While I have not yet taken the leap over that exalted symbolic broom, had rice thrown at me with the hopes of a fertile union, stuffed a delicious piece of the most expensive pastry known to man (a wedding cake) into the loving face of whomever would sign on with me for life (GOD HELP HIM); I have from time to time wondered how I would go about it.

I imagine that I would approach it like I do most things that have resulted in success, and that would be with a visual plan. You see, I am a designer by trade and things make sense to me when I can experience them by the senses. Sight for me would be the most relied upon, but not necessarily the most important. Visual planning for a designer is normally referred to as “mood boarding”.

Mood boarding is something we designers do before each season. We look at current events, go to trade shows, shop foreign lands, visit local artists and then throw everything up on a board, or in the best-case scenario, a room dedicated for the sole purpose of inspiration. Everything that has been gathered from your inspiration hunting is methodically categorized and placed strategically so that it can be experienced in the most logical way to bring about fruition.

You can do this yourself by purchasing a few foam core boards, thumbtacks, and removable tape to set your magazine tears and mementos to. You can also utilize online mood boarding sites such as Pinterest. Personally, I would use Pinterest only as an auxiliary tool, because it is mainly visual and somewhat impersonal. I find keeping an actual board a more intimate and organic process, and in the end that is how I would want my wedding to be. … More Tips for Brides: Why Not Mood Board Your Wedding?