HOW TO CREATE A WEDDING BRAND

by Tara at Roots of Life Photography

A uniquely branded wedding makes a statement and tells your story through color, detail and personalized elements, however, (let’s face it) wedding planning and event design can be a daunting process. Here are 5 tips on how to brand your big day.

1. GET INSPIRED

Inspiration can come from anywhere so don't limit yourself to what you see in magazines, blogs & on pinterest. Draw from your relationship and make a list of your favorite dates, places to go, fun vacations and the memories, foods and cocktails you two love. What sticks out? Think about some words that describe you and your partner as a couple. Lastly, what experience(s) do you want your guests to have? What do you want them to remember about your wedding events?

2. USE YOUR SENSES

Take it a step further and draw inspiration from fashion, architecture, nature, art or even the cinematography of your favorite movie. Notice what draws you in. Is it the warm color palette of a Wes Anderson flick, the manicured topiaries and architecture that seem to bring life to Paris or the smell of fresh baked cookies that feels like home? Pull from these moments and think about how you can infuse these sensory experiences into your wedding events.

When thinking about this shoot, we wanted to create a modern, sleek aesthetic that appeals to chic couples who love the structure and refinement of high end design (fashion, art, architecture, cinematography) and aren't afraid to make a statement with their wedding. If you don't have first-hand knowledge, rely on your senses! As an example, in this shoot, the olive drink garnish even played a role in inspiring the floral color palette and guest favors... add to that, Sugarfina white pearl and olive candy boxes wrapped in silk ribbon and topped off with a white wax seal. Our anchor color, black, tied everything together.

3. CHOOSE YOUR DESIGN ELEMENTS

Pick a few personal elements that tell your story and incorporate them into the design of your wedding as anchors. What about creating a personalized monogram, using a symbol or item that represents your culture or expand upon an element from a favorite memory?

Throughout this shoot, we used the Gucci-inspired bee illustration with honeycomb detailing that added incredible dimension.

4. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Once you have a few design anchors in mind, you can use them to build out your color palette, add textural and other fun design elements to your stationery + paper goods, sweets, favors, cocktail bar, and so on. Think outside the box and get creative here. If you can’t rent it, consider using what you have on hand.

For this shoot, I added items from my personal collection to decorate the bar. Personal items add to the story and are great conversation pieces. For smaller wedding events, consider using or borrowing items, like china, if you have the ability to. I did this at my own wedding rehearsal and it brought me so much joy to see our families come together using dishes from generations past.

5. HIRE THE RIGHT EXPERTS

Having unique, out of the box, ideas can often pose logistical challenges. Be open to exploring unique and different ways of executing your vision and trust your vendor team. Hiring the right professionals who understand what inspires you, are excited to work with you, and can confidently execute the vision you have for your wedding events is crucial.

6. HAVE FUN

Use your design research as an opportunity to connect with your partner and enjoy the process.

Don't forget to have FUN!