The real Al Capone and Lucky Luciano, during the period of their “turbulent” activity, aroused horror among ordinary people, which was mixed with a bit of admiration for the audacity of gangsters.
Time has softened the memories, and cinema has made legendary heroes out of ordinary bandits, and the famous Chicago “gangster” era of the 20s and 30s of the 20th century seems to us to be a time of uncontrollably courageous people who knew how to risk their lives and put others at risk with exquisite elegance.
The semi-fictional gangster romance lends itself well to creating the backdrop for a fun themed wedding.
Description of Chicago style
Chicago or, in other words, gangster style came to us from the 20s and 30s. At that time, American society resembled a gangster group: lawlessness, robbery and violence flourished. In the fearless 30s, respectable retro cars, casinos and money, cabarets, weapons, costumes, gambling and jazz were considered a distinctive feature of the style.
This style involves creating an atmosphere of passion, excitement and risk. Parties of that time were held under the slogans: “Drink, dance and have fun” or “Style, passion, money and jazz.” Another article on the site, telling about an Italian-style wedding, can help in organizing such a celebration. From it you will learn what decor should be used to decorate an event and how to do it correctly.
Themed wedding photo shoot
An additional point that should not be forgotten at your gangster themed wedding is the photo session of the newlyweds. Be sure to capture your gangster-themed wedding so you can create a wedding photo album and enjoy viewing it for the rest of your life together. Such an important event cannot be left without memorable moments in photographs, so look through the ready-made options on how to decorate a gangster photo shoot with beautiful frames.
Choosing a venue for the celebration
For the wedding celebration, a location is chosen, either outdoors or indoors. In the summer, you can organize a ceremony in a picturesque place outside the city or on the shore of a reservoir. Cottages, country complexes and villas are suitable.
In winter, you should opt for a chic restaurant, a banquet hall in a hotel or an entertainment complex. The main thing is that the establishment is decorated luxuriously! Options with a style similar to Chicago are suitable: interior in dark colors, mahogany trim and heavy curtains.
Registration area
Auto
For a wedding cortege, it is preferable to choose expensive retro cars. You can use the Rolls Royce rental service.
Avoid license plate stickers, hood toys, ribbons and balloons. Everything should look discreet and elegant.
Wedding decoration according to all the rules
The appropriate attributes of the celebration will help create the right atmosphere. You can decorate the interior with the following elements:
- The walls are decorated with aged newspaper clippings, black and white photographs, heavy paintings, movie posters of the time, wanted posters for criminals with photographs of the bride and groom.
- Figures of retro cars, a saxophone, and weapons are placed around the perimeter of the festive area
- In the center of the ceremonial area, gaming tables are placed on which roulette is placed, decks of cards, packs of dollar bills, and casino chips are additionally laid out.
- The tables are decorated with peacock feathers, hats, and cigarette holders.
For those who love creativity, decorating a wedding area in a prison theme or an underground casino is suitable.
Choosing and decorating a tuple
It is preferable to choose expensive retro cars as a wedding cortege. A convertible is considered the ideal option. If you can’t find such a car model, opt for a limousine or a luxury car. Give preference to white and black colors.
The choice of transport for guests is a bus, which is stylized as “Chicago”. To do this, images of bullet holes are applied to it on all sides.
Decor for the registration and banquet area
If you are planning an outdoor ceremony, the registration area can be designed in the form of a window overlooking Chicago. On the sides you can place floral compositions of red and white flowers. You should also create an impromptu stage, like in a cabaret, on which the newlyweds will take an oath of eternal love.
When seating guests, you should adhere to the traditions of that time and not seat invitees at the same table. It is better to place six to ten people at several separate tables. At the same time, you need to make sure that there are chic dishes on them, openwork napkins and fruit decorations.
Hall decoration
Menu
The banquet gangster menu includes seafood dishes, pastries, risotto, hot sauces and seasonings. A traditional American menu will also work:
- beef steaks;
- beefsteaks;
- cheese and meat casseroles;
- pies;
- cheeseburgers and hamburgers.
It is customary to serve whiskey in large quantities as alcohol at a Chicago wedding. Alternative options include rum, tequila or wine. Since the 20s and 30s fell during the period of Prohibition, it is better to serve alcohol in jugs or decanters. The flower girl should carry it, just like in those days.
