpiece vases, votive candles, and patterned table linens for a stunning result.
Tall centerpieces
Mixing high and low centerpieces will create a truly regal feel throughout your reception space — plus, when else can you really dine at a table filled with tall vases and candelabras? Probably never, unless you're actual royalty.
Dance floor
No detail should go unnoticed if you're having a Hollywood glam wedding — not even your dance floor. A gobo is an easy but efficient way to personalize the dance floor (and it's always a hit with guests!).
Wedding cake
When it comes to your Old Hollywood wedding cake, it should look like a work of art. Black fondant, one of our favorite wedding cake trends of the moment, ensures that the cake is a standout element.