5 Tips for Creating a Wedding Moodboard

Following the joy and delight of an engagement, one of the first stages in the wedding planning journey for most couples is idea-gathering; drawing upon inspiration from the myriad of magazines and social media platforms, as well as ideas from friends and family. Like any project which involves many different facets, planning is key; and so this exploration of what feels ‘like you’ is both necessary and crucial. 

However, the sheer volume of inspiration available often results in a complex mix of ideas and styles, and as a result you end up no nearer to defining your desired wedding aesthetic. Many make the mistake of using a moodboard as purely a coming together of every single piece of inspiration, with little regard for whether these elements actual work well together. Instead, when done properly, a moodboard should work as a visual representation of the overall look and feel of your event; making decisions easier and ensuring that your suppliers are on the same page - therefore embodying the coherent and beautiful wedding you desire.

The question remains, therefore, how to refine your array of ideas into a moodboard that works for you and prevents the relatable feeling of inspiration overwhelm? Let’s explore my five top tips below…

Create ONE Board

Many couples’ first instinct when it comes to collating inspiration is to create separate moodboards for each aspect of the wedding; one for the flowers, one for the cake, one for the dress etc. Whilst this is helpful for pooling your ideas on common topics, it is also important to have one document which combines your most crucial inspirations to act as a grounding for the rest and to ensure these elements work in harmony together. Physically placing them side by side on the same moodboard will immediately show you if two or more elements are jarring. For example, your flowers might be relaxed, garden style but your stationery is minimal and modern. A document which showcases all aspects of your wedding inspiration will be invaluable for ensuring everything sits well together within one aesthetic. It also means you can show your suppliers the same moodboard. As a vendor it is so important for me to understand the style of the rest of the wedding to ensure that I am designing floral pieces that will not only complement but enhance the work of your other suppliers.

Define Your Aesthetic

The key to a coherent and successful moodboard is defining your aesthetic and keeping this at the forefront of your mind throughout the planning process. Doing so will mean you are much less likely to get side-tracked by every new piece of inspiration that you come across. Spend some time considering whether you are trying to create a look that is stylish, editorial, romantic, refined, relaxed or traditional. Your choice of venue often helps determine your wedding aesthetic. If you’ve booked a countryside manor you might be more traditional than modern; if you’ve chosen a city hotel you might be more luxe and contemporary. Once you’ve defined your aesthetic keep this in mind as you continue to add to your moodboard - it is very likely that you’ll love elements from other styles, but try to be strict in order to achieve a coherent scheme.

Use Words as well as Images

Although a moodboard is a predominately visual representation, it can be useful to include key words as an extra way to solidify your chosen aesthetic once you have identified it. It doesn’t need to be paragraphs but just a few simple words that link all of the visual inspiration on your board can be really helpful in bringing clarity to your vision and translating this understanding to your suppliers. Some examples could be “Romantic, modern and luxurious” or “Relaxed, garden-style and natural”. 

Look for Inspiration Outside of Weddings

It is natural to think that you should look for inspiration for your wedding from other weddings. However, it may be that doing the opposite is more helpful. Look to fashion, interiors, nature and what you surround yourself with, what you enjoy and what makes you feel good. Try not to be too literal with your moodboard and instead use it to convey just that; a mood. If your desired aesthetic is editorial you may have images from fashion magazines on your board; whereas if you love a natural feel you may include inspiration from gardens you’ve visited. Doing this ensures you create a unique wedding that tells your personal story, rather than simply copying what others have done.

Be Ruthless and Open to Change

See your moodboard as an ever-evolving document. As you progress in your wedding planning journey there may be some elements that you loved at the beginning but now simply aren’t resonating with you. That’s absolutely fine and as it should be. 

Weddings are an excuse to be creative, and above all you should seek to enjoy the process. Be committed to doing what you love rather than including things that you feel like you should have, and in turn your moodboard will reflect what your wedding is all about; you and your unique story. Be ensuring that your vision board captures a sense of ‘you’, you and your suppliers will be able to create a wedding which embodies this spirit and feels deeply personal and resonant.