Introduction
Ready to throw the most spectacular soirée this side of West Egg? A Great Gatsby wedding decor theme captures all the glamour, opulence, and unbridled joy of the Roaring Twenties. I’ve been absolutely obsessed with this wedding theme ever since I coordinated my first Gatsby celebration three years ago—there’s something magical about stepping into that world of art deco elegance and champagne-soaked revelry. Whether you’re planning an extravagant affair worthy of Jay Gatsby himself or looking to add just a touch of 1920s sparkle to your special day, these 18 decoration ideas will transport you and your guests to the Jazz Age in style. Let’s raise a glass to love and create a wedding that even Daisy Buchanan would envy!
Art Deco Invitations and Stationery
Set the tone for your Gatsby celebration before guests even arrive with invitations featuring geometric art deco patterns, gold foil details, and typography straight from the 1920s. Your invitation suite is the first glimpse guests will have of your wedding style, so don’t hold back!
- Include gold or silver metallic accents on black or cream cardstock
- Incorporate fan patterns, sunbursts, and bold geometric designs
- Use period-appropriate fonts like Broadway, Metropolis, or Plaza
- Add a custom monogram with your initials in an art deco style
Pro Tip: Extend this design aesthetic to all your wedding stationery—menus, programs, place cards, and thank you notes—for a cohesive Great Gatsby wedding decor experience.
Gold and Black Color Scheme
Nothing says Gatsby glamour like the timeless combination of gold and black. This sophisticated palette creates instant drama and elegance that perfectly captures the essence of the era.
- Layer different gold tones (champagne, antique gold, and bright metallics)
- Use black as an anchor color for drama and contrast
- Add accents of white, cream, or deep jewel tones like emerald or sapphire
I once attended a Gatsby wedding where they painted inexpensive vases with gold leaf—the entire ballroom glowed with warm, reflected light as the evening progressed. It was absolutely breathtaking and cost a fraction of what you might expect!
Feather Centerpieces
Nothing screams 1920s quite like ostrich feathers. These dramatic plumes create height and movement while adding that perfect flapper flair to your Great Gatsby wedding decor.
- Arrange white or black ostrich feathers in tall mercury glass vases
- Combine feathers with period-appropriate flowers like roses or calla lilies
- Enhance with strands of pearls or crystal garlands cascading from the arrangement
Pro Tip: For budget-friendly options, mix a few real ostrich feathers with less expensive synthetic ones—guests won’t notice the difference in the dramatic overall effect.
Champagne Tower Display
Would it even be a Gatsby party without overflowing champagne? A champagne tower isn’t just a spectacular visual centerpiece—it’s also an interactive element that creates a memorable moment during your reception.
- Use vintage coupe glasses rather than modern flutes for authentic period style
- Position the tower on a table decorated with art deco patterns and metallic accents
- Surround the base with rose petals, pearls, or votive candles
Remember to check with your venue about any restrictions before planning this feature—and consider having your catering staff manage the pouring to avoid any Gatsby-level mishaps!
Vintage Candelabras
Create an atmosphere of old-world luxury with ornate candelabras as table centerpieces or positioned strategically around your venue. The flickering candlelight will transport guests straight to a clandestine 1920s gathering.
- Choose gold, silver, or brass candelabras with multiple arms
- Use taper candles in black, gold, or white
- Enhance with greenery and small floral accents at the base
Pro Tip: If your venue doesn’t allow open flames, high-quality LED taper candles can create a similar ambiance without the fire hazard.
Pearl Decorations
Pearls were the gemstone of choice for 1920s flappers, and they make exquisite decorative elements throughout your Great Gatsby wedding decor. They add a touch of iridescent elegance to any surface.
- Drape pearl strands from centerpieces, chairs, or hanging installations
- Scatter pearl beads across tables as elegant confetti
- Fill clear vases with pearl strands and submersible LED lights
- Incorporate pearl-headed pins into floral arrangements
At my cousin’s Gatsby-themed wedding, they created stunning pearl curtains as a backdrop for their sweetheart table—it was both a beautiful decoration and a fantastic photo backdrop!
Art Deco Table Settings
The devil is in the details, darling! Your table settings offer the perfect opportunity to immerse guests in the Gatsby experience through carefully curated elements that capture the period’s distinctive style.
- Use gold-rimmed plates and crystal glassware
- Incorporate geometric-patterned napkins or napkin rings
- Add art deco-inspired menu cards at each setting
- Include small vintage touches like antique salt cellars or individual bud vases
Pro Tip: Mix vintage and modern pieces for a fresh take on Great Gatsby wedding decor—not everything needs to be authentically vintage to create the right atmosphere.
Art Deco Cake Design
Your wedding cake is a showpiece that can perfectly embody your Gatsby theme through geometric patterns, metallic accents, and period-appropriate decorative elements.
