Wedding planning takes months—even over a year for some people—and the final goal is to facilitate an event that acts as the perfect start to a storybook union between two loving people. You want every detail to be flawless, from the ceremony and vows to the food and music. Part of that is establishing a wedding aesthetic that evokes specific vibes. Maybe you want your big day to feel like an actual fairytale, or perhaps you want it to have a modern or rustic vibe. Maybe the bride or groom is in touch with their nerdy side and wants it to feel like it’s taking place in a galaxy far, far away.
Whatever your setting may be, every element should work together to tell your love story the way you want it to be told. Here’s how you can make it happen.
Set the Tone With Thoughtful Décor
Decorations at your wedding can say a lot without you even speaking a word. From the balloons to the centerpieces, they should all come together with a cohesion that creates the exact wedding aesthetic you’re going for. Whatever look you’re trying to achieve, base your choices on that one idea.
- Floral arrangements can make for stunning focal points that exude color or small additions that add some accent to the overall theme.
- Table settings offer plenty of versatility. Decorative placecards, ornate centerpieces, intricate silverware, and more can come together to allow your guests to take in the unique setting.
- Linens and textiles can play a huge part in adding color, texture, and depth to the festivities. Draped backdrops and tablecloths are bound to draw the eye, so keep your theme in mind when selecting them.
Say you’re having a forest-themed wedding. Natural-looking floral arrangements that look like they could still have their roots in the ground can go a long way towards achieving this look, as can deep green linens and table centerpieces that incorporate tree trunks and vines in some way.
Curate Your Music for Each Moment
Nothing sets the emotional tone of a wedding quite like the music. While a general playlist may be completely fine at a house party, this occasion requires a little (okay, a lot) more consideration when it comes to track curation. Make sure you’re evoking the right emotions, energy, and general vibes with every song choice. As a wedding is typically a multi-stage occasion, the playlists—emphasis on the plural there—should be appropriate to each one.
- Cocktail Hour: Upbeat tracks that aren’t too loud or fast are the flavor of the hour here. Guests should be striking up conversations and warming up for the evening’s events, so make sure your cocktail hour playlist allows them to do so.
- Dinner Service: Soft, ambient music is key here, as it allows your guests to enjoy their meals and converse with others at their table. You don’t want overly energetic tunes when everyone is sitting down.
- Dancing: Time to turn up the energy! If you’re simply playing a playlist through our top-notch sound system, make sure you include a selection that will get feet moving and good times rolling. Of course, live bands and DJs can be a huge aspect of this part of the night. They often know how to engage with the crowd and get people on the dance floor. Work with them to curate a playlist that suits your wedding and creates a great, energetic atmosphere.
And of course, there are the tracks that will play during the most important dances of the evening—father-daughter, mother-son, bride and groom, and so on. These songs should be heartwarming, optimistic, and maybe even tearjerking, in a good way. Their melodies and messages should have a throughline of love that sets the stage for a wonderful future for the newly married couple.
Lighting: The Unsung Hero of Your Wedding Aesthetic
Decorations set the tone. Music controls the energy. And lighting? It’s a quiet powerhouse that brings it all together without many people really noticing. Lighting for a wedding can affect the “mood” in the area, and it plays a huge role in how photos of the event turn out. Trust us—your photographer will thank you for having great lighting.
We understand how magical well-timed lighting can be. It shouldn’t be static throughout cocktail hour, dinner service, and dancing. It should adapt to fit each phase of the night perfectly.
- Bright lighting is welcome during cocktail hour and dinner service when people are getting into the celebratory mood and enjoying their meals.
- Softer lighting is then used when speeches and toasts are being given to support the warm, intimate feel of the proceedings.
- Dimmed lights then set the stage for energetic dancing and create an overall party-ready vibe.
Lighting changes can also take place during important dances or moments of silence for family members who are no longer around. And of course, lights are a great way to let guests know that the festivities are over at the end of the night; crank them up and wind down the music.
Focus on Guest Comfort
Lighting for a wedding, as well as style and entertainment, are key aspects of a successful night, but it’s important to ensure your guests are comfortable for the duration of proceedings. Small touches here and there can go a long way towards helping every person feel relaxed, allowing them to fully enjoy the wedding vibes.
Make sure there is plenty of seating available to anyone who wants to take a break. On that note, there are always guests who simply prefer to sit back and relax; dancing just isn’t their thing. For those individuals, having a lounge area with comfortable furniture can create a nice, relaxed experience for them.
Sustenance is important to guest comfort, as well, and it goes beyond dinner. Water and coffee stations are an appreciated addition no matter what theme you’re using for your wedding. It allows everyone to stay hydrated—especially important during summer—and vivacious.
We’ll Help You Nail Your Wedding Aesthetic
Crafting the perfect wedding aesthetic and overall atmosphere takes time and patience, but it’s more than worth it. In a way, this is an event that sets the stage for the rest of your life. At Union Mills, we know how to set the right wedding vibes, from custom menus to perfect lighting and more. On top of that, our preferred vendors are forces to be reckoned with—the best of the best in wedding aesthetic services and more.
Think we’re a great fit for your big day? We’re happy to work with you and make sure everything is perfect. Get in touch today!
