Swing Theme Wedding

Bexster

Hi

We are having a swing theme wedding in June and all our guests are dressin from that era and our music is all swing. Aswell as the swing theme our colour theme is Red I have a bright red dress and white chair covers with red bows etc etcHas anyone got any ideas for any swing style extras? Music (more suggestions), dress, party food for kids (I am going cones of old fashioned style sweets for kids party food). Anything really?

Thanks

gibboelli

How cool! Not really any ideas to add but just wanted to say what a fin idea! I demand pics when you are Mr and Mrs

babybug

Hi,

I found this website ages ago with loads of different theme ideas, so I've copied a bit for you from their swing section: Hope it helps

Welcome Area


At the entrance to the dance room, have an announcement sign that reads:

"Now Playing at (Celebrant's or Social Organization)'s Club Swing …”

Decorate this sign with photos of the swing band that is playing, similar to the signs that were displayed in the clubs of the day.
In the welcome area, use silhouette cutouts of jazz musicians playing the saxophone. Each should have a speech balloon, saying:

• "The way he wails is a real gas!"
• "He really gets down on that horn"
• "He is one hip cat!"
• "He blows one hot solo!"

Next to these cutouts place a directional sign with arrows pointing to famous "swing" places:

• The Harlem Opera Club
• Garden of Joy
• The Douglas Theater (home of The Cotton Club)
• Congress Casino
  <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in">The Alhambra
• The Lafayette (Home of Bojangles Robinson)

Make an area for photos with a Jazz Bar Scene Setter. If you want to use seating cards, use a saxophone graphic saying:

"You are sitting with the
Count Basie Orchestra
at Table No. _______"

(You can assign different tables with different band names: Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, Tommy Dorsey, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and others)

Set up the seating card table in front the scene setter, if you wish. On the table have a small sign say; "You cats better get to your seats!" Hand out Swinging Pearl Beads to the ladies and black felt top hats to the cats.


Decorations


Turn the place into a Jazz Club fit for a Swing Dance party. Hire a band that can play Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Les Brown or at least one that can play a Big Band sound. Set up a stage for the band and as the band backdrop display a sign with the event name and organization name and line it with lights. Have the dance floor be front and center of the band with the tables lining the dance floor.

Tables: Instead of using large round tables, use smaller tables that fit about four people. It will create intimacy and feel jazz clubby. Options for the table would be black cloths with white napkins, white votive candles, and candy in the form of chocolate notes scattered on the cloth.

Centerpieces: Use a two-sided graphic of a saxophonist playing his horn (or a drummer at his drums), with the name of the band imprinted on it. Attach black and white balloons with some fancy ribbon work. Another idea is to fill small glass vases with white lilies for centerpieces.


Food & Beverage


Everyone is going to be doing the Jitterbug, Lindy Hop, Swing and maybe the Jive, who is going to have time to eat. Make it a hors d’oeuvres and cocktail party, with a martini and olive bar, wine, and small tastes.


Entertainment


The entertainment is the band and dancing. But to make it even more exciting and fun, hire a swing dance instructor to teach everyone how to do the Charleston Two Step or Supreme Swing.

JoeyEmma

Do I have a filthy mind? I read the title of this thread and thought it would be about a swingers- keys in the bowl style wedding!

crldnll

babybug what website did you get that from? it's fantastic! we are having a 50's/60's rock 'n' roll theme wedding so hoping they might have something?

thanks

Bexster

Hey Babybug

That is brilliant thank you so much.

No keys in a bowl at our wedding I hope joey-emma.

Giboelli will defo post some pics if you think they would be interesting.

Thanks

s4aRainyDay

My mum is making my dress from a 1950's pattern, so easy and pretty!

Bexster

My dress is bright red and got long evening gloves for the evening reception and diamante detachable strap for the back of my dress for the evening too

babybug

Hi guys,

Glad the info was useful. I think the website is party411.com, you have to scroll down quite far to get to the party themes section.

It's an American site, but quite good for stealing ideas

Edited to add: crldnll, this page might be useful to you for your rock and roll wedding: http://www.party411.com/theme6.html

Can you tell I love theme parties?!

crldnll

that websites great! I love theme parties too!
bexster - good luck with your swing theme, it sounds fab!

smileywalsh

Hi Bexster,
We too are having a (lightly) swing-themed wedding. I think that some of the suggestions in babybug's post are great; I'll have a look at the website later.

If you'd like to contact some people who are fantastic swing dancers and instructors, to get some ideas on what they can offer you, contact Scott at Swing Patrol.

We've been involved with them over the last couple of months and I know that they love a good swing party and are not just talented but great fun too.

We are hoping to have learned enough moves by the wedding (October) to do something special in our first dance.. fingers crossed.
We're also having a dilemma as to go for a real swing band or DJ (financial implications and space considerations...).
Good luck.