- Request gold leaf application, edible sequins, or metallic fondant details
- Incorporate art deco patterns like fans, sunbursts, and geometric shapes
- Add feather toppers, sugar pearls, or edible gems
- Display on a vintage cake stand or illuminated platform
For my own wedding, we chose a three-tier cake with black fondant and gold geometric patterns—it was so stunning that guests were taking photos of it all night long!
Speakeasy Bar Setup
Transform your bar area into a Prohibition-era speakeasy complete with period-appropriate cocktails and decor. This interactive area will become a favorite gathering spot throughout your reception.
- Create vintage-inspired cocktail menus featuring classics like Sidecars, French 75s, and Gin Rickeys
- Decorate with antique decanters, cocktail shakers, and bar tools
- Add a “password required” sign or other speakeasy references
- Position art deco-style lamps or candles for moody lighting
Pro Tip: Hire bartenders who can dress the part and demonstrate classic cocktail-making techniques for an entertaining element that enhances your Great Gatsby wedding decor theme.
Crystal Chandeliers
Nothing says opulence quite like the sparkling allure of crystal chandeliers. These dramatic lighting fixtures were staples in luxury homes and venues of the 1920s.
- Rent additional chandeliers if your venue doesn’t have them
- Consider modern alternatives like crystal-beaded drum shades for a contemporary twist
- Use smaller crystal light fixtures on buffet tables or dessert displays
- Enhance with strategic uplighting in amber tones
If real chandeliers aren’t in your budget, don’t fret! I’ve seen couples create stunning DIY versions using hula hoops, crystal garlands, and string lights that looked absolutely magical.
Feather and Fan Photo Backdrop
Create an Instagram-worthy photo area that captures the essence of your Great Gatsby wedding decor while providing entertainment for guests and beautiful memories for your album.
- Design a backdrop using oversized paper or fabric fans in gold, black, and white
- Add ostrich feather arrangements at varying heights
- Incorporate a vintage settee or chairs for posed photos
- Include props like long cigarette holders, strings of pearls, and fedoras
Pro Tip: Position your photo area near good natural light during the day and add string lights or vintage-style lamps for evening illumination.
Vintage Car Display
If you really want to make a splash, consider renting a vintage automobile from the 1920s as both a decorative element and potential photo opportunity. Nothing says Gatsby glamour like arriving in a Rolls-Royce or Duesenberg!
- Position the car near your venue entrance for maximum impact
- Decorate with florals, ribbons, or “Just Married” signage
- Set up a champagne station nearby for guests to enjoy while taking photos
This is definitely a splurge item, but I’ve seen couples use vintage car services for their transportation and then arrange for the vehicle to remain on display during cocktail hour—two purposes for one rental fee!
Gold Sequin Tablecloths
For instant Gatsby glamour, nothing beats the impact of gold sequin tablecloths catching and reflecting light throughout your venue. These statement linens create a luxurious foundation for your table decor.
- Use on select tables (sweetheart, cake, or accent tables) if budget is a concern
- Alternate sequin cloths with solid black or geometric patterned linens
- Layer with table runners in contrasting textures
- Consider sequin table runners or overlays as a more subtle alternative
Pro Tip: Full sequin tablecloths can be expensive to rent, but you can often find good quality options to purchase online for less than rental costs—plus you can resell them afterward!
Antique Mirror Signage
Repurpose vintage mirrors as elegant signage throughout your venue. The reflective quality adds dimension while the antique frames enhance your Great Gatsby wedding decor theme.
- Use gold leaf pens or hire a calligrapher to write directly on mirror surfaces
- Display welcome messages, seating charts, bar menus, or favorite Gatsby quotes
- Arrange in clusters of different sizes for visual interest
- Add strategic lighting to enhance readability and ambiance
I still remember a wedding where they used an ornate gold mirror for their seating chart—each table was named after a character from The Great Gatsby, which was such a clever touch!
Jazz Band Stage Decoration
If you’re hiring live musicians (and what Gatsby party would be complete without jazz?), don’t forget to extend your decorative theme to their performance area.
- Create an elevated stage with art deco-inspired backdrop
- Add vintage-style microphones and music stands
- Incorporate appropriate lighting with amber gels for warmth
- Position feather arrangements or metallic decor elements around the stage
Pro Tip: Ask your musicians if they’d be willing to dress in period-appropriate attire to enhance the immersive experience—many jazz performers already have 1920s-inspired performance wear!
Cigar and Whiskey Lounge
Create a sophisticated retreat reminiscent of a gentleman’s club with a designated lounge area featuring leather seating, whiskey tastings, and perhaps even cigars (venue permitting).
