The 1940s are most remembered for World War II and significant advancements in technology. Dress was stylish but modest to reflect the war era, while music and dance was hopping and bopping to relieve the stress of war. The '40s was a decade rich in charm and character. Theme ideas from this era can focus on the decades music, dance, movies and fashion.
The 1940s was rich with talented musicians such as Nat King Cole, Noel Coward, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. It was the height of the big band era with music from Benny Goodman, Count Basie and His Orchestra and Glenn Miller and His Orchestra. American allied troops were an everyday sight in Britain and their presence was reflected in the music of that era. A 1940s music and dance theme adds great fun and nostalgia to events or parties, and venues can easily be decorated to resemble canteen ballrooms and guests could wear clothing and hairstyles from that era. Guests could participate in a dance contest or swing competition.
Fashion of the 40s
Along with the 1940s Big Band Sound. Swing was all the rage, war was heavy on everyone's minds and fashion reflected this. For an evening of fun, women would wear knee-length dresses made of rayon to swing and jitterbug. Red handkerchiefs were worn during the day to reflect women joining in the war efforts. Men's fashion reflected styles that could be worn through many seasons. Minimum fabric was used and suits were without vests and pocket flaps. Men who went off to war had their suits altered to be worn by their wives and girlfriends. A vintage fashion show with models wearing styles from the1940s is an excellent added event which could involve your Guests dawning fashions from this era.
GLENN MILLER & HIS ORCHESTRA - In The Mood
BING CROSBY - White Christmas (seasonal parties only)
NAT "KING" COLE - The Christmas Song (seasonal parties only)
ARTIE SHAW & HIS ORCHESTRA - Frenesi
MILLS BROTHERS - Paper Doll
GLENN MILLER & HIS ORCHESTRA - A String Of Pearls
ANDREWS SISTERS - Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
RUDY VALLEE - As Time Goes By
BING CROSBY - Swinging On A Star
NAT "KING" COLE - (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons
INK SPOTS - The Gypsy
VAUGHN MONROE - Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
NAT "KING" COLE - Nature Boy
DUKE ELLINGTON & HIS FAMOUS ORCHESTRA - Take The "A" Train
FRANCIS CRAIG & HIS ORCHESTRA - Near You
VAUGHN MONROE & HIS ORCHESTRA - Riders In The Sky (A Cowboy Legend)
GLENN MILLER & HIS ORCHESTRA - Kalamazoo
PERRY COMO - Some Enchanted Evening
TOMMY DORSEY & HIS ORCHESTRA featuring FRANK SINATRA - Stardust
ANDREWS SISTERS - Rum And Coca-Cola
GLENN MILLER & HIS ORCHESTRA - Tuxedo Junction
LES BROWN & HIS ORCHESTRA featuring DORIS DAY - Sentimental Journey
TOMMY DORSEY & HIS ORCHESTRA - I'll Never Smile Again
FRANK SINATRA with HARRY JAMES & HIS ORCHESTRA - All Or Nothing At All
JOHNNY MERCER - Personality
DINAH SHORE - Anniversary Song
NAT "KING" COLE TRIO - Get Your Kicks On Route 66
GLENN MILLER & HIS ORCHESTRA - Chattanooga Choo Choo
TEX WILLIAMS - Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)
JIMMY DORSEY & HIS ORCHESTRA - Besame Mucho
ART MOONEY - I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover
TOMMY DORSEY & HIS ORCHESTRA - Opus No. 1
HARRY JAMES & HIS ORCHESTRA - I've Heard That Song Before
JIMMY DORSEY & HIS ORCHESTRA - Tangerine
HARRY JAMES & HIS ORCHESTRA - I Had The Craziest Dream
GUY LOMBARDO - The Band Played On
AL DEXTER - Pistol Packin' Mama
DINAH SHORE - I'll Walk Alone
FRANK SINATRA - Oh! What It Seemed To Be
FRANKIE LAINE - That Lucky Old Sun
GLENN MILLER & HIS ORCHESTRA - When You Wish Upon A Star
TED WEEMS & HIS ORCHESTRA - Heartaches
ANDREWS SISTERS - Shoo-Shoo Baby
GLENN MILLER & HIS ORCHESTRA - Moonlight Cocktail
JIMMY DORSEY & HIS ORCHESTRA - Maria Elena
XAVIER CUGAR - Brasil
SAMMY KAYE - The Old Lamp-Lighter
GLENN MILLER & HIS ORCHESTRA - American Patrol
BUDDY CLARK - Peg O' My Heart
PEE WEE HUNT - 12th Street Rag