Any holiday should be fun and unusual, remaining in the memory as a bright spot of incredible memories, perhaps supported by photo and video footage. All these conditions are perfectly combined in a movie theme that is close to many, which will make the party attractive to any circle of guests.
What do most people associate with luxury, glamor, fame, festive chic, breaking up everyday life with flashing lightning? Hollywood is the home of dreams, idols and... unusual ideas for an unforgettable party! And the occasion can be any: New Year’s celebrations, name days, corporate parties and especially anniversaries: a great reason to be in the spotlight!
To organize it, you will need a little inspiration: watch the Oscar ceremonies, films where star parties appear, for example, “The Hangover”, “King of the Parties” or, if you like retro cinema, “Hollywood Party”.
And, of course, read this article, in which we offer many interesting ideas, tried and tested, as well as new products with which you will surprise your guests without making Herculean efforts.
So, let's start preparing. Camera, motor... Let's start!
Invitations for VIPs to a Hollywood party
Of course, all guests, when they get to a Hollywood party, are automatically assigned to star status: let their lives be illuminated, at least for a short time, by the brilliance of spotlights, camera flashes and involvement in the world of movie dreams.
Sending out or presenting invitations is the first sign that the Hollywood atmosphere at a future party is coming to life. Having learned about the invitation, your guests should be restless for the next couple of weeks, preparing their costumes and anticipating something incredible.
In addition to traditional information about the place, time and dress code of the meeting, the invitation may contain a personal code for a lottery draw, as well as an offer to prepare a number for participation in a “talent show”. If the party is dedicated to a specific film, indicate it in the invitation. This will allow guests to choose their role and choose a costume ahead of time.
Of course, now in specialized stores you can buy invitations in any style, but the manufacturing process will begin to bring you closer to the holiday long before it begins, and the invested individuality will pay off handsomely with the admiration of the guests, especially since it is not at all difficult. Here are some interesting tips!
For Hollywood themed party invitations, use cardstock or shiny construction paper, the main colors being white, red, gold and black. For decoration you will need rhinestones, sparkles (special markers with a gel base or any gold and silver powder, for example, as for manicure delights).
Show your imagination and design your invitation as follows:
- a piece of film (black background, perforated edges, text written in white or silver);
- Oscar figurines (you can stick it on a card or write text on a cut-out silhouette; don’t skimp on the gilding!);
- stars from the Walk of Fame (cherry red or gold);
- clappers for takes (an accessory that everyone invariably associates with the world of cinema);
- award nominee envelopes, in which presenters present the results for announcement (make it bright, decorate it with the Oscar logo or your personal film award);
- tickets to a film premiere;
- collage of photographs of Hollywood celebrities.
You can download templates for some invitations from the link at the end of the article.
Where does glamor come from?
The Golden Age of Hollywood, and with it the rise of glamor, began in the 1930s with the advent of sound films. People became obsessed with cinema - studios released films one after another, and actors became style icons and role models. They seemed flawless, unearthly creatures - and the entire industry worked to maintain this image. All pictures were carefully retouched (yes, we were deceived even before the advent of Photoshop), make-up artists, costume designers and hairdressers created beauty, and lighting technicians did everything to show it in the best light (sorry for the pun).
As for the style, it was largely dictated by the specifics of black and white cinema. Take the hairstyles, for example. The heroines of the films wore mostly waves and curls simply because they created the necessary contrast, play of light, and looked better in the frame than smooth straight hair. The most popular was the medium length, although now most people choose the Veronica Lake hairstyle - long hair styled in waves on one side or in a deep side parting. Over the years, Hollywood's Golden Age style has lost none of its luster.
Preparing the “film set”
For the characters in the holiday series of the “film about your life,” you need to prepare a decent stage. If you are going to rent a room, choose a spacious one, preferably with columns and a small stage. An interesting solution could be renting a cinema hall, club, or theater foyer.
A beautiful holiday can turn out to be in the “open-air” format (with tents, small tables and, of course, a dance floor, also known as a stage). But if the budget is limited, it is quite possible to add a touch of Hollywood chic to your home.
Let's designate the location of the action right away ! To let your guests feel the holiday atmosphere even before entering the room, hang a banner above the door with the words “Hollywood” or “TheOscars”. In the hall or in front of the house, you can install large white letters “HOLLYWOOD”, which will immediately make you feel like you are in the Hollywood Hills, and at the same time form a wonderful photo zone.
