We asked top wedding planners how they help their couples find inspiration within their own love story.
JOVE MEYER, event planner and designer at Jove Meyer Events
MAKE A WEDDING MOOD BOARD. Separately, each of you save 12 images that make you happy and feel like the vibe of the wedding you want to have. Ideally, they are images of art, architecture, interior design, travel, fashion, food, flowers, landscapes—things that make you light up and represent your style!
FIRST THOUGHTS. Make a list of the first three words that come to mind for “I want our wedding to be …” Don't overthink it and don't write down what you think your partner or family want to hear. Once you have your three words, describe each one in a sentence.
YOUR FAVORITE THINGS. The next step would be to come up with a list of your favorite things in key categories: colors, food and music. Once you have your lists, you will see where you can plug it in and how you can add it throughout your wedding. Once you have all the above images and words, sit down with your fiancé/e and share them together to see what you have in common.
TIP: Having all of your favorite things written down helps keep you on track as you plan so you are at the center of your wedding planning process.
"The more time and work you invest into your wedding, the more authentic and personal it will be."
JASON MITCHELL KAHN, owner and creative director and Jason Mitchell Kahn & Co.
DITCH TRADITION. The only thing you technically need to legally marry is signing the marriage license, so if readings and even a vow and ring exchange isn’t your style forget them. When planning, ask questions such as: Why now? Why you? Why marriage? See where that leads you.
NAME YOUR TABLES. Numbers don’t tell your guests anything about you, but names create conversation. They also don’t have to be of a cohesive theme. Anything that is about the two of you is cohesive enough. You can take your guests on a journey of places you've been, experiences you’ve shared, people who have made an impact on you, trailblazers of the community, love stories that inspire you or simply jokes that make you laugh.
WORDS MATTER. Review all text that might get announced by the officiant, DJ or band. Even a minor tweak to an expected sentence can have a huge impact. If you don’t identify with “For the first time as Mr. & Mrs.,” think about what kind of statement you can make here.
"Creating new traditions is one of the most personal things you can do at a wedding!"
HOLLY GRAY, CEO of Anything But Gray Events
TOUR YOUR HOME. Take a tour of your home. That could be the art on the walls, your pets, the vintage book collection on your shelves, or the colors that light up your walls. Our homes reflect our lives, loves, and personal expression. Sometimes the smallest details can create the biggest impact.
NARROW IT DOWN. While it can seem fun to squish every concept, theme, style and design into the wedding day, it can also lead to a disjointed and discombobulated experience for both you and your guests. Narrow down your focus.
KEEP IT TO YOURSELF. When you tell people your plans, they tend to have opinions, expectations, and preconceived notions. These thoughts can cause you to second-guess your choices and sacrifice aspects of your wedding day that are important to you as a couple. Save the drama from your mama and keep these details to yourself. Let your loved ones be surprised and delighted on your wedding day without ruining the experience prior.
DO YOU. Be yourself to the millionth degree! Wear the hot pink suit, do the silly dance at the reception, and have a biscuits-and-gravy fountain at the cocktail hour if that is what you want. At the end of the day, those who matter don't mind, and those who mind, don't matter!
"As a wedding planner, my job is to plan and design not only a wedding but rather a wedding that has not been seen before and will not be seen again, because it was created specifically for two, unique people."
BRIAN A M GREEN, owner and chief event architect at By BrianGreen
TAP INTO CULTURE. Infusing your culture into your day is an incredible way to ensure the focus is fully on you both. From ceremony traditions to your attire, cuisine, and the music you grew up loving! Pro tip: Cocktail hour and late-night snacks are two great moments to share foods of your culture that will not overwhelm your other guests.
HOBBIES & PASSIONS. One of the first things I ask my couples is, what are their hobbies and passions? Maybe we end up doing a specialty bourbon bar with their favorite blends or dessert station with treats in their favorite sports team's colors. Each element of a hobby or passion can be used to customize the day to one that is only for the couple!
SONG SELECTION. If you are not having a religious ceremony, make sure to select songs that have meaning to your both. You do not have to walk down the aisle to anything other than the music that you want to reflect your love. Same for all special dances and reception music; dance to the songs that make you happy! If you are out there having the best time of your lives, your guests will, too!
"Friends and family will have a better, more curated time if the wedding is focused on your story, your passions, your likes, and your 'Couple DNA.'"
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