From screen to Aisle: Our Romantic Bridal Vision From Wuthering Heights
The latest adaptation of Wuthering Heights has swept onto the screen in a haze of wind, shadow, and unapologetic gothic romance, and with it comes a visual narrative that feels destined to ripple beautifully through the world of weddings. Directed by Emerald Fennell and inspired by Emily Brontë’s enduring novel Wuthering Heights, this reimagining is less about period perfection and more about mood, texture, and feeling, something we know so many of our brides are drawn to. It’s a study in contrasts: tradition softened with modernity, opulence balanced by restraint, and romance edged with something a little darker. For the bride dreaming of a celebration that feels storied yet contemporary, there is so much to take from this aesthetic.
In preparation for the film, Fennell immersed herself in 19th-century art and design at the Victoria and Albert Museum, studying paintings, fashion, and silverware to shape the world of the story. Working with Oscar-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran, Fennell worked to ensure endless visual moments on screen. The result is an homage to the era without becoming costume-led. It’s evocative rather than literal, and that distinction is everything.
For weddings, this translates into a layered, atmospheric approach. Think candlelight flickering against silk, antique textures woven into a refined setting, and details that feel collected rather than styled.
The interiors shimmer with crystal, silk, and a quiet decadence. Jewelry is oversized and intentional. The wedding night gown, opalescent and sculptural, finished with a bow, feels both romantic and forward-looking. To reinterpret this for your own celebration, look to fabrics that catch the light beautifully: silk satin, luminous organza, pearlescent finishes. Consider heirloom jewels or statement pieces that feel significant rather than delicate. On the table, cut glass, antique silver, and softly glowing taper candles create that sense of depth and richness without overwhelming the space.
It’s about considered opulence, never excess for excess’ sake.
Silhouette plays a leading role. Corsetry defines the waist, skirts expand with confidence, and proportion becomes part of the storytelling. There is strength in the structure. For the modern bride, this might mean a sculpted bodice paired with a full skirt, or sleeves with gentle volume offset by a clean neckline. Even minimalist gowns can embrace this mood through shape alone. The key is balance, allowing the drama of the gown to shine while keeping beauty and styling refined and effortless.
Few elements feel as cinematic as the veil in this adaptation. Ivory tulle stretching across wild moorland. Sheer black fabric lifting in the wind. There is movement, freedom, and a sense of scale.A cathedral-length veil instantly elevates even the simplest dress. For those drawn to a darker romanticism, a subtle black trim or barely-there tint can feel incredibly modern. Embroidered details, perhaps even a whisper of red thread, add depth without distraction.
Movement is everything. Allow your veil to interact with your surroundings, whether coastal, countryside, or cityscape.
There’s a tactile quality to the wardrobe, fabrics that appear almost liquid in their sheen, surfaces that shift in changing light. Matte is replaced by gloss; softness by subtle structure. Seek out gowns in high-shine satin, moiré silk, or structured jacquard. Pair them with glossy accessories or lacquered heels to create contrast. When styling your setting, think layered linens, polished glass, and the interplay between shadow and glow. It’s texture that brings atmosphere.
Red threads its way through the film in bold, emotive moments. Passionate, powerful, and unashamed. For weddings, this might be as simple as a deep crimson bloom woven through an ivory bouquet, a rich berry lip, or a silk ribbon tied loosely at the stem. Even a flash of scarlet lining beneath a skirt can feel quietly dramatic. When used sparingly, it becomes unforgettable.
Jeweled crosses and meaningful adornment feature prominently, adding narrative weight to each look. Symbolism feels intentional and personal rather than decorative. Incorporate heirloom brooches, antique lockets, or meaningful motifs into your bridal styling. These are the details that create depth and ensure your celebration feels entirely your own.
Whether adored or debated, this adaptation of Wuthering Heights feels certain to influence the bridal landscape. We anticipate its Gothic romanticism appearing in upcoming collections, editorial shoots, and beautifully curated celebrations. For brides drawn to windswept landscapes, candlelit interiors, and silhouettes that make a statement, this aesthetic offers something deeply compelling: a love story told through texture, light, and thoughtful detail.
Romantic, evocative, and entirely modern, just as a wedding should be.
