Defining your wedding vision can be an exciting journey for newly engaged couples. But where do you start? Before you start to flounder around and start to feel like you are just spinning your wheels with no traction, check out this step-by-step process to help you articulate and refine your vision:

1. Dream & Discuss

Start with open conversations about what each of you envisions for your wedding. Share ideas about size, style, location, and atmosphere. Use this stage to dream without limitations and understand each other’s expectations.

Another way to think about it is, what emotional experiences do you want to create for your wedding? Some examples might be:

• What do you want to experience?
• How do you want your guests to feel at your wedding?
• Is your wedding a time for all of your friends and family to connect and get to know each other for the first time? Or is your wedding more of an intimate affair, and you only plan to include a small number of close friends and family
• What do you want to experience on your wedding day – Private Vows? Built in 1-on-1 time just for you? Special First Look with your Dad?

Take this time to dream big and brainstorm anything and everything you can imagine!

2. Collect Inspiration

Gather inspiration from various sources like magazines, Pinterest, or wedding blogs. Create a mood board with images, colors, and ideas that resonate with both of you, helping to visualize your combined preferences.

Need help creating your Mood Board? Follow this guide to help you design an all encompassing Mood Board for your wedding. 

By the way, don’t worry if creating a mood board feels exhausting. Creating a simple Pinterest board for your wedding is just fine too. Follow this step by step guide to create your perfect Pinterest board for your wedding.

3. Set Your Priorities

Decide what aspects are most important to you, whether it’s the venue, food, music, or photography. 

Some ideas might be:

• Write our own vows (or love letters) to each other before the ceremony
• Ask your sister to sing your favorite love song during the ceremony
• Ask your mutual best friend to be your officiant
• Dance to “your song” at the wedding reception
• Coordinate pre-wedding activities to allow friends and family the opportunity to intermingle/get-to-know one another. (e.g. golf outing, day at the spa, group hike, visit a local destination)
• Host a post-wedding brunch

Setting these priorities will guide your budget allocation and planning decisions.

4. Establish Your Wedding Budget

Determine a realistic budget and discuss how it will be funded. Having a clear budget early on helps refine your vision and manage expectations regarding what is feasible.

Not sure where to begin to define your budget? Don’t worry we got you covered. Check out this guide to help you get started with defining your wedding budget.

5. Define a Theme & Style

Based on your inspiration and priorities, choose a theme and style that reflects your personal tastes and the experience you wish to create for your guests. This is also a great opportunity to think outside the box and show your personal style and love story.

Here are a few fun ideas to consider

• Interactive Food Stations: Set up gourmet food stations where guests can customize their dishes, such as a taco bar, pasta station, or sushi rolling experience. This interactive element allows guests to enjoy their favorites and adds a fun twist to the dining experience.

• 2. Live Entertainment: Beyond a DJ or band, consider unique entertainment options like a live painter capturing the scene, a roaming magician, or even cultural performances such as flamenco dancers or a traditional drumming group.

• Photo Booth with Props: Create a themed photo booth with personalized props related to your story as a couple. This offers guests a fun activity and provides them with a keepsake to remember the day.

• Creative Guestbook Alternatives: Instead of a traditional guestbook, offer something interactive, like a Jenga set for guests to sign or a message-in-a-bottle setup where guests leave notes for you to read on future anniversaries.

• Late-Night Snack Bar: Surprise guests with a late-night snack bar featuring comfort foods like mini sliders, donut walls, or a coffee and dessert station. This touch is a delightful treat as the party continues into the night.

Incorporating these creative touches can help make your wedding a standout event that your guests will talk about fondly for years to come.

6. Select a Color Palette

Choose a color scheme that complements your theme and can be consistently applied across all elements of the wedding, from attire to decorations.

7. Consider Logistics

Think about the practical aspects, like the season, geography, and guest accommodations. These factors can impact venue choices and the overall feel of your event.

Some questions to consider:

• What else is happening around the time of year you are planning to get married? (holidays, sporting events, festivals, annual family reunions, family birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)
• Destination vs In Town Wedding
• Where will your out of town guests stay? 
• Do you need to/want to provide guest transportation?

8. Incorporate Personal Touches

Identify ways to weave personal elements into your celebration, such as favorite songs, family traditions, or beloved activities that make the day uniquely yours.

9. Seek Professional Guidance

Engage a wedding planner or consult with seasoned vendors to gain insights and refine your vision, ensuring it can be practically executed within your budget and timeframe.

10. Review & Adjust

Continuously review and adjust your vision as needed, being open to changes and new ideas that might enhance your wedding plans as they evolve.

Congratulations! You did it!

You now have a better understanding of what you want your overall wedding experience to be! You’ve created an excellent foundation from which you can build all of your other wedding planning decisions.

You’re ready to begin to officially start planning your wedding and bringing your vision to life!

Now that you have crafted your wedding vision, you know your wedding will be personalized, unique to your love story. This will make the wedding experience extremely special for you and your guests.

Next Steps

What elements are most important to you and your wedding? What insights did you learn from completing these exercises? Leave a comment below! 

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Casey Green Weddings, LLC

2501 S Village Drive, Cottonwood, AZ 86326

hello@caseygreenweddings.com