Let's Set The Mood
On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you to start planning your event? Well even though you’re doing the planning I’m a 10 for you! One of my favorite parts about planning an event is determining the mood. I find that setting the mood, for weddings in particular, really helps set the atmosphere for your bridal party, family and guests.
So how do you set the mood for your big day?
As we discussed in 5 Key Factors for Event Planning, determining the type of event, location, number of guests, and budget can help you with all of this.
Let’s start with location.
Are you more modern-chic, mountain boho, or an exotic destination guy or gal? Choosing a location that is special to you and your partner or fits both of your personalities will play a big role when determining all of the small details. Me personally, I’m more mountain boho meets exotic destination type of gal. In this scenario, I’d likely choose a venue in the Rocky Mountains that is a little more modern, but provides me with an outdoor space for the ceremony and an indoor space for the reception.
Next up, season.
Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter: whatever month you decide to get married in will be BEAUTIFUL. Late spring, early summer, and early fall can definitely be more pricey depending on the venues you book, but they also make it easier for your guests to travel. Plus the floral selection is insane!! I’m all about that early spring or late fall. Where the air is crisp and the colors are moody yet vibrant. Just thinking about this makes me envision a color palette of dark greens, wine reds, golds, with a hint of blush. Can you see it? Do you feel the mood we are setting? Picture a lush forested view, smell the mountain air, and lush colors and fabrics. Swoon.
Who’s ready to pick their color palette??
ME!! I already said what my dream color palette would be but let’s chat about how to pick your colors. Looking for classic elegance? Blush, gold, whites, and black are a traditional go to. But don’t be afraid to spice up those classics! Pinterest is FILLED with color inspiration. From vibrant reds to a mix of jewel tones, you can’t really go wrong. The key here is to pick one primary color, an accent color or two, and then a base color that will tie everything together. Usually this base color is white, because it goes with every color imaginable. In the color palette I described to you earlier, my primary color would be a wine red. I’d accent that with gold, blush, and varying shades of green so that the mix of warm tones is balanced by lighter, cooler tones. Balance those out with white or cream linens and bam. Color palette! An easy way to see your color palette come to life is by using a color palette generator. I like Coolors! You can create an account for free, check out popular color palettes, and generate your own in a matter of minutes. The best part is that you can save your palettes and export them to your personal computer. Then you can print off your palette so that you can add it to your binder! Check out the palette I made below.
Now that you’ve got the full vision, the next step is to create your mood/vision board.
This can easily be down on Pinterest and is way more eco-friendly. But some of you may want something more physical that you can touch and see every day. If that’s the case, I suggest making a mood board. Very similar to a vision board if you’ve ever made one of those, but this is all about feeling.
To start, head to your local dollar store and buy a piece of foam board, like the kind you used for your science project back in the day. Grab some tape and glue while you’re there too! Cut the foam board to the size you want and then get going. I suggest by printing out your color palette. Print pictures of your venue, head to a local fabric store and get swatches of material in your color scheme, print off photos of your ideal table decor, floral arrangements, etc. You like it? Print it! See if it fits in with your mood board and go from there. One your board is filled, hang it wherever you’d like. Share it with your fiancé so they are a part of the planning process and can see your vision. Show it to your wedding planner, photographer, day of coordinator, florist, etc. Having a mood board will help you really envision your big day from start to finish.
From here, the sky's the limit! The mood you set can help you pick out invitations, your cake, favors, linens, decor for your ceremony space, table decorations, and everything in-between. Your mood will also help you select a photographer so that your big day is captured perfectly.
Remember, your mood can change! Be flexible and change items on your mood board when necessary. Don’t be afraid of change and know that it will all come together in the end.
Happy planning!
xx- Jillian