See It the Details
Design Process
Today kicks off our See It In The Details blog series! Over the next few weeks we’ll be chatting all about how to bring a blurry, sort of kind of idea for your wedding into a full blown design ready to be executed. Designing is a separate process from executing, and not to be confused. I highly encourage you to view both processes independently, as it will make the idea of wedding planning much less apprehensive. We’ll discuss execution another day, very soon!
Stage Fright
So how to design a wedding? This is a common concern I work through with my clients.
It is much simpler than you think. Most of us suffer from stage fright, the fear that what we actually want may not be what our guests expect. THROW THAT THOUGHT OUT. You have everything you need to design the wedding of your dreams right in your home.
Pinterest Flu
I call it the Pinterest flu, where styled shoots or million dollar weddings live. Where artists create elaborate “DIY” centerpieces that require skill sets and tools a commoner wouldn’t possess. Now enter the shock – these aren’t what you want exactly. That’s a beautiful wedding, but do it again would be a copy-cat run of the mill wedding. You want unique, you want you. Bring on the anxiety and too many salty sweet snacks, a Grey’s Anatomy Marathon and full blown procrastination.
No Worries
This process is what professionals like myself are made for. We know that it can be difficult or perhaps you don’t even have a creative bone in your body, you’re critical thinking all the way. No worries. I’ve got your back! When you hire a wedding planner, this is one of the benefits of working with us. No Pinterest Flu, no overwhelm, no repeat seasons of Grey’s, and no acne breakouts from anxiously binging too many salty goodness snacks.
Design Process
There’s a process that I use with my clients to define their one of a kind, unique style. I’m going to walk through it with you, so you can get a glimpse at how everything you need for that dream wedding is only a few questions away.
Preliminary results
We’ll start by getting to know you and your new fiance. Chances are, you’ve been together for awhile. There’s nuances, travel, art, habits and commonalties you both share that make you as a couple unique. Those commonalities are the building blocks of your relationship and will also serve as the jumping point for wedding inspiration. Start by asking yourself the following questions:
- What style do we bring to our home together? Is it rustic chic, farmhouse style? Is it eclectic and colorful? Is it comforting?
- If you had to name three things that are important to you as a couple what would they be? Perhaps you both love to cook together and tour restaurants as a hobby. Perhaps you’re avid skiiers and visit Vermont twice a year for fresh powder. Or maybe, its your close knit family. Name three concepts, places or values that you know you share as a couple.
- Identify three words that describe the type of experience you wish to have. Is it comforting, relaxed, and fun? Or luxury, feminine, and modern?
The answers to these three questions set the tone, the outline, for the design concept moving forward.
Start A Mood Board
Yes, create a mood board. A mood board is a simple collage you’ll put together to drive the vision. Now that you’ve identified what’s important to you as a couple, it’s time to translate that into imagery. This is by far my favorite part of the design process. If you’re into the cut and glue style of things, snip out photos from magazines and paste away. Maybe you’re like me and want to head over to Canva to start a digital board.
Did you say excellent food is important to you? Then a sit down meal rather than a buffet may be best. Did you say your home is a refined, modern farmhouse feel with lots of grays, whites and greens? Then perhaps a muted color palette with sprays of eucalyptus or pine is in the works for you. Avid skiiers? Then perhaps a mountain top wedding is in the cards. Take the verbiage you uncovered in the first step and put images to it.
Show Time Baby
From here, you have the visual version of inspiration and direction for your wedding. You’ll have a few basic elements to the wedding to implement your vision:
- Rehearsal Dinner
- Ceremony
- Dinner
- Reception
- Exit
We can get as in depth with those elements and as detailed as we’d like, but the overall design is always going to direct those choices for you. If you’re a modern farmhouse like bride, you’ll want plates handcrafted from a local potter at the rehearsal dinner. You’ll probably want a garland of fresh greens and candle light. If you’re an eclectic colorful bride, then mismatched vases with a variety of colorful blooms on the table will be right for you.
S.O.S
Right now you’re saying, “Kayce Mae, I still can not do this and my Pinterest flu is ramping up.” It’s okay, I am here for you. Let’s do this together. Take a look at this beautiful carnival style wedding with lots of personal touches I did last year. Or how about this stunning dramatic mountain top wedding?
I am here to help if you need it. Let’s connect! Send me an email here or visit me for daily adventures over on the ‘gram.
Chat soon,
