We’re thrilled today to have wedding planner, Natalie Hagopian of NH Weddings sharing her insightful tips on how to design a wedding that reflects your unique love story. Today’s post on Polka Dot Wisdom, is all about transforming your dream wedding into a reality that truly feels like you.

In this guide, Natalie walks you through the key steps to creating a celebration that mirrors your personality and relationship, from crafting a mood board and setting a cohesive design theme to selecting a colour palette and choosing the perfect décor. You’ll discover how to budget for your dream style, infuse your day with personalised touches, and even coordinate your bridal look with your overall vision. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer to delegate to the pros, this blog post will help you navigate the design process with confidence, ensuring that every detail is a true reflection of your unique love story.

Don’t forget to also catch the beautiful photographs from Natalie’s recent styled shoot titled, “Enchanted Elegance – A Secret Garden Affair.” 

Unveiling Your Style: A Wedding Planning Guide

Hey lovebirds! Congratulations on your engagement! I’m your friendly neighbourhood wedding planner here to help you navigate the exciting world of wedding design. It’s all about transforming your dream wedding from Pinterest board to picture-perfect reality.

But with so many options, where do you even start? Don’t worry, this guide will be your secret weapon for crafting a celebration that speaks volumes about your unique love story.

Finding Your Design Fingerprint

  • Mood Board Magic: We all love a good Pinterest board, but don’t get overwhelmed! Instead, use it as a springboard for brainstorming. Cut out magazine clippings, explore wedding blogs, and gather photos that resonate with you as a couple. Is it whimsical romance or modern minimalism that sets your heart aflutter?
  • You Two, Unfiltered: This is YOUR wedding, so ditch the trends and embrace what truly reflects you both. Are you outdoorsy adventurers or city chic sweethearts? Identifying your personalities will ensure a cohesive style that feels authentic.
  • Venue Vibes: Your venue sets the stage, so let its inherent charm inspire your design choices. A rustic barn might call for vintage lanterns and mason jars, while a sleek art gallery begs for clean lines and pops of bold colour.

Planning Like a Pro

  • Budgeting for Beauty: Be honest with yourselves about the big picture. Allocate specific amounts for different design elements like flowers, décor, rentals, and stationery. Remember, a few well-placed details can make a statement, so prioritise what matters most to you both. Impress your guests with a stunning floral statement piece at your ceremony to add a wow factor to your wedding. This arrangement can then be later be repurposed at your reception behind the sweetheart table, near your cake, or as ceiling installation.
  • The Colour Palette: Colours are like magic wands, transforming a space and setting the mood. Choose a palette that reflects your taste and complements your venue. Don’t be afraid to experiment with unexpected colour combinations for a truly unique touch.
  • Collection Cohesion: Think beyond a hodgepodge of decorations. Create a curated collection that tells a story. Group mismatched vintage finds for a whimsical tablescape, or arrange floral centrepieces in a variety of bud vases for a touch of effortless elegance. Less is more on your guest tables.
  • Coordinating your Makeup, Hair and Outfits: Choose hair and makeup styles that align with your wedding theme and gown. For instance, a classic wedding with an elegant A-line wedding gown pairs beautifully with a chignon or French twist, a traditional veil, and timeless makeup. Modern weddings look fantastic with sleek hairstyles like high ponytails or low buns, complemented by polished makeup and bold eyeliner. Garden weddings suit romantic, flowy styles with soft curls or waves, dainty headpieces, along with natural or pastel makeup and glowing skin. Just make sure your look still reflects your personal style and highlights your best features so you feel comfortable and like your best self on your big day.
  • Seek Professional Advice: Listen to their professional advice and be open to their suggestions. They can provide valuable insights on what styles will work best with your dress and theme.

Bringing Your Dream to Life

  • DIY or Delegate: Be honest about your crafting skills and available time, you don’t want your wedding to look like a school project. Channel your inner Martha Stewart for small, personalised touches, but definitely delegate larger décor elements to professionals.
  • Personal Touches: The finer details! Personalised welcome signs, custom menus with your love story woven in, or a signature cocktail with a playful name – these details elevate your wedding’s style and make it truly your own.
  • Light Up the Night: Lighting is a game-changer. Fairy lights strung across a backyard create a whimsical ambiance, while dramatic up-lighting can highlight the architectural features of a grand ballroom. Don’t underestimate the power of setting the mood with light! Even better, add elegant drapery and fairy lights for a romantic feel.

Remember, your wedding is a celebration of your love story. This isn’t about following trends blindly; it’s about weaving your personalities and passions into the design. With a little planning, a sprinkle of creativity, and this guide by your side, you’ll be well on your way to styling a wedding that’s as unique and beautiful as your love.

 

A heartfelt thank you to Natalie for sharing this invaluable guide on designing a wedding that truly reflects a couple’s unique love story. Your expertise and creativity provides the perfect inspiration for crafting a wedding day that feels authentic! We hope you enjoyed this piece as much as we did Dotties! 

About the author: With 14 years of experience as a wedding planner and day coordinator, Natalie Hagopian of NH Weddings has honed her skills in crafting unforgettable celebrations. From conceptualisation to execution, she guides couples through the entire wedding planning process, ensuring every detail is meticulously planned. Her passion for design and aesthetics led to the incorporation of styling into her services, allowing her to transform wedding visions into breathtaking realities.