When you’re planning your wedding, there are a few things that not only make a major visual impact but also emotionally resonate with your guests. A cohesive aesthetic is what ties your invitations to your florals, your dress to your decor, and your venue to your overall vibe. It’s not just about looking beautiful—it’s about creating an immersive experience that feels thoughtful, intentional, and uniquely you.
As a wedding planner, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful a well-executed wedding theme can be. But I’ve also seen the flip side—how easy it is to feel overwhelmed by Pinterest boards, Instagram inspiration, and conflicting ideas. So let’s talk about how to pull it all together without the stress.
Start With You and Your Story
Like anything meaningful, your wedding aesthetic should be built on a solid foundation—and that foundation is your love story. What places, colors, memories, or moments define you as a couple? Are you adventurous hikers? Introverted homebodies? High school sweethearts? Start by listing adjectives that describe your relationship and individual personalities. Are you romantic, modern, earthy, bold, or vintage-inspired?
This simple exercise will help guide your decision-making and keep your aesthetic grounded in you. Infuse your personalities into the details—and skip the trends that don’t feel true to who you are.
Choose a Color Palette and Stick to It
Color is one of the most effective tools for creating cohesion. Choose two to three main colors, then build out with complementary tones. Think in terms of hues and saturation (e.g., dusty rose instead of just “pink”).
Once you lock it in—stick to it. Use your palette in your invitations, flowers, bridal party outfits, linens, signage, and even signature cocktails. YES, you can incorporate multiple colors, but intentionality is the name of the game.
P.S. Haven’t read our blog on choosing your perfect palette yet? Add it to your post-reading list!
Let Your Venue Speak
Your venue sets the tone before your guests even take a seat. Whether it’s a grand estate, beachfront bungalow, or industrial rooftop, let your venue guide your aesthetic. Choose decor that complements the space—not something that clashes or feels forced.
If you haven’t picked your venue yet, select one that already aligns with your dream aesthetic. It’ll save you time, money, and sanity later when it comes to decorating.
Carry the Theme Throughout
Once your vibe and color palette are dialed in, keep that consistency going from start to finish. This means going beyond the obvious (like flowers and table settings) and dialing into the details, like:
Fonts and stationery
Table numbers and escort cards
Menu and ceremony program designs
Bar signage and signature drink styling
It’s the little things that reinforce the big vision.
Find Like-Minded Vendors
Working with the right vendor team makes all the difference. Choose florists, designers, photographers, and other creatives whose portfolios match your style. During consultations, bring an inspiration board and ask for their creative input.
A great question to ask: “Have you worked in this style before?” And if not, “How would you approach it?”
Great vendors won’t just “get” your vision—they’ll elevate it.
Say Hello to Texture and Dimension
Color is crucial, but don’t overlook texture. A cohesive look doesn’t mean everything has to match. It means everything works together intentionally.
Some of our favorite ways to add depth and dimension:
Velvet table runners for rich elegance
Dried florals mixed with fresh blooms
Hand-lettered signage and calligraphy
Mixed matte and glossy finishes
Texture adds interest and keeps your design from falling flat.
Keep It About You—But Make It Refined
Your wedding should reflect you as a couple. Add personal touches that feel meaningful, like a custom monogram, a nod to your hometowns, or cultural rituals.
Just remember: less is more. Personal doesn’t have to mean cluttered.
Create a Style Guide
If you’re working with a team, a style guide is your BFF. Use Canva or a simple PDF to gather your:
Color palette (with HEX/RGB codes)
Font samples
Inspiration images
Mood boards for tablescapes, florals, and signage
Distribute it to your vendor team so everyone is literally on the same page.
Final Thought: Don’t Aim for Perfection, Aim for Meaning
At the end of the day, your wedding doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect. It needs to feel like you.
So if a flower isn’t the exact shade of dusty rose or your signage isn’t viral-worthy, it’s okay. What your guests will remember is how your celebration felt. With thoughtful planning, a dream vendor team, and a clear vision, you can design a wedding that’s both cohesive and completely unforgettable.
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.