Including the Arts in Your Wedding

If there is any one thing in my life that guides my choices, career, and way of living, it is almost certainly my appreciation for and involvement in the arts. Beyond my education at Juilliard, I have always adored all aspects of artistic expression. In the five years since I established The Vow Whisperer, I have discovered that weddings, too, are their own form of art.

This is why I am always eager to be involved in weddings that include the arts in some way. Whether you’re as dedicated to them as I am, or you want to express your passive appreciation, there are many ways to incorporate all forms of art into your wedding. And although the possibilities are endless with creative individuals, I have compiled a select few ways to elevate your wedding into artwork.

Craftsmanship

This might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to the arts, but that is precisely why I mention it so early on. In our fast-paced era, where everything sometimes feels mass-produced, it is crucial to appreciate craftsmanship and the power of the human hand in every aspect of your wedding.

This can start long before the actual ceremony. As an example, you have likely considered custom paintings for your invitations or save-the-dates. You can also have your event details painted, embroidered, or printed on cotton or another fabric, for an element of whimsy and timelessness that simply can’t be beaten. For a sleek, modern look, you could opt for laser-cut paper designs like those offered by Cutture. Even if you choose traditional cardstock, designers like Max & Maiden Ink will create anything your heart desires, and Scriptura will even connect you with one of their in-house artists to make your dreams come true.

This is not even beginning to mention everything you can have handmade to your exact specifications. You can do anything with the works of professional artisans — wear them as watches or jewelry, such as bespoke pieces from Greenwich Street Jewelers, based in New York City, like me. You can drape it over your table as custom-embroidered linens, or place them at the center as hand-blown Venetian glass vases, or even above as chandeliers.

This is where a venue and team of vendors that value the arts are of utmost importance. Good craftsmanship is sturdy but intricate, and you need to ensure that you have a team that knows how to handle all of it.

Sculpture, Painting, and More 

Chances are, you’ve seen something from this genre at a wedding you’ve attended, from the ever-present ice sculptures to the increasingly-popular live painters. In addition to these classic choices, there is a whole world to explore.

First, for any material you can name, there’s a sculptor who’s mastered it. Whether you know a sculptor personally, or know of one whose work you admire, bring them into your wedding by buying or commissioning handmade works, for anything from your centerpieces to your favors. Just as examples to start your hunt, Stanek Gallery hosts sculptors open for commission, and MadeMay is a site known for connecting clients with top-notch sculptors and painters. If you’d like to combine artistic elements with your typical florals, sculptural florist studios like a.p. bio can create ethereal arrangements to turn your venue into a mystical, fantasy garden.

Speaking of fantasy, what if I told you that sculptures could come to life? Combining performance, makeup, and fashion, human statues or sculptures are individuals painted, costumed, or both by professionals. After turning their bodies into works of art, they can stand still or move fluidly around your venue, perhaps carrying appetizers, desserts, or your drinks of choice. The most creative examples I have seen look like a delicate balancing act, defying the laws of physics and pushing what was previously thought possible. As a splendid example, NuArt Events coordinates interactive art experiences featuring intricately costumed performers that bring events to life like a tale from a storybook.

When it comes to live painters, performance and visual art also intersect beautifully in a revival of an age-old tradition of capturing life. If you’d like to add a futuristic twist to this combination, allow me to acquaint you with digital art displays. This lesser-known medium combines sound, light, and other technology to create immersive ways to experience art. Think of walls of light that respond to movement, turning your venue into a surreal landscape of artistic expression that feels like you’re inside of a painting. And that’s just one example. All in all, the visuals you’re used to at art museums and concerts can indeed make it to your wedding — and there are plenty of people and companies with extensive résumés, such as Moment Factory, who can make it happen.

Music

Speaking of concerts, I’ve been involved in a number of weddings where music was an integral part of the festivities. In my opinion, this added something to the ceremony and reception that no other form of art could touch. Watching the wedding party and the spouse(s) walk down the aisle, supported by the music of a live string quartet, always makes for a moment straight out of a movie. And of course, guests love to dance the night away in front of a live band or performer.

When you’re choosing a soundtrack for a truly cinematic wedding, I have one question to guide you: Why not make it custom? There are countless composers capable of crafting an original piece for your nuptials, and no shortage of musicians who can bring it to life. Depending on the size of your venue, you can choose a solo musician, a string quartet, or (if you have a planner who’s happy to work out the logistics) an orchestra. If you so wish, these musicians can also be in costume, or dressed according to your event.

Aside from composers, the musical world is truly your oyster. There are entire industries dedicated solely to the art of sound, combining cutting-edge technology with design and a musical ear. You have your pick of endless sound designers, audio technicians and engineers, and more to build a soundtrack for your celebration.

In my opinion, anything set to music is ten times more impactful. Remember how I mentioned immersive art pieces? If you’d like, you can intertwine different forms of art with music, creating a moment that truly feels like you’re watching a film. Have your live painter paint to a song, set a performance to a score, or emphasize the sonic experiences in a digital art display.

Above all, music is an unmatched sensory experience, and has the potential to elevate your wedding into something truly unforgettable.

Performance

We already touched on performance a bit, but we are just beginning. The most extravagant and artistic weddings include all manner of performers to entertain guests, turning the reception into a spectacle that’s sure to be talked about for years to come.

If you think you’ve reached the limit for performance potential, I’m asking you to look further up — quite literally — to see the aerial performers arcing through the air. From acrobats to performers wrapped in aerial silk, the sky is no longer the limit. However, if you prefer to stay grounded, there are a wide variety of dancers that will stun you and your guests. Some even dance alongside water, fire, fabric, or a rich history. Some couples opt for ballerinas, as an example, whereas others take the opportunity to include a cultural dance.

Staying on the ground doesn’t limit your options to just dancing, however. I’ve heard of professional horse shows, like those from Les Cavalcades de Saint-Macaire. These are exactly as they sound — demonstrations on horseback for your guests to watch in awe.

What’s more, the fantastic thing about performance art is that it’s something you and your spouse can take part in. If you’ve been looking for a way to express yourself creatively at your wedding, now is your time to shine. Work with a wedding choreographer ahead of the celebration to create a first dance that will leave an impression, a stunning introduction to your identity as a couple, and as an artistically-driven unit. Include something from your culture or your spouse’s, or select something new to set your guests’ energy alight.

Poetry and Writing

Your wedding is many things — a story, a poem, a piece of performance art from the soul. It is a full and genuine expression and celebration of your love story to the world, and this genuineness is what makes it artwork. As such, I believe poetry and writing are at the core of any ceremony, as words are the straightforward, honest expression of what brings you here today, tying everything together.

This is where professional vow coaches like myself come in. For me, words are the fuel for my life, and I understand the significance of something penned by your own hand. Therefore, in my work, I make you and your spouse into artists yourselves. You craft your words, and I help you deliver them to the world, each syllable a defining brush stroke, an ending note, a flash of light. No matter what you decide to include in your wedding, always remember that you and your spouse are what make the work of art complete.