Table with treats
Important little things
Ideas for designing invitation cards can be very diverse, for example, in the form of an old newspaper or leaflets with a note about the merger of two clans. You can design the cards as a police notice indicating the wedding location and time, or as a booklet with lace.
Wedding invitations
A cushion for rings is not relevant for a wedding of this theme; you can replace it with a cigar box.
At the end of the evening, guests should be given souvenirs to remember the celebration. They can be dice, cards, cigars, souvenir dollars.
Do you like the atmosphere of the 30s? Then why not get some fresh ideas from the article about decorating a wedding in the style of “The Great Gatsby”?! It will help to beautifully decorate the hall, motorcade, photo zone and more.
Are you planning on-site registration? Here you will find a detailed script with text for the host, music selection, an example of marriage vows and much more.
Invitations
Any wedding presupposes the presence of guests, and they must, first of all, be invited. This must be done in a way that fully reflects the chosen topic. Here are a few examples of “truly gangster” invitation cards, which have certain requirements - aged yellowish paper and the absence of bright colors . Fonts are selected depending on the design option. It is better to use one like a typewriter; a classic “newspaper” font and even handwriting are possible.
Option one - anonymous
Sentences are put together, like a puzzle, from words cut out from old newspapers or black and white magazines. The names of the invitees, as well as the newlyweds, can even be made up of letters of different sizes and styles. In order not to make a huge number of such cards by hand, you can prepare the base, multiply it, and only then add the names of the guests.
Option two - photographic film
This option is in keeping with the spirit of gangster conspiracy. The invitation itself is printed on a thin long sheet of paper, the format corresponding to the size of the film. The names of the guests are entered in block letters, but by hand. To design, you will need a film cassette into which you can easily insert a folded sheet.
Option three – old photograph
This invitation looks like a small book with a photo of the newlyweds on the cover. It should be processed in such a way that it looks like a very old, faded photograph.
How to choose a bride's wardrobe and accessories
Images can be daring, a little provocative, bright, striking.
Chicago style involves abandoning the usual fluffy dresses and crinoline skirts. The bride should prefer an elegant long dress with a low waist in a light or dark shade. A lace dress for a wedding would be perfect. To make you look perfect, we have prepared an article with tips on choosing one. She will tell you which models are suitable for whom, how much they cost and what accessories you will need to create a complete look.
Image of the bride and groom
The dress will go well with classic stiletto heels or low ballet flats.
Accessories include white gloves, a hat with a veil or a headband decorated with feathers and a brooch.
Long pearl beads and a white fur cape will help complete the look
Women's hairstyle , relevant for the Chicago style, is loose hair, styled in large waves. You can decorate them with a hairpin, flowers or a veil.
The makeup is applied brightly: arrows are drawn on the eyes, cheekbones are highlighted with dark blush, lips are painted with red lipstick.
An original composition of swan feathers and silk flowers or a wedding bouquet of roses will help make the image complete Read here about how to make it up, decorate it and what kind of bride it would suit.
Bouquet of roses
Reader
Liana Obertinova
As for alcohol, the Bloody Mary cocktail is considered a classic. There must be whiskey on the table. You can also add rum, red wine and liqueur for the ladies.
At that time, Prohibition was in force in America. Residents of the United States could not openly buy and drink alcohol, so they smuggled it in and drank from mugs. Of course, you don’t have to bring alcohol in teapots to your wedding, but you can arrange an interesting alcoholic performance on this topic.
Groom image
The Chicago groom embodies impeccable style and luxury. The outfit is perfectly ironed, the shoes are polished to a shine. The right decision would be to order a classic suit to be tailored, only in this case it will fit impeccably. A shirt with suspenders will serve as an addition.
with the colors of your clothes : a black suit with thin stripes or a white suit with a scarlet rose in the buttonhole would be popular.
The shoe model is suitable with a pointed toe and laces.
Accessories in the Chicago style can be a hat, an expensive watch, cufflinks, a holster with a revolver on the belt.
Hair should be combed back and carefully styled with gel. You can make a parting in the middle or create waves using a styling product.
First feast
The presenters offer to fill the glasses and greet the first toast with applause (a beautiful toast in verse from the presenters).
