Boho, chic, whimsical, vintage, garden, beach, classic, modern, art deco, fairytale, themed, vintage… there are a lot of “wedding styles” to choose from. But which one is right for you?
Your authentic wedding style is more than the decor or the colors from a Pinterest board—it’s the essence of your celebration that creates a cohesive experience and makes your day feel like a reflection of your love story.
But how do you find your authentic style with so many options?!? How do you avoid simply following trends or throwing together ideas that don’t quite fit? The answer is intentionality: take time to uncover what resonates with you and weave it into your vision.
Here are five practical ways to define your wedding style, with real-life examples to inspire your creativity.
1. Reflect on Your Everyday Aesthetic
Your wedding is about your story, so start by reflecting on your personal style. It can provide some clear direction for your wedding preferences.
Is your home filled with clean lines and neutral tones? A minimalist, modern wedding might be your ideal match.
Do you gravitate toward vintage finds and layered textures? You might prefer a boho or rustic vibe.
Example: One of our couples loves fishing, so they held their ceremony on a lake at a family cabin. They rented another cabin across the lake where the bride got ready. She arrived at the ceremony by boat and was greeted by her father at the dock. They tied a fisherman’s knot together during their ceremony, and afterward the bride even caught a fish in her wedding dress!
Questions to ask yourself:
What colors dominate your wardrobe or home?
What design elements are you naturally drawn to?
2. Think About Your Relationship Story
Your shared story as a couple is another great source of inspiration. Think about the places, activities, and traditions that mean the most to you.
Examples: We had a couple who frequented a local bar, so we loaded up the wedding party, headed over there, and packed everyone around the bar for a photo and a shot!
Another couple paid homage to their Nordic roots with their ceremony and decor.
Ways to incorporate your story:
Decor that nods to your first date or shared hobbies.
Including a favorite location, like a beach where you often vacation, in your venue or theme.
3. Gather Inspiration Intentionally
Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram have a lot of great ideas, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed scrolling through the endless feed. Instead of saving every pretty idea, look for themes that consistently resonate with you.
Focus on textures, color palettes, and layouts that feel personal.
Avoid trends that don’t align with your personality—just because it’s “in” doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
To help streamline your vision, check out our free guide (with worksheets!): “Visual Love Letters: Building a Mood Board That Tells Your Story”. This resource helps you gather inspiration while staying true to what makes your love story unique.
4. Consider the Venue’s Personality
Your venue has a direct impact on your wedding style. If you want a sleek, modern feel, a barn venue, no matter how beautiful, might not be the best choice. If you’re looking for light and airy photos, a venue with a lot of windows will be a better option than a cool, converted warehouse.
There are a lot of great venues out there, but the right venue complements and enhances your vision.
Example: A couple who wanted a lush, tropical feel had their wedding at Frederik Meijer Gardens and had photos in the tropical conservatory and butterfly house.
Tips for aligning your venue and style:
Look for venues that already match your desired vibe.
Highlight what’s naturally beautiful about the space, like rustic wood beams or sweeping outdoor views.
Most people book their venue before their photographer, but if you have strong ideas about your photos, it’s never too early to start talking with photographers and videographers to get insight about which venues might best suit your vision! We’d love to chat if you need advice!
5. Collaborate With Your Vendors
Vendors are experts in their fields and can help with your ideas. It’s important to share your vision with them because they can often give creative suggestions in insights you never would have thought of! Your vendors are part of your team. Make sure they’re connected with each other and that everyone is on the same page to bring your vision to life!
Example: We wanted our wedding dinner to feel like an intimate dinner party. We wanted one long table outside with about 50 people around it. Our venue didn’t have the tables to accommodate that and renting them would cost a small fortune. So, we talked with the venue owner at The Boardwalk in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and he said that if we wanted to build the tables, they would supply the wood. So, we made some plans, got some friends, and headed down to build! They ended up new tables, we learned a little, and we got the incredible dinner we’d dreamed of!
Collaboration tips:
Share your mood board or Pinterest boards early.
Be open to vendor ideas—they can bring fresh perspectives to your style.
Defining a Wedding Style That’s Uniquely, Authentically Yours
Your wedding style should feel like a natural extension of who you are. By reflecting on your aesthetic, drawing from your story, and collaborating with your vendors, you’ll create a day that feels authentic, cohesive, and unforgettable.
For more help defining your wedding style, check out our Resource Library with “Visual Love Letters”, our free guide to creating a mood board that reflects your unique story and “%4 Authentic Ways to Make Your Wedding Uniquely Yours,” a guide of ideas and worksheets to help you find your unique style.
And if you’re ready to bring your style to life with stunning photography and videography, let’s connect!
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