How do you define your wedding style – especially when decision fatigue is already creeping in? Chances are, you’ve been saving inspiration like crazy, your camera roll is full of screenshots, and your Pinterest boards are overflowing with more ideas than one wedding could ever hold. At this point, it might feel like wedding inspiration overload.

That’s why we’re turning to Stephanie, owner and creative director of The Blue Daisy Floral Designs. Known for her stunning floral design and thoughtful approach, Stephanie is no stranger to helping couples cut through the noise and clarify their wedding vision. Her expert tip? Start by choosing three words or phrases that capture the feeling you want your wedding day to evoke.

“Dream deeply,” she says. “Imagine how you want to feel on your wedding day. How do you want your guests to feel?”

We loved this advice so much that we decided to expand on it, pulling from a decade of our wedding inspiration and experience to help you figure out your personal wedding style. Here’s everything you need to know to capture the mood of your day and bring your vision to life.

Decide on Three Words That Define Your Wedding Vision

Choose three very specific words or phrases that capture the essence of your wedding day. Instead of broad or overused terms like elegant, beautiful, or classic, aim for descriptors that feel personal and intentional. For example, sentimental might speak to a day filled with family traditions, meaningful details, and heartfelt tributes to loved ones. 

To find your words, ask yourself: How do I want my guests to feel when they leave our wedding? These guiding words will help shape your planning decisions, ensuring everything from the decor to the overall atmosphere aligns with your vision.

Imagine the Emotions You Want Your Wedding to Evoke

The emotions you want your wedding to inspire can help shape the entire tone of your celebration. Words like free-spirited, vibrant, exciting, relaxed, or dramatic each create a distinct mood and aesthetic.

For example, a dramatic wedding might feature bold colors, grand floral installations, and moody lighting, creating a striking, theatrical atmosphere. In contrast, a relaxed wedding could feel intimate and effortless, with an outdoor dinner under twinkling lights, guests in comfortable attire, and a warm, laid-back vibe.

Defining these emotions early on will help guide your decisions and ensure every detail contributes to the overall experience you want to create.

Ask Yourself: “If My Wedding Were a Movie, What Movie Would It Be?”

This playful question can help you define a clear, imaginative theme for your wedding. Would it have the timeless charm of Father of the Bride, the whimsical magic of Harry Potter, the moody intrigue of a classic mystery film, or the Victorian-era romance of a period piece?

Drawing inspiration from your favorite movies isn’t just fun – it’s something couples do all the time! Whether through cinematic lighting, vintage-inspired fashion, or subtle nods to beloved characters and settings, your favorite stories can offer a creative and deeply personal way to shape your wedding’s atmosphere and aesthetic. 

Think About the One Thing You Want to Remember Most

Thinking about the memory you want to hold onto forever can help you prioritize what truly matters on your wedding day. Is it the emotional moment of your first look? The laughter shared over an intimate dinner? The magic of dancing under the stars?

Visualizing that one standout moment can guide your planning, whether you’re leaning into the cozy, candlelit vibe of a dinner party or embracing the effortless romance of an outdoor celebration. By focusing on what you want to remember most, you’ll naturally create a wedding theme that feels personal, meaningful, and unforgettable.

Play with Word Combinations

Once you’ve chosen a few words, pair them together to see how they interact. Do they evoke the feeling you’re after? Are they helping you narrow your direction? With so much inspiration available online, it’s easy to feel pulled in every direction – but refining your vision is key.

Wedding expert Stephanie offers this advice: “Once you’ve established your three words, get to work. Comb through your Pinterest board and Instagram-saved photos, and get rid of anything that does not fit within those words.” This is also a great time to start your wedding vision boards!

By narrowing your focus, your wedding aesthetic will feel cohesive, intentional, and true to you.