For couples interested in creating a classic feel for their wedding, look to the "Old Hollywood" stars and starlets for inspiration. Although many of these weddings took place well over 50 years ago, their looks are and will remain timeless. Here is some advice for how to achieve your own timeless look:
1. THE BRIDE
Princess Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, Jackie Kennedy, and our favorite, Audrey Hepburn are our picks for quintessential classic brides.
How to achieve their looks:
a. Red lipstick. First of all, make sure you are able to wear such a vibrant color. Red lipstick is a staple of the classic Hollywood bride look, but make sure a) you are comfortable wearing such a bold color and b) that it is complimentary with your skin tone. If not, there are lots of other ways to look like a classic bride, so don't worry. Make sure the red you select is a blush tone and not a louder red, best saved for Halloween. Also try to select a lipstick that will not rub off easily and will last for several hours. We recommend Revlon Colorstay, Mac Pro Longwear Lipcolour, and Lola Cosmetics lip creme (which can be found at Sephora).
b. A modest dress. A rule of all classic brides is that they don't show too much skin. Save your sexier looks for the wedding night and cover up for your wedding. You wouldn't want to make Uncle Fred blush and you certainly don't want to look back on your wedding pictures some day and feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. You want to be able to get your album out for the grand kids some day, don't you? So even if you can pull-off that plunging neckline, save it for the honeymoon. That doesn't mean you can't show any skin.. it is 2008 after all! Just keep in mind that while making an effort to look sexy and fabulous might be something you do most Friday nights, it certainly won't be necessary on your wedding day. With a beautiful white dress and a gorgeous ring on your finger, there is no way your groom will be able to take his eyes off his beautiful new bride. Best of all, wearing a classic dress on your wedding day is the best possible way to have everyone saying "here's lookin at you, kid."
c. A bouquet of white, blush pink, or red roses. This is a given and therefore doesn't require much explanation. Roses are timeless. You might incorporate a few other flowers into the bridesmaids bouquets, but keep yours classic and stick to pure roses.
d. A Birdcage Veil or a single large white flower. Nothing says classic Hollywood starlet like these elegant accessories.
2. THE GROOM
Sean Connery, Humphrey Bogart, and the costumes from My Fair Lady are our picks for quintessential Hollywood leading man looks.
How to achieve their looks:
a. Appeal to your inner 007. James Bond made famous the classic tuxedo, and it's style and sophistication live on today. (Refer to picture of Clooney and Pitt below.) To achieve that classic, suave, and debonair look just go for "shaken, not stirred."
b. No man exuded confidence and cool like the great Humphrey Bogart. Every word that came out of his mouth sounded like a classic Hollywood quote, and usually became one shortly thereafter. To look just like you walked out of Rick's Cafe, go with the White Dinner Jacket and black bow tie. It's the perfect throwback to Hollywood glamour and the perfect way to leave a lasting impression.
c. Although you will probably be upstaged by your bride the same way Rex Harrison was upstaged by Audrey Hepburn below (no matter what you wear) there is nothing more stylish than a tuxedo with tails. For an elegant evening affair go with a black tuxedo. For a daytime wedding, or to give the wedding some British flare, go with the grey suit. Wearing tails will show that you know how to honor a classic and will guarantee at least one classic Hollywood kiss from your blushing bride.
3. The Wedding
a. Here's a fun idea that was given to us by Heather, one of our new brides. Relive the days of Titanic (but skip the sinking ship) when men used to retire from dinner early to enjoy a fine scotch and a good cigar by setting up a Scotch and Cigar Lounge at your wedding. If your wedding venue includes a seperate lounge area then set up there. If not, create your own lounge area by sectioning off a corner of the room. To make it female-friendly, offer cosmopolitans as well.
b. Find old movie stills in glossy black and white, place them in frames, and display them as centerpieces on each table. You can even name each table after the star shown in the picture or the movies from which the pictures are from.
c. Give your engagement pictures a classic Hollywood feel by having them shot in black and white. Display them at your wedding so that you two fit right in with the Old Hollywood motif.
d. Name specialty cocktails after your favorite classic movies or movie stars. For example, serve Dirty Martinis and call them the "007s," serve Bourbon Sours and call them "The Casablanca," or serve Rose' Champagne and call it "La Vie en Rose."
e. Play songs from classic soundtracks during the Cocktail Hour and/or Dinner. Some ideas are Gene Kelly's "Singing in the Rain" (from Singing in the Rain), Diana Krall's "S'Wonderful" (from Funny Face), Louis Armstrong's "La Vie en Rose" (from Sabrina), and Jimmy Durante's "As Time Goes By" (from Casablanca).
f. Walk down the aisle to an anthem from a classic movie, such as the overture from "Gone with the Wind" or "Romeo and Juliet" or Henry Mancini's "Moon River."
g. Use Casablanca Lillies in your centerpieces.
h. Have a red carpet laid out for your guests' arrival and/or for your send-off at the close of the evening.
Here are some ways that today's movie vixens are incorporating classic styles into their special days.