After some time (about 10 minutes), when the guests satisfy their first hunger, the hosts continue:
Presenter:
Now Mr. Colt and I will introduce you to the files on someone that we managed to get at the police station. We think those present will be interested to know who they are dealing with (they take turns reading the dossier).
Dossier (describe specific life stories of those on whom the dossier is being compiled)
Don ________ (groom):
The young don, cheerful and daring, fair and kind, diligently gnawing on the granite of science, set himself the goal of getting a beautiful and independent daughter as his wife. For her sake, he was ready to do crazy things. While waiting for his fate, he did not sit idly by, but rode around on his “iron horse” in search of her and worked for the benefit of the family and actively developed the business. Currently, he is a wealthy man and an accomplished person.
Donya_____________ (bride):
A beautiful and independent dona, distinguished by exemplary behavior and a serious disposition since childhood, she never wastes time on trifles. Therefore, she had quite high demands on her future husband, which she discovered in Don (the groom’s name). Having met her chosen one for 1 year, she agreed to become his wife.
Gangster ____________ (witness):
He has been interested in sports since a young age, and is a master of sports in judo. He has been friends with Don (name of the groom) since kindergarten. She always helps him with practical advice and provides all possible assistance in all his endeavors. Weaknesses: milkshakes and beautiful girls.
Lady_________ (witness):
I met the newlywed in my first year at (insert name) university. She is the direct opposite of Donna (the name of the bride), because she does not have a gentle disposition, loves to have affairs and is not yet in the mood for a serious relationship with the opposite sex. When I found out that my friend was getting married, she even shed tears because she unexpectedly hit herself in the eye with a mascara brush (she was tinting her eyelashes at that moment).
Parents of the bride:
The head of the clan _________ and his wife ________ have been together for 30 years. During this time they raised a lovely daughter, whom they are marrying off. The girl is well brought up and respects her parents. The relationship between the head of the clan and his wife is characterized by reciprocity and trust. They are a wonderful example of what a union between loving people should be like. They hope to have grandchildren in the near future.
Bandito___________ (bride's cousin):
From an early age he is the main protector of his cousin. Well built, has a beautiful appearance and an extraordinary mind. Single. Dreams of a romantic relationship. I’m already ready for combat, because at the wedding of my beloved cousin I noticed a charming beauty, for whose attention I was ready to do anything.
Groom's parents:
The head of the clan ________ and his wife _____ even before they tied the knot, they dreamed that they would have a smart and handsome son. Their dreams came true. And so, after 27 years, he announced that he was getting married. The parents, having heard about this, were slightly frightened, but, having met the bride of their beloved son, they came to the conclusion that in her person they would find a daughter, beautiful and smart.
If desired, a dossier can be compiled for all close relatives.
The presenters offer to raise a toast to such respected people.
Presenter:
Since we are having a gangster party, I propose to add a twist to it, inherent in the spirit of that era: at a wedding, the newlyweds always covered their hats when kissing, and the guests fired pistols and shouted “Bitter!” Let's rehearse
Young people kiss, hiding behind a hat, guests shoot from toy pistols.
Then the parents of the newlyweds are given the opportunity to make welcoming speeches.
Leading:
Now the time has come for the first dance of the newlyweds - the dance of passion and love.
The bride and groom dance tango. You can also choreograph the dance to the lovers’ favorite music.
Dance break (everyone dances)
Chicago style dress code for guests
Bridesmaids, groomsmen and other guests should be notified in advance of the wedding theme.
Women should wear evening dresses, maybe knee-length black, or trouser suits combined with a shirt, suspenders and tie. It is better to style your hair in waves and apply bright makeup. You can complement the look with pearl accessories and a cigarette holder.
Bridesmaids Looks
Men will look great in three-piece suits, white shirts and shiny shoes. Tuxedos, ties or bow ties, and suspenders are also suitable. Accessories include a hat, a watch on a chain, a cane, and a cigar.
Congratulations
Here are a few congratulations that can be heard at such a themed wedding.
- Today is a significant day for our city! Two huge and influential families (surnames of the young) united. We want to wish a happy bride and groom to increase the wealth of their families by bringing a new generation into this world. They were able to find each other, despite any obstacles, so let them live, enjoying every day, and delight their loved ones with their achievements!
