How I Curate Ideas for Weddings

When people ask me what it’s like to be a wedding planner, they’re often surprised to learn just how much time and thought goes into curating design concepts for each couple. Inspiration can feel scattered at first—Pinterest boards overflowing with images, late-night notes about must-have moments, and screenshots of details that just feel right. My role is to take all of that disorganized inspiration, spend hours sourcing the right pieces, and pull it all together into a cohesive vision that not only looks beautiful, but feels authentic to each couple’s story.

There is so much care, creativity, and behind-the-scenes work that goes into this process. At the end of the day, my couples don’t just get “pretty pictures”—they get a design that reflects their love story, a thoughtfully planned celebration, and peace of mind knowing it’s all taken care of. Today, I want to give you a glimpse into how I curate ideas for weddings, and why it’s such an important part of creating meaningful events.

Gathering Inspiration

The first step is always asking my clients to share their inspiration. This can be anything—Pinterest boards, magazine clippings, photos from past weddings they’ve loved, or even colors, textures, and experiences that speak to them. I encourage couples to gather as much as possible, because even the smallest detail can spark something unique.

Once I have their inspiration, that’s when my creative process begins. I don’t just replicate what they’ve pinned; instead, I start to interpret what they’re drawn to. Maybe it’s the warmth of candlelight, the effortless flow of greenery, or a certain mood captured in a photo. I use that as a jumping-off point to brainstorm fresh, personalized concepts. Sometimes, I’ll visit venues, flip through design magazines, or explore local artisan shops to spark new ideas. This is where the wheels start turning, and the foundation for unique ideas for weddings begins to take shape.

Transforming Inspiration into Design Concepts

Once inspiration is gathered, the next step is translating it into a concrete design plan. This is where I start weaving in each couple’s story—their personalities, their journey, and the way they want guests to feel. Maybe they love the outdoors, so I’ll layer in natural textures and organic florals. Or perhaps they want a timeless, romantic feel, so I’ll focus on soft colors, candlelight, and elegant details.

Behind the scenes, this is a deeply thoughtful process. I review their inspiration, layer it with my professional knowledge of what works logistically, and then sketch out how the design can flow from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception. From linens and florals to lighting and stationery, every detail is considered.

When it’s time to present ideas, I put together a custom design pitch. This often includes curated design boards, sample layouts, and color palettes. I’ll walk my couples through each element so they can not only visualize it but also feel confident that it reflects them. This stage makes the intangible—creativity, imagination, inspiration—tangible, so they can clearly see the value of the planning process.

Curating the Details

After a design direction is approved, the real curation begins. I start sourcing the exact pieces, vendors, and production teams needed to bring the vision to life. Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with the best florists, rental companies, photographers, and specialty vendors in the area. These connections mean I can match my couples with professionals who not only deliver high-quality results but also align with their personalities and priorities.

This stage is about more than just checking boxes—it’s about thoughtful curation. Every chair, every centerpiece, every detail is chosen with intention. I guide my couples through the decision-making process, narrowing down options, refining details, and ensuring everything works together seamlessly. It’s through this process that the ideas for weddings we dreamed up together transform into a real, breathtaking celebration.

Closing Thoughts

Finding and curating ideas for weddings is not something I take lightly. The design decisions we make together set the tone for the entire wedding experience—and those choices impact the memories couples and their guests will carry forever.

If you’re beginning to gather inspiration for your own wedding and want a planner who will take your ideas, refine them, and transform them into a meaningful, cohesive celebration, I’d love to connect. Learn more about my services—and let’s start bringing your vision to life.

xo, sarah