- Arrange vintage leather chairs or chesterfield sofas in a conversational grouping
- Display whiskey in crystal decanters with appropriate glassware
- Add masculine touches like vintage books, globe bar carts, or antique trunks
- Incorporate darker woods and rich textures for authenticity
This area tends to become a favorite gathering spot for guests who need a break from dancing—I’ve seen it become the setting for some of the most meaningful conversations and memorable moments of the night.
String Lights and Fabric Draping
Transform ordinary venue ceilings into magical canopies with strategic draping and twinkling lights. This relatively affordable technique can dramatically change the feel of any space.
- Use ivory or champagne-colored fabrics for elegant ceiling swags
- Incorporate string lights or crystal strands within the draping
- Add dramatic ceiling-to-floor drapes to define spaces or hide unattractive areas
- Consider geometric patterns in your draping design to echo art deco motifs
Pro Tip: Many venues have rigging points already installed—ask about these before planning elaborate ceiling installations to save on installation costs.
Gatsby-Inspired Wedding Favors
Send guests home with a memento that extends your Great Gatsby wedding decor theme beyond the celebration itself. Thoughtful favors that align with your aesthetic make for perfect finishing touches.
- Mini champagne bottles with custom art deco labels
- Engraved cocktail shakers or vintage-style coupe glasses
- Packaged chocolate coins in gold foil
- Art deco-inspired candles or soaps
- Custom matchbooks or playing cards with your monogram
For my sister’s Gatsby wedding, they gave guests engraved flask sets with their wedding date in art deco typography—I still use mine years later!
Key Takeaways
- Focus on authentic art deco patterns and geometric designs throughout your decor elements
- Incorporate luxurious materials like gold, black, pearls, feathers, and crystals
- Create immersive experiences through themed stations (champagne tower, speakeasy bar)
- Balance authentic vintage pieces with modern interpretations for a fresh take
- Remember that lighting (especially warm, amber tones) is crucial for setting the Gatsby mood
Conclusion
As Gatsby himself knew, the most memorable celebrations are those that transport guests to another world—one filled with beauty, excitement, and just a touch of glamorous excess. Your Great Gatsby wedding decor choices should work together to create an immersive experience that feels both historically authentic and personally meaningful. Whether you incorporate all eighteen of these ideas or just select a few signature elements, the key is consistency and attention to detail. So channel your inner Gatsby, embrace the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, and create a wedding celebration that would make even the most seasoned flappers and philosophers raise their champagne coupes in admiration. After all, as Fitzgerald wrote, “Can’t repeat the past? Why of course you can!” —especially when it comes to creating a wedding day as unforgettable as the Jazz Age itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors are best for a Great Gatsby themed wedding?
The classic Gatsby color palette includes gold, black, white, and cream as base colors. For accents, consider champagne, silver, and rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or deep burgundy. Metallics should feature prominently, especially gold and silver. For an authentic 1920s feel, keep the overall look high-contrast and bold rather than soft and pastel.
How can I create a Great Gatsby wedding on a budget?
Focus on high-impact elements that create the Gatsby atmosphere without breaking the bank. DIY art deco signage, thrift vintage frames and mirrors, use spray-painted bottles as centerpieces, and incorporate paper feathers instead of real ostrich plumes. Lighting is crucial and relatively inexpensive—amber-colored string lights and LED candles can transform a space. Prioritize a few statement pieces (like a sequin tablecloth for just the cake table) rather than trying to make everything period-perfect.
What flowers were popular in the 1920s for weddings?
Popular flowers during the 1920s included calla lilies, roses, carnations, sweet peas, lily of the valley, and chrysanthemums. For an authentic Gatsby-era look, opt for structured, architectural arrangements rather than loose, garden-style designs. Incorporate feathers, ferns, and palm leaves for that art deco feel. White and cream flowers were particularly popular, often accented with greenery and sometimes dyed feathers.
Should I hire special entertainment for a Great Gatsby wedding?
While not essential, period-appropriate entertainment adds tremendously to the Gatsby atmosphere. Consider a jazz band or swing orchestra for authentic 1920s music, professional dancers to demonstrate and teach guests the Charleston or Foxtrot, or even a professional mixologist for your speakeasy bar. For more theatrical flair, consider flapper dancers, a cigar roller, or a vintage photo booth with period props and costumes.
How can I transform a modern venue into a 1920s setting?
Strategic lighting is your best friend—use amber uplighting, string lights, and candles to create a warm glow. Fabric draping can hide modern architectural elements while adding luxury. Portable art deco-style screens or panels can section off spaces and add period detail. Focus on creating immersive vignettes (like a champagne tower or speakeasy bar) rather than trying to transform every inch of the venue. Finally, consider renting statement furniture pieces like vintage bars, leather chesterfield sofas, or ornate gold chairs to anchor your design scheme.
