When it comes to planning your wedding, a mood board is your secret weapon for staying organized and focused on your dream aesthetic. Think of it as your visual guide, helping you communicate your vision to your vendors, your partner, and even yourself! Here’s how to create the perfect wedding mood board that captures your style and sets the tone for your big day. As an example, I'm showing the wedding mood board I would design for myself today! (Also, all my inspo photos are from pinterest)
Step 1: Start with Inspiration
The first step to building your mood board is gathering inspiration. Don’t just limit yourself to wedding-specific images—think beyond the aisle! Browse Pinterest, Instagram, and magazines for photos that spark joy and align with your vibe.
Look for:
Wedding photos: Think about venues, floral arrangements, and decor styles.
Lifestyle imagery: Include snapshots of art, your favourite movie, and even fashion.
Emotive visuals: Find pictures that evoke the feelings you want your day to embody—whether that’s whimsical romance, modern elegance, or boho chic.
My husband loves Porches, and if there was a venue like that one in Manitoba, it would be the perfect location. I love a classic martini, especially in a gorgeous coupe glass. The style of the floral arrangement, draped fabric, scattered petals and candles also serve as inspiration for the decor and are perfect for the romantic vibe I'd be after. And who doesn't love a trendy flash detail shot? (Though I'd probably go for navy blue shoes, maybe even velvet)
Step 2: Curate a Balanced Collection
A great mood board combines practical visuals with vibe-setting elements. Along with inspiration photos, include details like:
Venue types: Indoor ballroom, outdoor garden, beachside ceremony?
Attire inspiration: Bridal gown styles, groom’s attire, and bridal party looks.
Floral ideas: Seasonal blooms or color-focused arrangements.
Aim for a mix of aspirational and achievable images to keep the board inspiring yet realistic.
I love a Tux, and the velvet jacket gives a little something extra. I'm also a huge fan of a buttery satin gown. I love the full skirt and corset top, though I could do without the embellishments. I also love this table! I'd change out the napkins for Navy as well as add some blue candles. Depending on feedback from my florist I could also go for different flower choices.
Step 3: Choose a Color Palette
Nailing down your color palette is a game-changer. A cohesive palette creates harmony across all your wedding details, from bridesmaid dresses to invites to table linens.
Tips for choosing your palette:
Stick to 3-5 colors for a well-rounded yet focused look.
Include a mix of neutrals (white, beige, gray) and pops of color (dusty blue, blush pink, terracotta).
Consider seasonal influences and the mood you want—rich jewel tones are great for winter, the pantone of colour of the year 'Mocha Mousse' would be beautiful in fall, or light pastels for spring.
I love this piece of art, and blue is my favourite colour! So when it comes to a palette, I'd be sample 3-5 colours from this.
Step 4: Organize Your Mood Board
How you arrange your mood board matters. Group similar elements together, like decor ideas in one section and attire in another. Whether you’re using a digital platform (Pinterest or Canva) or crafting a physical board with cutouts and swatches, keep it clean and easy to reference.
Pro tip: Add keywords or captions to clarify why a certain image speaks to you. For example, note if you love a bouquet’s color combo or a table setting’s rustic elegance.
Step 5: Edit, Refine and Perfect
Once you’ve gathered everything, take a step back and review your board. Does it feel cohesive? Does it communicate the essence of your dream wedding? If anything feels out of place or doesn’t spark joy, don’t be afraid to remove it.
I quickly put everything together in Canva, where I was also able to sample colours from my inspiration art, and change the ribbon colour on the glasses to really tie it all together. Overall I'm happy with how it turned out!
Step 6: Share Your Vision
Your mood board is more than a personal tool—it’s a communication asset. Share it with your wedding planner, photographer, florist, and other vendors so they can align their work with your vision. Be open to their feedback—they might offer tweaks to make your ideas even more stunning.
Bonus Tips for a Stellar Mood Board
Keep it concise: Your mood board should feel inspiring, not overwhelming. I've seen weddings where Brides hand out 10+ mood boards to all their vendors, which can kill creativity. Aim for quality over quantity.
Stay flexible: Use your mood board as a guide, not a rigid rulebook. It’s okay if your vision evolves!
Have fun with it: This is your chance to dream big and let your creativity flow.
With a well-thought-out mood board, you’ll set the stage for a wedding that’s beautifully cohesive and unmistakably you. So grab your favorite visuals, settle into your creative zone, and start designing the wedding mood board of your dreams!
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