Creating a Vision Board for your Wedding

Are you getting married in 2012? It's time to start planning! A "Vision Board" is a great place to start! As a certified Dale Carnegie trainer and coach I've spent a number of years working with professional clients. One powerful professional development tool we utilize is the development of a "vision." This "vivid mental image" helps give us a clear goal to work toward. I've found the same principle quite useful when it comes to wedding and event planning.

A Vision Board can be as simple or complex as you like! I recommend a size that's portable. An 8.5 X 11 or 11 X 17 inch piece of foam core board (available at any office supply store) is a good place to start.

Before you assemble your Vision Board you have to have a vision! If you're like most brides-to-be you have likely been collecting pieces of inspiration for a while and you can articulate to some degree the important elements of your special day. Get those elements on paper!

Ask yourself:

-What is the look and feel I'm going for?
-What are some words I would use to describe my wedding?
-What colors do I want to incorporate?
-What design elements do I want to incorporate?
-Is there must-have decor?
-Are there must-have flowers?
-What setting will my ceremony and reception be in?
-What time of year is the wedding?
-What natural, cultural, environmental, or other elements do I want to capitalize on?
-What sentimental or nostalgic elements do I want to pursue?
-Etc...

Next look at inspiration elements you've already collected and go to bridal magazines, websites, etc...and collect samples and pictures that capture the spirit of your brainstorming! Don't limit yourself to bridal publications. Maybe you're a winter sports enthusiast and you found some inspiration in a Burton Snowboard ad...or a great texture in a home decor catalog...or a swatch from your favorite skirt...or a design element from the cover of a book. If you already have fabric swatches from dresses, sample invitations, or DIY decor elements picked out be sure to incorporate those too. The sky is the limit!





Finally, combine your inspiration collection in any way you want (no rules!) on the foam core board. Permanent glue tape in a handy roll-out dispenser is the quick and easy way to assemble your Vision Board! Be creative...you never know, your Vision Board could go from handy planning tool to family keepsake!

Here's our EXAMPLE finished product. You can get a quick snapshot of this bride's vision: eco-friendly, ethereal, whimisical...you immediately see her eye for simplicity in lines and design with a nod toward the vintage.



Take your Vision Board with you when you visit vendors, go dress shopping, chat with your bridesmaids, etc...

Do you have a Vision Board? Post a picture on our Facebook page! We'd love to see it!