- You created a new family today. Let her be strong and indestructible, like a huge rock, cheerful and strong, like the wind. Let adversity and strife bypass your home, in which two wonderful people have united - worthy children of their clans, in which two traditions have come together. Be happy!
Birthday cake
A cake in the spirit of Chicago of the 20-30s should be luxurious and original, like the entire theme of the celebration. A chocolate sponge cake or cheesecake filled with plenty of buttercream is ideal. Baking should be done in many layers, and the top should be filled with white icing or chocolate.
It is necessary to decorate the wedding cake in the form of thematic attributes of the event; it is best to make a sweet suitcase with dollars or a game roulette. You can bake a treat in the shape of a retro car or a casino building, or depict the bride and groom with machine guns. As a last resort, a multi-tiered cake with lots of white cream and flowers is suitable.
White cream cake
Scenario
Already at the entrance to the hall, the host greets the guests and warns them about the rules (no fighting, drinking, etc.). Here everyone is given a “pass” - a special playing card with a table number. Waiters escort those who come to their personal seats. Upon entering the room, everyone must contribute to the “common cause,” that is, put a banknote or some personal item on a special table. This stage can be combined with the presentation of gifts. After congratulations for the newlyweds (a representative of each invited family needs to speak briefly), the main part begins - the banquet. Here there are toasts in honor of the new family and congratulations from relatives.
At the height of the event, all the lights in the hall suddenly go out and the bride is kidnapped. Then “armed” masked people come and demand that the groom show how much he deserves such a beautiful bride - the game “How well I know her.” The groom answers the questions, then his answers are compared with the answers of the young wife. After the bride returns to the holiday, the entertainment part begins with dancing, music and competitions. The celebration ends with eating a huge wedding cake, decorated with sugar guns, cards, roses, money and similar paraphernalia.
Without a leader
In order for the holiday to be not just a costume party, but fully consistent with the idea, you need a main character. He's a detective. Usually this role at a wedding is played by the host, because he has the necessary leverage and acting talent. Which character and from which picture to choose is up to you. But usually, they first choose a presenter, and then, according to his external characteristics and talent, they determine the character. Yes, you can first choose your favorite hero, say Sherlock Holmes, and then find a presenter similar to him. But this is much more difficult, plus the person you like may not be able to cope with the task assigned to him. And play the role of Sherlock well. Therefore, it is still better to look for an artistic presenter who has already held similar events and can not easily adapt his script to your requirements, but also play the desired role with high quality.
Popular characters
The choice of character will determine not only the direction of the holiday, but also the era that needs to be displayed in the costumes of the guests and the interior of the banquet hall.
- The end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries. The representative of this era is the beloved Sherlock Holmes. To realize the idea with the hero of the novel, you will need to create a small, prim England at your holiday. Your favorite movie will help you understand what people wore in those days and what the interior looked like.
- The twentieth century, or more precisely, the period from 20 to 70. Hercule Poirot is a cheerful guy with a dozen extra pounds. If you managed to find just such a colorful presenter, you are lucky. Firstly, the fashion of that time looks very romantic, and secondly, the character himself will not let you get bored at the holiday.
- 30 years old. The times of gangsters and the film "Chicago". During this period, writing detective stories was very fashionable, so there are a lot of characters representing these years. Nero Wolf, Perry Mason, Commissioner Magret, Erast Fandorin, and the cheerful Miss Marple. There is room for your imagination to run wild here, because gangster images are capable of creating the right atmosphere for themselves. And if you ask your guests to come in images of this time, then the necessary mood is in your pocket.
- Modern. You can also use modern authors and characters. Moreover, there are now a lot of detective series of domestic and foreign production. Starting with the stories of Daria Dontsova and ending with the series CSI Miami. If you are not sure that the chosen character is known to all guests, place themed banners in the hall. They should depict the main character, indicate the title of the film and the name of the character.
A couple more important notes
- It’s best if your friends are also paratroopers, then they will not only be happy with the chosen topic, but will also help you with the organization. They will be happy to prepare competitions and their own performances.
- A holiday in the style of the Airborne Forces cannot do without competitions. Even the simplest ones, like doing something faster than your opponent, will be in place.
- Be sure to invite a toastmaster or host. He will create the necessary cheerful mood and will make sure that the guests do not get bored.
- And no wedding can do without a photo shoot. It will look gorgeous in the field or on the site where planes take off. Use parachutes and toy airplanes as attributes.
