Do you have a Pinterest wedding board? Moment of honesty for me, I created my dream wedding board on Pinterest in 2010. Back in the 2000’s I was a huge fan of teal, chevrons, babies breath, and everything that screamed rustic. Now, my taste has changed as I’ve worked in the industry and as I’ve grown older, but I had to sit down and create a new Pinterest inspiration board – I would need to sit down and seriously think for a minute. When choosing your wedding inspirations I think it really comes down to representing yourself and your partner and incorporating elements that allow your personality, love, and identities shine. So, put down your internet browsing and let’s talk about where to begin choosing the right wedding inspo for you and your partner. 

#01: Timeless 
My 2010 self-created wedding board was the opposite of timeless. We all can clearly say that chevrons and teal did not age well. As you chose your wedding theme or inspiration, you want to think about how you’ll look back at your wedding day down the road. Classic and timeless is the best way to go. Yes, it is absolutely okay to become inspired by bridal magazines and today’s hot trends. But, as you look at all of the trends, take it with a grain of salt. You can always feature the trend you love, or just take bits and pieces into consideration. So, when you’re browsing your bridal mags, be sure to ask yourself – how will you look at your photos 20 years from now? 

#02: Make it PERSONAL! 
One of the most important aspects of choosing an inspiration or theme, is to ensure that your ideas speak to you and your fiance. You want to select a color palette, themes, and inspirations that speak to you. Your wedding is a celebration of your love and an opportunity for your friends and family to come together. We know that our loved ones chime in about their hopes and opinions on your big day, but you truly want to make this day speak to you and your partner. Choose inspirations that inspire you or reflect what you’ve dreamt of. 

#03: Refer to Mental Notes 
Sometimes, the best way to plan something is to experience it yourself. Ask yourself, if you’ve been to any weddings that took your breath away? What do you notice at this event? What were the details that you loved and how can you incorporate it into your wedding budget and day? It is more than okay to attend a wedding and incorporate similar details. Now, we’re not saying copy and paste every detail you see, but use it as an inspiration to help choose your theme and color palette. And perhaps you have mental notes from your favorite floral shop, or restaurant – find things you enjoy or details that make you say “WOAH”. 

#04: Tell a Story! 
This is the story of you and your soon to be spouse. As you create and select your inspirations, you want to create the story of you. We find it may be easiest to select your must haves with your partner, rather than just jumping into a theme and running with it. You absolutely don’t need to select a theme and stick with it. Your story can be the theme. But as you find inspiration, talk to your partner about your must haves. If you must have sunflowers, because of a sentimental reason, build your inspiration from there. 

#05: Focus on Color Families 
Focusing on color families allows you to incorporate shades rather than exact swatches. Repeat after me – you do not have to match every single detail with your color swatches. Selecting a color, then looking at the shades and hues within that family will give you more options with decor and create a layered look filled with dimension. This will also help you narrow down on an overall feel. If you lean more towards nature color families, you may be going for an earthy or bohemian theme. If you’re leaning towards rich jewel tones, perhaps a winter or fall wedding would suit you best. So, stick with selecting color families when you begin your wedding design adventure.

#06: Tying it all Together
As you think about what wedding colors you prefer, draw inspiration from your location. Outdoor venues and indoor venues may provide different color inspiration. Additionally be observant of the details and decor that is located as a part of your venue. These details may encourage you to select a particular color family. You will want to select decor and colors that compliment your venue by enhancing the beauty and space. 

#07: Tis the Season
You will want to think seasonally. The seasons are a huge reflection on your everyday choices. From the coffee we order at Starbucks, to the clothes that are in our closets. The seasons drive a lot of our day to day experiences. As you select the basics of your wedding inspiration, think about the season you are booking in. Now, that doesn’t mean some colors are off limits. It just means you need to explore the color families! If you want coral, but you’re opting for a winter wedding, look into different hues of coral, or choose to layer in darker colors to set the mood. Accent colors are a perfect way to tie in any color to reflect the season you are holding your wedding in. 

There is no right or wrong in choosing the right wedding inspiration for you and your partner. But, there are definitely some guiding thoughts and questions you need to ask yourself before you commit. Think seasonally and focus more on color families than one particular color. You want to tell a story of your love and make your wedding inspiration personal! Don’t be afraid to use mental notes of details or weddings you’ve loved in the past and keep your wedding something you’ll love in your 60s. And if you’re still stuck, we would LOVE to help you find your wedding inspiration

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 18 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.