The Red carpet . Another symbol of Hollywood that you should definitely embody. Spread scarlet material where your guests will process into the hall, protect the passage on both sides with stands with ribbons or ropes to match the path. You can make a fence using Oscar figures or balloons, as in the photo above.
It would be nice to organize the crowd of people behind the counters, especially the paparazzi with cameras. It is quite possible to make figures from packaging cardboard, polystyrene foam, etc. and color it. Or, as an option, select and paste a photo with the desired frames in the background. Here are a few more elements for future bright photo chronicles!
Scene . An indispensable attribute of a Hollywood party is a stage, at least a small one or an improvised one. After all, this is where the fates of Oscar nominees are decided!
If there is no stage in the hall and it is not possible to arrange at least a small podium, fence off part of the room with balloons, a light balustrade, or highlight part of the room using flooring of a different color. Direct the bright light of lamps and spotlights onto this area, place a small microphone on a stand, maybe a prop one, drape the back wall with heavy curtains - and the stage is ready!
Premises . Decorate it with everything that you can associate with the movie world: mock-ups of movie clapperboards, rolls of film, a director’s chair and megaphone, spotlights (all of this could very well be cardboard, plywood or foam plastic, but if you find real objects, it will be even more realistic!)
On the walls, place photographs of actors, posters and posters, emblems of famous Hollywood film studios, printed stills from films. Drape windows and doorways with velvet or iridescent fabric curtains in cherry and gold.
Try to find an old film projector. Even a simple projector beam and the whir of film can add variety and charm to your party. And a well-timed piece of chronicle will add authenticity. Take care of your screen in advance. There are companies that will rent you an old Rus film projector.
More Hollywood Decor Ideas:
- Balls . Balloons will create a festive mood; several of them should certainly be in the form of stars, red and gold: let them float under the ceiling or over the guests’ chairs!
- Fairy lights . You can decorate the room with glowing garlands: such lighting will be especially effective during dancing. Compositions from old videotapes or CDs will look original. If you get hold of a roll of film, it will turn into an unusual serpentine.
- Palm trees . Artificial palm trees or live ones in large tubs would be appropriate: in Hollywood this plant is held in special esteem, in Los Angeles they are in abundance.
- Walk of Fame . Another Hollywood attraction that can be implemented in an adapted form at the holiday. The easiest way is to roll out a roll of paper and invite guests to leave handprints and signatures on it. Or you can get a little more sophisticated and prepare flat square boxes with a gypsum mixture that can be quickly diluted; in this case, rubber gloves should be available for guests. Another impressive entertainment and a wonderful memory of the holiday!
- Oscar figure . Take a regular store-bought mannequin (with a ball for a head), paint it with gold spray paint or cover it with sparkling fabric, gold foil, then put a bow tie on it, and Oscar is ready! A recognizable figure can greet guests at the finale of the red carpet, stand in the corner of the stage, take part in a photo shoot and simply lift the spirits of guests.
- Guest is a star . If the party host has photos of future guests and the ability to work in Photoshop, he can create an interior element that guests will certainly crowd around for a long time: a collage where all the guests will be depicted as famous Hollywood actors captured in the most memorable moments of films. Or simply their portraits in unusual roles: excellent material for decorating walls and creating atmosphere!
Prize fund
To maintain the style of the party, the host should ensure that entertainment and rewards for participation do not fall out of the overall atmosphere. You need to prepare prizes for guests in advance.
We offer some directions in which your imagination can work:
- magnets depicting movie realities (a clapperboard, a camera, etc.) or an Oscar figurine;
- postcards with images of actors;
- CDs with fashion films;
- tickets to film premieres;
- cups of popcorn (always useful at the movies!);
- bottles of wine or champagne with original stickers created in a graphic editor. They can be purchased from an online store or downloaded (link to accessories and decorations at the end of the article);
- any item that can be associated with a Hollywood movie, for example, a pack of spaghetti from “The Godfather”, a bag of peanuts with the subtext “be Die Hard”, a toy revolver (“Pulp Fiction”), etc.
How to organize a banquet
The main focus of the Hollywood Banquet is on the quality of the drinks. Such a wedding does not provide for a traditional feast, so a buffet table must be organized. The dishes must be of high quality; there should be no flowers on the plates.
A champagne fountain would be appropriate, and the quality of this drink should be given due attention. The appetizers are delicious, and a great cake is a must.
Editor's choice: Wedding buyout, interesting options
The required number of waiters are hired to serve guests.
Hollywood style gift ideas
If you are a guest who received an invitation to a Hollywood-party style birthday, think about the fact that your gift, or at least an element of it, should also be in the appropriate style. The host or (especially) hostess of the evening, if he is the birthday boy or hero of the day, will be pleased that you were enthusiastic and attentive to his idea.