Entertainment
Guests and newlyweds will not only eat and drink! Be sure to consider various entertainment options. For example, you can invite a card magician to such a wedding, whose sleight of hand will instantly sober up many guests. Street theater artists, living statues and mimes are also suitable. This will allow you to achieve a stunning effect, complete immersion in a unique fairy-tale atmosphere.
If your budget allows, it wouldn’t hurt to invite a real Italian orchestra! Folk works from this country will be played, which will create an absolutely stunning atmosphere of the Venetian carnival. In the end, of course, you can include recordings of classical repertoires at weddings, but this will completely kill the whole concept. It is better to adhere to strict limits in order to feel like you are in a completely different corner of our planet.
An obligatory wedding tradition is an album in which those present leave their autographs and also write congratulations and wishes. You should not use a pen, but special ink and quill quills. This is a direct reference to the historical past and Venice, since many writing instruments originally originated there. Remember to allow time for the ink to dry before turning the next page.
Do you need a host or toastmaster at such a celebration? Yes, definitely! Be responsible in finding such a person. A dry study of the portfolio on its official website will not be enough; it is recommended to communicate with a specialist in person. A good professional is a subtle psychologist who will win you over from the very first minute of a tête-à-tête conversation. Explain to him the idea for the wedding, listen to ideas and suggestions.
The main shades of the holiday
A cherry wedding is interesting because you can use different shades of red:
- color of ripe tart cherry;
- garnet (almandine) shade;
- juicy rich red with sourness;
- dark burgundy.
All these colors cannot be background colors, as they visually reduce the space. Take white, milky or ivory as a basis, and let cherry play slightly in the details. The white-cherry composition itself looks too strict, so you can dilute it with the following shades:
- light gray;
- sky blue, cornflower blue, turquoise, white-blue, blue;
- brown, chocolate, cream;
- pink, tea rose color;
- orange, sand, golden;
- grassy, cool green.
Meeting of young people
The newlyweds arrive at the wedding restaurant, where guests greet them and shower them not with petals, but with money (not real money, of course). The bride and groom approach their parents. Moms hold a heart-shaped loaf with images of pistols, and dads hold a tray with mugs filled with champagne.
The presenter says:
Viva young people! Honorable Don _____ and dear Donna _____! Accept these pistols (i.e. loaf) and gunpowder (i.e. salt) as a gift in honor of the union of your family clans. And may your life be as frisky as these two Colts, and as bright as the flame from this vigorous gunpowder! Break off a piece and annoy your friend for the last time in your life!
The newlyweds break off a piece of a loaf and feed each other. And the presenter continues:
I ask everyone to take out their weapons and arrange a gangster fireworks in honor of the young people!
Guests take out toy guns (crackers) and shoot into the sky.
The presenter says:
And now, dear head of the _____ family, I ask you to open a bottle of gangster champagne and pour this divine drink to the young people. Many people will be surprised why young people drink from mugs. It's very simple: all the great gangsters during Prohibition drank from teapots and cups so as not to arouse suspicion from the police. And we do the same!
Champagne is poured into mugs, the young people drink the drink. The presenter continues:
Now break those mugs for good luck! And witnesses, quickly cover your tracks - hide the evidence so that the police do not discover our gangster party.
Witnesses use a broom to collect glass shards into a cotton bag labeled “evidence.”
The presenter continues:
Now, Honorable Don _____ and Honorable Donna _____, show us proof of the legal reunification of the clans.
The newlyweds show the host and guests their marriage certificate. The presenter says:
So, dear guests, I invite everyone to go to the hall where our “gangster party” or gangster party will be held.
On this festive evening, money and whiskey, jazz and cards, cigarette smoke and tireless passion will come first! You will find yourself in the very heart of mafia clans. Today there is a huge stir around our young family, which you now have to congratulate! Prepare your money, gentlemen mafia!
But in order to avoid clashes and shootouts due to the determination of the order, the order of presenting gifts will be determined by our gangster family with the help of playing cards. _____ and _____ take out one card from their deck, thereby determining the group of congratulators.
The newlyweds take out a card, determining who will congratulate them. Gift giving is carried out. Then the leader says:
And now I ask you to take your places at the luxurious tables. The gangster party begins: here and now!
