The Art Nouveau period is typically associated with charming elegance. An artist called Charles Renee Mackintosh inspired the Art Nouveau movement, beginning in the late 19th century. Using an Art Nouveau style for your wedding will mean adding lush florals and elaborate designs, together with flowing gowns and vintage jewellery. In this post, we take a look at the key elements of an Art Nouveau-inspired wedding.
Bride and groom
Art Nouveau style is the ultimate in vintage chic. For the bride, think pre-Raphaelite poses, images of tumbling locks and simple dresses. Art Nouveau is characterised by its elaborate, ornamental style. Floral crowns should be favoured over veils, since veils in this period were typically cathedral length. Wedding headbands were also worn, made from lace and decorated with pearls and beads. This style favours hair that is soft and flowing, with fresh and natural makeup.
Art Nouveau favours dresses with simple, romantic designs, and a long train. Add some filigree silver jewellery to complete the look. With this in mind, keep bouquets uncomplicated. Lilies and roses were the traditional choice, paired with seasonal foliage.
The Art Nouveau groom will wear a 3-piece suit in tweed, herringbone, paisley or plaid. Combine this with brogues, a bow tie and perhaps a vintage pocket watch. Put a handkerchief in the top pocket and wear a boutonniere which matches the major flower in the bride’s bouquet.
The rings
Wedding rings from the Art Nouveau era have wonderful artistic and contemporary designs. Everything Wedding Rings explain:
“Art Nouveau rings were crafted during the highly creative era between 1890-1915 which began in the Late Victorian Era and lasted through the brief Edwardian Age. This time is heavily defined by an artistic movement which emphasized designs inspired by nature as a creative protest against the Industrial Revolution. Today, the Art Nouveau engagement ring and Art Nouveau wedding ring are highly prized for their unique styles and superior workmanship – and rings produced during these amazing years of prosperity, peace and growing social freedoms remain high in demand.”
The reception
A typical Art Nouveau colour scheme should include muted antique gold, green, navy blue, black, beige, silver, maroon and coral pink. Table designs might combine Mackintosh designs with Tiffany lamps and decorative peacock feathers. Wedding stationery in Art Nouveau style will be stylish, with distinctive lettering and motifs.
The reception venue can be decorated with flower and foliage vines entwined with silver micro lights. A nice idea for a vintage wedding is to create a period photo booth, complete with backdrops, retro props and décor. You and your guests can have black and white or sepia style photoshoots and capture the mood of your special day.
