Art-Deco theme, Fancy dress or just inspiration?

Our wedding this year is inspired by the art deco period in terms of my dress, the bridesmaids dresses, the general presentation of the reception venue and the invitation cards.

However, the issue I'm having is whether or not to tell our guests. On One hand, I'd love for them to take elements of the glamourous, decadent style for their outfits. (I think this would make for lovely photographs if everyone's clothing matches with the surroundings.) However, and this is the big 'BUT', some of our guests don't do anything by halves and wouldn't be able to merely take inspiration, and I'd run the risk of quite a lot of people essentially turning up in fancy dress complete with feather boas and fake cigarette holders, Which although is ideal for some, it doesn't suit our style. 

Do I either have the stark contrast of everyone on modern day outfits juxtopaposed with the vintage vibe of the venue and the bridal party, or do I run the risk of some of the guests turning up in fancy dress?

I don't want to offend anyone, any suggestions for how to handle this with tact and grace?

anyone else got any theme issues or considering askingguests to entertaina certain style of dresscode for their wedding? How have you handled the dilemma? All thoughts and opinions appreciated, even if you want to tell meI'm expecting too much or being unreasonable. I'm open to all ideas!  let's hear your thoughts ladies and gents?

I love the art deco idea! That's going to look uber stylish on your big day. I think you should mention to your guests that you have chosen this theme (they will get the idea from the invitation at least) and then you could give them the option to partake or not. Some guests may a) have already bought their outfits b) do not feel comfortable partaking in your theme c) may be happy to wear a small feature such as an item of jewellery/headpiece rather than a whole 'costume'. You could always (if your budget will stretch this far) leave a basket of art-deco-esque items for guests to pick and choose their way through, throughout the day. This will make for fun photographs and it means that your theme is not forced upon your nearest and dearest.

I too love the theme, but I think as it's stylishly subtle (as opposed to a '60s/'70s theme, say) that guests wouldn't be too overwhelmed by the prospect of having to dress to suit the occasion. I do think headpieces are the way to go though.......

The women could look truly amazing in this theme- all of those low slung dresses with embellishment- lush! And oh-so-feminine

You are exactly right to be honest, people will just go over the top and it will ruin the day. Maybe you could have this theme just for the main people in the wedding so you can check what they're going to wear?

Some fashion jewellery would be good.

Yeah I think it's hard to make the right decision about this, you don't want people turning up wrecking your theme but you can't tell people what to wear either.  I think you should tell everyone but kind of tell your closest friends and family what to wear more so and then the main photos will be spot on and you don't have to worry about the other guests? :)

Another thing is you don't want your wedding becoming a show case or staged event. Expecting your guests to look a certain way can sometimes be asking too much.

Don't tell the bride normally have awesome (maybe a little sarcasm in there) themes. I saw one where they tried to mix a Jamaican theme with irish! Basically meant leprechauns and plastic palm trees.