What art movement is your wedding aesthetic?
Pinterest is awash these days with wedding moodboards, ranging from the anti-bride movement that trades ballgowns for tailored suits to grazing boards on stones or disco balls replacing candles. The options are endless.
Planning our own wedding was, unsurprisingly, something of a headache. Every free moment, I’d find myself frantically scrolling for inspiration. It was dizzying. And at the end of it all, did it matter? Not really. The main praise our guests gave was that they enjoyed the day because it was no frills—just a wedding. When people would ask what the theme was, my husband and I would just say: beach.
What did matter was that the food was good, the table seating diplomatic, the weather fine, and the alcohol overflowing. But of course, the basics like my flower choices (long white anthuriums) and the coral-stone church where we held our ceremony, still added to the vibe. And in today’s hyper-styled world, one thing I wish I had thought of doing was narrowing down my options by aligning the aesthetic with an art historical movement.
Here’s what your wedding vibe might be saying if it were hanging in a museum.
The minimalist Bauhaus wedding
The early 1920s saw functionality and sleek, geometric lines. Weddings can go either maximalist or minimalist, and a Bauhaus-inclined wedding would be apt for the couple who values sleekness. This could mean smart, silk silhouettes for tailored dresses and invitations with modern, spindly typography. Think elegant canapés and plated tasting menus in locations like concrete lofts or stark white interiors. But maybe with a slash of cobalt as a table runner or one rogue candle.
An opulent Baroque wedding
Europe, anybody? Or are you ready to deck out your venue in Tagaytay? The Baroque period in Europe was characterized by grandeur with ornate details and drama that extended to painting, sculpture, architecture, music, and even literature. If this were to translate to a wedding, think rich colors with your bridesmaids in burgundy or Venetian red and dramatic use of light and shadow, either through crystal chandeliers or a maze of lit candles in a shadowy ballroom. A lot of gold ornamentation would be great, too. For your bridal march, consider a solo violinist playing a dramatic overture that makes the whole room hold their breath.
The romantic Impressionist wedding
Like love in its lightest form, Impressionism captures the ethereal effects of the color spectrum with open compositions and scenes dappled with light. With emphasis on the everyday, an Impressionist-themed wedding would likely be down to earth and dynamic with a delicate feel. If brought to life, an Impressionist wedding would be partly outdoors, filled with blush florals and delicate lace on flowing veils. For food, think the south of France with seasonal produce, herbed pastas, rosé in coupe glasses, and maybe edible flower garnishes to top.
Amorsolo realism
Filipiniana has been a popular nuptial theme as of late, and just the artist to draw from would be Fernando Amorsolo. His sun-dappled paintings of rural scenes and portraits of grand dames, often donning Filipiniana, show the warmth and loveliness of Filipino tradition, family, and country. The dress code for men? Definitely Barong Tagalog. Women can accent their outfits with piña, jusi, or handwoven textiles. Top it off with elevated lechon, pancit, or halo-halo in ancestral homes, outdoor gardens, or any space with capiz and a little soul.
Pop art party
If there’s any trend that’s been resonating with wedding themes as of late, it’s “just going with it” and having fun. Why not make your wedding moodboard look more like a party at Studio 54? With a lot of contrasting colors and a touch of camp, dot the invitations with Roy Lichtenstein’s signature visual language. Or how about emulating Andy Warhol’s soup can irreverence in the cocktail menu? You could even design a custom photo backdrop that mimics a panel from the pop art era. Brides can go bold, too, with bright-colored accessories or a sculptural silhouette. Make sure the DJ plays a lot of Blondie, David Bowie, and Madonna, too.
Ultimately, a wedding should feel like you. Whether conceptual or carefree, with a classic Baroque or chaotic pop art theme, a wedding ought to echo the couple’s worldview and shared values. And while you don’t need a theme, if you’re looking for clarity, look to art.
After all, love is a kind of masterpiece.
