For me, creativity is essential in every single aspect of my life. When I am super busy and I am not able to cultivate creativity my entire being- and likely those around me!- suffers. I believe it is important to cultivate creativity in every single thing that I do in order to feed my soul. So I got to thinking about my next blog and decided that I wanted to focus on how to help my couples to find spaces for creativity while wedding planning.
Wedding planning is a whirlwind of decisions, timelines, and budgets. However, it’s also one of the most creatively rich seasons of your life. This is the moment that you have been dreaming about. From envisioning your actual ceremony to designing a celebration that reflects who you are as a couple, creativity is the thread that turns a standard wedding into something personal and unforgettable.
But how do you keep creativity flowing when stress, logistics, and expectations threaten to crowd it out? This is a common under current for us all. In fact, I find that when I am super stressed or sad, I find my place in the kitchen so that I can combine colors and foods to nourish my heart and soul. BUT. This blog is about encouraging my couples to cultivate creativity during this crazy time.
Here’s how to stay inspired, imaginative, and joyfully connected to your vision throughout the planning process.
1. Start With Your Story, Not Pinterest
Pinterest is an incredible resource for inspiration—but it can also be super overwhelming. I find myself scrolling and adding things to my board without even realizing what I have saved and how long I have been mindlessly scrolling.
Before you scroll, begin with you:
- How did you meet?
- What are your shared hobbies?
- Are there places, colors, or music styles that represent your relationship?
- Is there a type of atmosphere that feels most like “us”?
Write down five things that define your relationship, and let these guide your choices.
If you are someone like my oldest daughter, Reese, you may grab your ipad and create a beautiful handwritten list just because it brings you joy. (OH MY GOSH! You should see my other daughter, Perrey’s hand painted cookbook of her favorite family recipes! It is literally a work of art!!) Ok. Sorry. I always get very off topic. because as you can see, writing- for me- is how I cultivate my creativity in this wedding business. But anyway, back to it.
When your creative decisions are rooted in your story, they feel natural and authentic—not forced or copied.
2. Create an Inspiration Ritual
Instead of random late-night Pinterest scrolling -we’ve all been there, create a dedicated creativity ritual. It can be as simple as:
- Brewing your favorite tea or coffee
- Playing a playlist that inspires you
- Lighting a candle (THIS is a favorite for me. My kids know that if they enter my bedroom, I am in my moment so they best be backing right outta my room.)
- Setting aside 20 intentional minutes
Rituals tell your brain, this is a safe, enjoyable space to think imaginatively. You’ll be surprised how ideas start flowing when you slow down. It’s hard to do, but make it a habit especially during your wedding planning era.
3. Mix Industries for Unexpected Inspiration
Art is literally everywhere and in everything if you look for it. Creativity thrives on various platforms. Look outside the wedding world for ideas:
- Interior design for color palettes
- Fashion runways for textures
- Nature for organic shapes and tones
- Architecture for structure and symmetry
- Film and literature for theme and mood
Great wedding creativity often comes from pairing unexpected influences. Don’t be afraid to really start looking at all things as possible spaces for creating the wedding of your dreams.
4. Create a Mood Board Like a Designer
Don’t limit yourself to wedding photos. A good mood board includes:
- Textures (linen, velvet, lace)
- Colors and gradients
- Patterns (geometric, botanical, vintage)
- Typography (WORDS! I love them! Funky fonts, letters)
- Emotions or descriptors (“warm,” “romantic,” “earthy,” “whimsical”)
This helps you understand what you’re really drawn to—beyond a specific table setup or bouquet. And it can become a keepsake that reminds you of your wedding planning season of life.
(Need help figuring out your color palette? Read here!
5. Allow Yourself “Bad Ideas”
This is a personal favorite thought for me as an art teacher. Sometimes in my paintings, my mistakes become the best part of my piece. Mistakes lead us in the direction that we are meant to go, whether we realize it or not at the time. I always told my students- none of your ideas and nothing is ever perfect because that would be boring. Can you imagine if everything was “perfect.” Blech!
Perfectionism is creativity’s biggest enemy and honestly, it’s a liar.
I HAD to put this photo in at this exact spot. This guy was definitely “playing” here!!
Give yourself permission to brainstorm freely without filters or budgets. Remove the phrase, “that could never work” from your brainstorming session. Even the wildest ideas often contain a spark that leads to something practical and beautiful.
Creativity flourishes when you let yourself play- doesn’t it feel fun to even think about the word “play?”
6. Involve People Who Bring Out Your Imagination
Your most creative friends aren’t necessarily the craftiest—they’re the ones who seek joy and seek beauty in all moments and things- they make you feel energized, supported, and open-minded. Invite them to:
- Brainstorm themes
- Test DIY ideas
- Go venue scouting
- Explore fabrics or florals
Sometimes creativity isn’t about being clever—it’s about being with the right people. (I love being in this industry because I am surrounded by creative people. In fact, as I am typing this now this local florist is “zhuzhing” up her arranging.
7. Take Inspiration Breaks (Seriously)
When inspiration turns to comparison or decision fatigue, it’s time to step back. Try:
- A walk outside
- A weekend date with your partner
- A day without wedding talk (This can be hard to do! In fact, Jason and I are working on having a day without talking about work. It hasn’t happened despite trying over and over again. Insert laughing emoji here.)
Creative ideas often arrive when you’re not trying to force them. (Writers block is a very real thing.)
8. Collaborate Authentically With Your Vendors
Wedding pros are naturally creative—but they’re at their best when you share openly. We get inspired from your ideas because it takes us out of our own.
Show vendors your mood board, tell them your story, and the feeling you want guests to experience. Then let them offer ideas you might never have imagined. Collaboration turns vision into magic.
(I will never forget the wedding inquiry we got from the first bride who ended up booking with us. She literally wrote an entire story of who she and her fiancé are- I felt like I knew them and it made me literally fall in love with them. It was a so inspiring then to be a part of their forever love story. Here they are!!)
9. Embrace Imperfection and Evolution
Your ideas will shift as the planning unfolds. That’s normal—and deeply creative. Evolution isn’t failure; it’s refinement.
Be willing to say:
- “I thought I wanted this, but now I don’t.”
- “This feels more like us.”
- “Let’s simplify.”
Creativity grows in flexible spaces, not rigid ones.
10. Stay Connected to the Joy
At its core, creativity comes from emotion. When you stay connected to the love, excitement, and meaning behind your wedding, ideas flow more naturally.
Make time to be present with your partner. It can be hard to settle into one another with all of the wedding prep and craziness. Celebrate milestones together. Laugh at mishaps-they will happen! This is your season—slow down to enjoy it.
Final Thoughts
Cultivating creativity during wedding planning isn’t about being artistic or crafty. It’s about giving yourself permission to explore, imagine, play-dive into your inner child!, and express your story in a way that feels authentic.
When you approach planning with curiosity and openness, creativity becomes a joyful companion rather than an added pressure. And the result? A celebration that feels beautifully, unmistakably you.
Thank you SO much for reading my blog! It was so fun hearing some feedback today on a tour because blogging can feel a lot like, “Bueller? Bueller?” I know some of you may be too young to get that reference…but it can feel like I am talking to myself! LOL. If you have been following along, thank you! If you are new here, you will see that as a small, family owned business, I strongly support locally owned businesses. You can check out venues from across the country by looking at this wedding venue map and click on some of the links below!
You can reach out to me directly here if you have any questions.
Have a lovely rest of the week!
XO
Shelley