How to make your 1940s wedding swing with style:
June 7, 2019
If you’ve got your heart set on a 1940s period wedding with wedding evening entertainment, it’s important to do a bit of research.
One of the most famous 1940s weddings was the Queen’s, on 20 November 1947. It was broadcast around the world to 200 million people, the wedding cake was 9 feet high, and one of the corgis even came on their honeymoon!
It’s probably going to be a bit tricky for you to book the Abbey like Her Majesty did, but you can still enjoy a delightfully authentic 1940s wedding and evening reception.
For true historical accuracy, keep it low key
A wartime/post-wartime wedding was often a straightforward and last-minute affair. Rationing and army deployment meant a lot of couples would do things in a matter of days and on a budget. That often meant no white dress!
You’ve probably got the luxury of some more planning time (and there’s no limit on how much butter and sugar you can buy), but you could still take inspiration from the couples of the 1940s and throw a simple wedding party in a registry office, country pub, village hall, or somewhere with meaning for both of you.
Lace, padded shoulders, and headband veils
Some brides did wear a white dress in the 40s. Slim, simple designs were especially popular, as well as lace, long sleeves, sweetheart neck lines, and padded square shoulders. Veils were often very fine and delicate, and worn with decorative headbands.
Vintage wedding dresses are a popular choice for 21st Century weddings, and the 1940s was full of lace-trimmed inspiration.
Source: Victoriana Magazine
Pay attention to the small details
This happy couple from the West Midlands pulled out all the stops to throw a military-themed 1940s wedding in 2015. From the Union Jack bunting to the framed wartime posters, it was creative and personal from the vows right through to the afternoon tea reception.
Transportation, place settings, wedding favours, wedding evening entertainment, photography, and flowers can all have that vintage touch. If you’re crafty and love making things yourself, even better!
Strike up the band for wedding evening entertainment
Music in the 1940s was full of swing. People loved big band music and jazz, which is pretty much impossible not to dance to.
Your wedding evening entertainment will be in good hands with Silk Street Swing. Our huge repertoire includes jazz and big band classics, like The Lady Is A Tramp, Fly Me To The Moon, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, and more.
We’ve performed at hundreds of events and weddings at the UK, as well as on TV and film, so you could say we’re experts at getting an authentic 1940s party started.
