Artistic Wedding Reception Ideas

The style of your site can be reflected in your invitation--choose a sleek, sans serif font and bold colors for a reception in a modern art gallery, or consider a delicate, hand-painted border for a more traditional museum.

Look to paintings and sculptures for inspiration for your cake--everything from impressionistic watercolor hues to the thick, textured paint style of Van Gogh can be replicated in frosting. Look for a sculptured cake topper to finish off the confection.

Write the names and table assignments on the back of large cards adorned with images of famous paintings (you can name the tables after the artists as well). Or use colors as your theme for place card, and choose vivid hues--bold reds, purples, greens--that will make an impact when presented together.

If you're surrounded by beautiful paintings, keep the centerpieces and table settings simple--have your florist create low, bold-hued monochromatic arrangements in simple, clear glass or white containers. White plates and linens will make the centerpieces and the surrounding artwork pop.

Look beyond the bands and DJs, and consider hiring a sketch or caricature artist to capture the likenesses of your guests (you can send his creations home with guests as a favor). Your photographer can capture art on film---have him create a photo booth with a simple backdrop and a few props to loosen guests up (feather boas, funky glasses, etc.). Your guests can strike poses for the photographer, and you'll get some memorable images for your wedding album.

Give guests your favorite masterpiece, whether it's adorning a magnet, a simple print, or even a cookie. Younger guests could get their own mini art sets---small pads of paper and miniature sets of colored pencils or watercolors, or a few small containers of play dough. Or consider candies or cookies shaped like artist's palettes for a sweet finish to your art-filled celebration.