Based on the gender, age and preferences of the hero of the day, you can choose “star” gifts:
- perfume with a bottle in the shape of a star or figurine;
- lamp “Starry Sky”;
- a set of glasses or other dishes in an artsy and glamorous style;
- personalized T-shirt, pillow, cup with the inscription “I am a star” or a portrait of the hero of the occasion in a Hollywood interpretation;
- a gift Oscar figurine or other suitable theme, for example, “Best Actress”, “Best Actor”, etc. You can supplement the gift with a corresponding diploma;
- multiphoto frame with star-shaped windows;
- sweets in original personalized packaging in the appropriate style;
- for girls - glamorous jewelry;
- a set of handmade gingerbread stars and Oscars;
- gift edition of a book about your favorite actor or actress.
We comply with the dress code
Invitations are sent out ahead of time not only so that guests can plan their time, but also so that they can prepare the image in which they will appear at the themed party.
Let's try to help you find your own approach to choosing a holiday look.
Nominee or VIP guest at the Oscars
A great reason to look stunning and at the same time fully comply with the style!
Women must wear a dress: the ceremony will not tolerate exceptions . The outfit should demonstrate the elegance and femininity of its owner; light creativity is also appropriate. But don’t go overboard, because you don’t need the “Most Ridiculous Costume” award, which journalists don’t skimp on, closely watching everyone who steps on the red carpet.
Choose a plain dress, no shorter than the knee; floor length is also possible. Simple but effective jewelry (pearls, gold). Small clutch bag. High heel shoes. A hairstyle that will require some work: this is not the right occasion for naturalness and artistic disorder!
for men : as a rule, any representative of the stronger sex looks great in a tuxedo or suit with a bow tie. Instead of a formal bow tie, you can wear a tie with a pattern to soften the formality a little.
Hollywood shocking
Many people remember Lady Gaga’s meat costume; Oscar-winner Jared Leto also loves to shock the red carpet. If you want to remain in the public’s memory and are not afraid to break stereotypes, you can build a costume from unusual materials or combine incompatible things in it.
Women can use their imagination to the fullest, especially if it's a reel of film! Build a costume with elements reminiscent of the movies, use any materials that are at hand, transform into the most incredible fairy-tale creatures - today this is welcome! Just avoid vulgarity: it’s possible to shock, but it’s unlikely to please.
A man , especially if his appearance has always been habitually decent, can also push back the boundaries and become a little different. Try to combine the most unexpected elements of different times and peoples in your clothes, for example, a classic jacket and a Scottish kilt, an Arabian burnous and a knight's helmet... Or risk dressing in a fluffy suit, like the English comedian Cohen.
Hollywood is movies!
If the party host announces in the invitation an evening dedicated to a specific film, well, match the given style.
For example, “Gone with the Wind” gives a huge scope for choosing characters: and let 20 Scarletts appear at the ball at once, each one will be unique in a dress with a lush crinoline and an intricate hat!
Or maybe the organizer wants to organize a competition for the best match to the genre and indicate one of the areas of Hollywood creativity in the invitation? Well, open the top films of the chosen genre and turn on your imagination, choosing bright and recognizable images.
Gangster movie.
Of course, "The Godfather!" Men need a striped suit with a rose in the buttonhole or tight trousers with suspenders and a shirt with rolled up sleeves. Women can flaunt in elegant dresses decorated with sparkles and rhinestones, and hats with a veil, coquettishly biting a long cigarette holder.
Musical.
One of Hollywood's favorite genres. Film researchers consider “Singing in the Rain” to be the most famous, although not the first. Men can parody the charming Jim Kelly character by wearing a dark raincoat decorated with sparkles that imitate streams of rain, a hat and, of course, taking an umbrella.
A woman will be inimitable, reincarnated as Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz” (blue fitted sundress and white blouse) or Maria, the nun-governess from the legendary musical “The Sound of Music” (strict dress with an apron); “Cabaret” provides a lot of options – here the images don’t need any comments!
Comedy.
A genre that is always popular! And it’s easy to choose an outfit for a party in this style: Hollywood hasn’t made comedies about anything! A man can dress up in a police uniform (Police Academy cadet), put on a velvet jacket and a shirt with a lush frill (Austin Powers).
A woman, wearing a short red silk dress, can declare that she is the heroine from “There's Something About Mary” in the main scene of the film. It's easy to brush up your hair and pair a cozy knit sweater with shiny black trousers, or throw on an off-the-shoulder evening dress and transform into Sally (When Harry Met Sally).
