Congrats on the engagement! Now it’s time to start planning all the fun details. One of the first steps in planning your wedding is choosing the overall aesthetic. Solidifying this aspect will ensure that you have a visual guide throughout your wedding planning journey. You’ll also have a general reference point to keep you on track when making any tough decisions. From a relaxed, bohemian garden party to a more formal art deco inspired gala, the design possibilities are truly endless.
Perhaps you’ve already got a Pinterest board ready for this exact occasion! We know it can be hard to condense all that wedding inspiration into a cohesive wedding aesthetic or theme. The more specific you are about your likes and dislikes, the better chances you have at creating your dream wedding aesthetic. All that it requires is a flexible and creative mindset. I’ve put together some tips to help you figure out what wedding style suits you and your partner best. And of course, you can always schedule a call with me to figure out how to move forward!
Browse real events to inspire your wedding aesthetic
This may be a controversial opinion from someone who works in the wedding industry, but if you want your wedding to feel truly unique, I suggest taking a look at non-wedding events. There are so many more event aesthetics out there that could be the perfect blueprint for your own celebration. Sometimes wedding designs get stuck in an endless feedback loop; make sure yours comes from genuine inspiration and not just the latest trends.
For example, if you and your partner love all the latest underground music, you could look at how indie record labels throw an album release party. What aspects of the lighting, graphics, and stage setup seem ideal for your own party? Or maybe you’re someone who pores over vintage copies of fashion magazines. Fashion shows often feature super creative stage designs and drapery that could inform your own wedding aesthetic. Think about events you’ve been to or seen pictures of that sparked your interest and compile a list of desirable features.
Get personal with your wedding aesthetic
Just because everyone else has a wedding cake, doesn’t mean you have to! Maybe you’ll decide to have a selection of artisanal pies instead. The point is, pay attention to your likes and dislikes and this will inform the aesthetic. If all your jewelry is silver, you might not love a golden art deco style wedding. A modern celebration with silver accents may suit you more. Examining your personal style and daily lifestyle preferences will play a big role in choosing your ideal wedding aesthetic.
Family traditions
Including traditional family elements may be a top priority. This will provide some groundwork for the overall aesthetic. A delicate lace veil passed down through the family might inspire a more feminine, ballet inspired wedding aesthetic. Approach it with an open mind and think of creative ways to modernize any traditions that might feel aesthetically outdated. Family traditions are always evolving!
Look through your travel camera roll
The key to unlocking your wedding aesthetic may be closer than you think. Take a look at your vacation albums and see what elements of the trip you took pictures of. Is it full of gothic architecture and cozy bookstores? Then maybe you should plan a dark academia wedding at a historic venue. Other brides might have a camera roll full of bright flowers and fruity cocktails. Sounds like a colorful tropical beach wedding to me! You probably take pictures of things you personally find beautiful, so infuse your wedding day with these elements.
Determine interior design preferences
If you have a minimalist home with a neutral color palette, then I wouldn’t recommend that you choose a colorful wedding aesthetic. Your wedding day really is an extension of who you are, so stay true to the design choices that you make in everyday life. If you dislike overhead lighting, perhaps choose a venue with more ambient lighting options. Overall, choose elements that make you feel comfortable and inspired.
The venue
Your venue choice will play a major role in leading the aesthetic direction of the wedding. Consider the architecture and function of the building to guide your visual design choices. Historic venues, such as libraries or estates, definitely lend themselves to a classic glam or formal fairytale style. A wedding at an art museum might call for more modern and avant garde decor. Make a mood board of the venue paired with different design elements to see what works best with the space.
Seasonal considerations
Weather is just a fact of life, so don’t try to fight it when planning your wedding. A garden party wedding will have to include some umbrellas to shade your guests. So why not make these a fun part of the overall aesthetic! The dress code should also suit the season; dressing in black tie attire for an outdoor summer wedding could result in a group of very uncomfortable guests. Just make sure to align your aesthetic tastes with seasonal considerations.
Set the emotional tone
Think like a filmmaker for this one. How do you want your guests to feel? Then, make aesthetic decisions to guide this emotional state. Long swaths of fabric hanging from the ceilings and dramatic candelabras will create the romantic ambience of a costume drama. A daytime ceremony with flouncy florals and colorful glassware evokes the sweet innocence behind those first weeks of dating. Remember, every aesthetic choice emits a certain emotional vibe.
Choosing a wedding aesthetic
We hope these tips will help you uncover your personal wedding style! It’s not easy to break through all the noise of trending ideas. If you stay true to you and your partner’s needs and preferences, you’ll be sure to host an authentic celebration of your love. And, of course, you can always schedule a call with me to figure out how to move forward!
