Posted by Phyllis Cambria, The Special Events Group of South Florida on September 22, 1999 at 17:42:21:

In Reply to: gangster themed wedding advice needed posted by D.B. on September 22, 1999 at 13:10:35:

Hi D.B.!

Congrats on your wedding plans. I LOVE the idea of a Chicago "gangster" party.

Okay, here are some ideas to help you get started.

First, there is a gangster wedding scene in "Guys and Dolls" which might help you with some immediate ideas.

The site of the wedding is very important. If you can have it in a nightclub, as opposed to a reception hall, that would be a plus for added atmosphere.

If you can't consider "adjusting" what you would consider a typical layout of the room. In other words, instead of opting for the 8 or 10-top rounds, go with the smaller 30" 4-tops, clothed to the floor, to give it more of a speakeasy atmosphere.

The tables should be centered with an cabaret lamp. Most rental companies have these, but if yours doesn't let me know, and I'll put you in touch with someone who does and you can have them shipped in. They are oil lamps, so you don't have to worry about the wire hanging down.

You MUST have a glitter ball over the dance floor.

Arrange for a rather burly friend to stand guard at the reception door to ask for the password (which you'll put in your invitations) and check to see if anyone is "packing heat" (AKA guns) before allowing them into the party area.

In case of a "raid" (and if you can stage one hiring actors from a local theatrical or murder mystery company it would be even better, especially if it was led by Eliot Ness and the other "Untouchables."), drinks are served in coffee cups - not glasses. Gin, by the way, was the "drink of choice."

You MUST have a charleston contest. A band is really the appropriate entertainment for this type of party as opposed to a d.j. to keep the theme "alive." Try for a "society" band which would more likely have the arrangements to the ragtime and jazz numbers you would want.

Ask guests to come in costume. You might want to have a couple of extra feathers and headbands and cigarette holders for those guests who don't remember to "dress-up" to make sure they "look the part" too.

For your gown, you can either start searching antique clothing stores, or just get a little creative with the dresses available in your contemporary bridal shops. A simple sheath, down to your ankles or to the floor, (with shoes with ankle straps and stockings rolled over your knees) can be made into a "flapper" wedding gown by simply adding a wide satin ribbon worn low on your hips and tied with a bow. (I actually did just that and won a "best costume" contest at a roaring 20s party.) Long pearls, looped and tied into a knot with about 4-6" of pearls hanging below the knot, would be the right look as well.

A clouche hat with a rhinestone pin on your forehead or a long veil with flowers wrapped around your forehead would be a good headpiece. Instead of a traditional bouquet, you would carry something like cala lillies "Miss America" style.

BTW, the shoes should have ankle straps and medium sized heels. You also can go to a dance studio and buy "character shoes." (That's what they're called.)

Female attendants can achieve the same look and you might want them to wear feathers in their hair. Of course, these women can wear satin sheaths and you can have fringe sewn to the dresses as well. They would wear long white gloves and probably picture or clouche hats.

For the groom and his attendants, check into a tux store that might have some older double-breasted tuxes, preferably with wide lapels. These worn with spats and carnations in their lapels with HANDTIED bow ties will help give you the illusion you want. You also can check out antique stores for their clothes or even Goodwill and thrift shops. You might just want to consider having the bridal party wear double-breasted pin-striped suits with wide lapels. The ties should have a stick pin.

Yell if you need anything else. Hope that helps. Best wishes.

Phyllis Cambria
The Special Events Group of South Florida

Follow Ups:

• Re: gangster themed wedding advice needed Ellis C. 9/26/99 (0)
• Re: gangster themed wedding advice needed Ellis C. 9/26/99 (0)

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