Melodrama.
The most beloved Hollywood melodramas, where good fights evil against the backdrop of love, provide a lot of opportunities for transformation! For example, a suit, a cane and dark glasses will allow a man to become the charming Al Pacino from “Scent of a Woman” and get a lot of applause for the legendary tango. A light suit with a blue checkered shirt and a red baseball cap can easily serve to create the image of Forrest Gump!
Many women remember the scarlet dress with a corset and white gloves of Julia Roberts in the role of “Pretty Woman”. And if you have short “French” bangs, then in any cute modest dress you can easily play Amelie.
Science fiction, fantasy.
All paths are open to you - from the fairy-tale images of “Harry Potter” and “The Lord of the Rings” to the monochrome “Matrix” and “Star Wars”. “Pirates of the Caribbean” provides an excellent selection of carnival images.
Gorgeous retro
Another win-win option for a Hollywood look is to remember the legendary stars and dress (as well as get the appropriate hairstyle and makeup) in the style of Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Greta Garbo - for women, Gary Cooper, Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin himself - for men.
Each of these images turned the heads of entire generations!
Watch retro movies, have fun and get a lot of ideas.
Well, did your mood improve during the preparation process? You have already begun to plunge into the fascinating and fabulous world of Hollywood dreams, even if it happens in the form of a game, but our whole life is a game, isn’t it?
You are already looking forward to the guests walking down the red carpet. What's next? In the next article we will show you how to treat and entertain guests at our party like Hollywood.
Selection of clothing and accessories for newlyweds and guests
The clothing style for all those present should be as consistent as possible with the theme of the wedding. If the scenario of a film award or a high-society reception is being played out, then the immortal classics in the form of traditional suits for men and luxurious evening dresses for women are perfect. For a celebration in the style of "The Lord of the Rings", a gangster action movie, a historical or fantasy film, the attire of those present must be appropriate. The main requirement for outfits is that they must be of the best quality, made from expensive fabrics, hand-embroidered and decorated with pearls, precious or synthetic stones.
Bride's image
Feminine outfits are welcomed, emphasizing the grace, beauty and character of the bride. It doesn’t have to be a dress from leading fashion designers, but it simply has to look impressive and unusual.
- Long, floor-length, often with a train and multi-layered, made of light, translucent, flowing fabrics, lace. It can be with thin straps or without them at all.
- As a rule, dresses have deep cutouts on the back and chest. The presence of a corset depends on the cut of the dress. Also, the top can be closed, with long narrow or short loose sleeves.
- A glamorous wedding is indispensable without jewelry. They should look expensive, unique and attract attention. Necklaces, pendants, bracelets, earrings, rings - you can wear anything, but you should observe moderation. You can throw a fur or feather cape, a thin lace shawl, a stole, or a silk scarf over your shoulders.
- If the style of the dress dictates the presence of gloves, then they must be present, as well as a small handbag.
Hair and makeup should fit perfectly into the image. You can let your hair down in large curls or collect it in a casually loose hairstyle. A veil will not be required at a Hollywood wedding. Usually, original veils with hats or floral decorations, precious hairpins, tiaras, precious hair nets and combs, fancy crowns and hoops are used instead.
For the bride's bouquet, you should choose delicate flowers that emphasize femininity and charm. The following types are perfect:
- orchids, primroses and callas;
- roses in red, pink and white shades;
- freesias and lilies of the valley, hyacinths and myrtle;
- phalaenopsis and peony roses.
Typically, central large buds of two or three types are framed by smaller flowers and rich greenery. Rhinestones on the petals look great, like drops of dew, feathers and beads, as well as thin lace and ribbons on the stem of the bouquet.
Groom image
A black tuxedo with a snow-white shirt, classic trousers and leather shoes, and a bow tie will suit almost any theme of a Hollywood wedding, because classic is always appropriate. A retro wedding allows for a gray, sand brown, dark blue suit with a hat and tie. A steel gray or white groom's suit looks incredibly impressive. The most important details of the image are watches and expensive cufflinks.
Recommended style for guests
Invited guests, in order not to disturb the overall style of the wedding, must correspond to the luxurious celebration. A win-win option for men would be black and white. Ladies can vary the colors of their outfits at their discretion, but not too brightly. In addition, mini and overtly provocative clothing are not welcome. Just like for the bride, jewelry, gloves, clutches, shoulder capes are acceptable - all the attributes of a high society ball.
