Wedding planning isn’t just about finding the right venue and mailing out invites — it’s creating a vibe, an experience, an entire aesthetic that screams you. Sounds easy in theory, but with social media flooding us with picture-perfect wedding inspo, it’s all too easy to feel both inspired and overwhelmed at the same time.
That’s where a lookbook comes in. Consider your wedding lookbook the ultimate guideline to the aesthetics of your big day. It keeps you (and your vendors) on task and makes sure that your theme doesn’t devolve into a confusing mash-up of ideas that don’t quite blend.
Whether you’re collaborating with a planner or going full DIY, use this guide to curate your lookbook and fine-tune your aesthetics with confidence and style.
Gather & Organize Your Visual Inspiration
Before you go crazy pinning and screenshotting everything, take a moment to breathe. Your wedding lookbook needs to be cohesive, not just a random collection of pretty pictures. The first step is to gather images that inspire you.
Once you have a good stash of inspo, it’s time to organise it. This can be done in several ways, but one of the simplest methods is to convert images to PDF format so that all of your inspiration is contained in one neatly formatted document. This allows for easy sharing with a planner, florist, or stylist without losing quality.
Most importantly, with everything in its place, you’ll be able to see your theme manifesting itself in a clearer way. Organise your lookbook by section — decor, attire, stationery, florals, etc. – so you’ll be able to see how everything comes together.
These are images that truly reflect your style — not just what’s in vogue at the moment.
Consider color palettes, floral arrangements, table settings, mood lighting, attire, and even small details such as calligraphy styles or candle types. It’s often the tiny details that tie everything together.
Define Your Core Aesthetic & Color Palette
Once you have a collection of inspo, step back and really reflect on what you’re drawn to. Are you swaying toward soft, romantic pastels? Bold, moody jewel tones? A minimalist neutral palette?
Your color scheme will form the foundation of your aesthetic, influencing everything from the bridesmaid dresses to the table linens and floral decor.
Choose three to five core colours, then a few complementary accent shades to create harmony. If you aren’t sure, use tools like Canva or Adobe Color to experiment with colors that go nicely together.
Your color palette should reflect the kind of atmosphere you want to set — warm, inviting, fresh, airy, dark, dramatic. Keep in mind that consistency is key; mixing too many clashing colors can make your aesthetic feel chaotic rather than intentional.
Match Your Theme with the Right Textures & Materials
A wedding isn’t just about what people see — it’s equally about what they feel. The fabrics, florals and decor elements you select will reinforce your theme, and make it more immersive.
For example, if you’re looking to achieve a rustic aesthetic, consider the addition of some wooden tables, burlap runners, dried flowers and soft linen napkins.
If you’re hosting a destination wedding and really want to hone in on the travel aspect, you could incorporate vintage suitcases as decor, use postcard-style invitations, or have a world map seating chart.
The idea is to design an experience for the senses that aligns with the vision for your wedding.
Choose Key Statement Pieces
Not every single thing about your wedding needs to be themed — sometimes less is more. Rather than trying to make every single detail match, find a few statement pieces that define your aesthetic and then go with the flow for the rest of it.
This might be an extravagant floral archway, an unusual wedding cake, bold signage, or even your wedding gown. Whatever your dream wedding budget can afford.
These key elements will draw attention and create the most impact, making your theme instantly recognisable without overwhelming the space.
When selecting statement pieces, consider what best embodies each of you as a couple. Are you both into music? A custom vinyl record guestbook might be a fun detail. Love cooking?
An acrylic recipe card of your favourite dish to cook together could be a nice touch as a wedding favour. Whatever it is, pick details that feel personal — that’s what makes an aesthetic yours.
Think Beyond Just the Visuals
A truly immersive wedding aesthetic is not just about how things look — it’s how it feels, how it sounds and even how it smells. Yes, scent is a powerful memory trigger, and incorporating it into your wedding can make the experience even more special.
Some great ideas would be to craft a custom scent as a couple and incorporate it with the help of diffusers, candles or fresh florals that fit your theme. A light coconut or citrus scent might be perfect if you’re having a summer beach wedding.
A winter wedding? Cinnamon, pine or warm vanilla can be a deliciously divine choice. AI tools like Scentcraft are an amazing way to explore new scents based on your own personal input.
Even the food and drink can be part of your aesthetic. A boho-themed wedding may call for artisanal grazing tables, while a black-tie affair would be more suited to multiple plated courses and a champagne tower.
Every detail should contribute to the overall feel of your wedding.
Create a Mood Board for Vendors and Guests
Once you settle on your wedding aesthetic, the next step is communication. Your vendors — florists, decorators, caterers — rely on a cohesive vision to make your vision a reality. This is where a mood board can be super helpful.
A well-crafted mood board should include your colour palette, decor elements, attire inspiration, and even typography styles for signage and invitations. This ensures all your vendors are on the same page.
If you want to go one step further, consider If you wish to go above and beyond, consider creating a digital version with clickable links for specific items to make it easier for vendors to source what you need. You can have everything from the running schedule down to the gorgeous earrings you need styled all at everyone’s fingertips.
And don’t forget about your guests! If there’s a particular dress code or aesthetic you’d like them to adhere to, make sure to state it clearly on your invites and/or wedding website.
You could even send out a quick email a few weeks before the event to refresh your guests’ memories. A simple “We’re going for chic garden party vibes — think florals, pastels, and soft linen!” can help guests dress appropriately while enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Bring Your Wedding Style to Life
Your wedding aesthetic isn’t just a theme — it’s a whole experience. Curating a lookbook enables you to hone in on your vision, stay organised, and communicate your ideas effectively so everything comes together seamlessly on the big day.
By keeping your inspo structured, defining your core aesthetic, focusing on statement pieces, and thinking beyond just visuals, you’ll create a wedding that feels cohesive, intentional, and — most importantly — uniquely you.
So, get out there and start planning your dream wedding aesthetic, one easy step at a time!
