Image by The Geldenhuyses.

Wedding inspiration should be used as just that, inspiration. Every couple is different and every wedding should be too. Infusing your big day with meaningful, personalized details that are unlike any other is a special opportunity to celebrate your love. With endless inspiration sitting readily available at our fingertips, how do couples plan a wedding set apart from the masses? That’s easy. Use wedding inspiration as influence rather than instruction. 

Sifting through endless amounts of wedding inspiration images can quickly become a daunting and overwhelming task. From Pinterest to Instagram, there are many places couples can draw inspiration from. To minimize your wedding planning stress, we’ve created a how-to guide for finding and using inspiration to create a celebration as genuine and special as your love. 

Start With Creating A Budget 

First, we’re talking numbers. We recommend kickstarting your wedding planning process by creating a budget that’s comfortable for you and your significant other. After finalizing your budget—don’t forget the unexpected expenses—compile a list of “must-have” wedding elements. Then it’s time to start gathering inspiration for those important, non-negotiable wedding details. 

Recommended reading: How to Create the Best Wedding Budget for You and Your Partner

Images by Epic Love Story. See more of this real wedding here.

Make A Pre-Research Mood Board 

We get it. Gathering inspiration is the most fun part of wedding planning. You probably can’t wait to get scrolling on Pinterest and we don’t blame you. But, before scouring the internet for wedding inspiration you and your partner should create a wedding mood board. Yes, we really mean before you start looking. Begin by carefully crafting a collection of ideas that convey the look and feel you desire for your big day. 

As you begin to envision your wedding day, a mood board can help guide decisions. Though it will inevitably change throughout your planning process, it creates a starting point and a strong foundation. 

A wedding mood board is also a great way to avoid any feelings of imposter syndrome when sifting through millions of wedding ideas. When it comes to your wedding day, you want every element to feel authentically you. A mood board will keep you on track to incorporate elements that prioritize your wants, rather than your guests’. 

Image by Nikk Nguyen Photo. See more of this inspiration shoot here.

Create An Inspiration Pinterest Board For Each Category 

Staying organized during every stage of the wedding planning process will make your life easier—inspiration hunting included. Instead of creating one gigantic Pinterest board packed with all things wedding, create individual boards for each category. For example, create a board for wedding attire, floral arrangements, and wedding cakes. 

The benefits of sorting images by category stretches far beyond the organization. It’ll also make meetings with vendors easier—allowing you to clearly communicate your likes and dislikes for each category. Instead of aimlessly scrolling through your one Pinterest board filled with florals, table decor, and wedding attire you can show your florist just your floral inspo board. This leaves no room for confusion or miscommunication. 

Image by Tayler Ashley. See more of this real wedding here.

Incorporate Your Wedding Party With Pinterest Boards 

If you’ve decided a wedding party is a must-have, this one’s for you. Create a shared Pinterest board for you and your wedding day crew to Pin dress ideas, hairstyles, and photo inspiration. It’s a great way to incorporate your loved ones, get them excited, and make them feel like part of your day in a subtle way that won’t over shadow your wants. 

Junebug Bridal Party Tip

Before you share any boards with your wedding party, make sure they know they’re in the group with a bridesmaid proposal gift. 

Image by Brooke Taelor. See more of this real wedding here.

Use Instagram To Find Wedding Inspiration 

Just like Pinterest, Instagram is a great resource for finding wedding inspiration. Following vendor accounts or wedding planning accounts—like Junebug Weddings—allows you to easily access specialized, niche inspiration. Every account is unique, so there’s certainly a wedding Instagram page for every type of couple.

Hashtags are underrated for wedding planning. If you’re not using wedding planning hashtags to find top-notch inspiration, you’re missing out. These hashtags can be general like #weddinginspiration or #elopementinspiration. Because those tags can get out of control very quickly, we prefer using hashtags specific to your celebration like #nationalparkwedding or #vineyardwedding. When you find a hashtag that’s packed with inspiration that speaks to you, hit that follow button. Yes, you can now follow hashtags on Instagram. 

Junebug Instagram Tip: 

Instagram now allows its users to Pin Instagram images directly to your Pinterest boards. This is a helpful tool for couples planning a wedding. It keeps all your ideas organized in one place. 

Recommended reading: The Best Wedding Planning Hashtags to Follow on Instagram

In the same way Instagram’s great for finding inspiration, it’s also an efficient way to view work from wedding vendors. From photographers to venues, the majority of wedding vendors use Instagram to showcase their work. Instagram accounts are essentially vendor portfolios, which is a huge benefit for wedding planning couples. Before reaching out to request availability and pricing, you’re able to view their work. 

Use Inspiration To Showcase Your Likes And Dislikes

Just as inspiration can be used to show what you want on your wedding day, it’s also a great way to communicate what you don’t want. Your likes and dislikes help narrow options and guide big wedding planning decisions. They’ll be equally important while meeting with potential vendors, too.

Junebug Tip: 

Remember to keep an open mind when meeting with your wedding vendors. As professionals in their field, they may be able to recommend alternatives based on your inspiration images. It doesn’t mean you have to choose those ideas, but getting an opinion from a professional is never a bad idea.

Pinterest, Instagram, and talented vendor pages—there are many places couples can draw wedding planning inspiration from. Here at Junebug Weddings, we encourage couples to use inspiration images as just that, inspiration. Bringing to life a wedding day that’s influenced by inspiration while still adding your own twist is the best way to ensure your celebration is worthy of your love story. 

If you’re in search of creative ways to use inspiration as a way to personalize your big day, check out our guide for planning a unique, one-of-a-kind wedding. What are you waiting for? Gather top-notch inspiration and start making it your own today.

Image by Paola Lattarini. See more of this real wedding here.