The word “branding” brings to mind thoughts of ad agencies and mergers, not love and marriage. Yet a growing number of couples are choosing to brand their weddings using a carefully chosen selection of fonts, colors, patterns and even logos.

Traditionally, branding is a way for companies to differentiate themselves from other companies using a unique name, symbol, or design. In the wedding industry, branding is simply a way for couples to create a cohesive, custom look extending from their save-the-dates to their dramatic exit. Read on for tips on pulling it off.

Start an inspiration board early. It’s important to have a clearly defined look for your wedding as early as possible – preferably before you even send out your save-the-dates. Using Pinterest or even a good old fashioned notebook, keep track of weddings that you and your fiancé love, and eventually you’ll start to notice standout details, from color palettes to fonts. Decide on your favorites, and stick to your choices throughout the planning process. While this can be difficult considering all of the options available, it will actually take quite a bit of pressure off of your planning if you can check these details off your list early.

Hire a graphic designer. Unless you or your fiancé have serious design skills, you’ll want to hire a graphic designer to help you create a custom wedding logo that can be used for everything from stationery to décor to the cake. Your logo might be a monogram, a symbol that you both love, or an image that represents some aspect of your relationship. Consider using the logo on stickers or stamps to use on favor bags, cocktail napkins, or return address labels.

Think beyond a basic color scheme. In the past, brides have traditionally selected just one or two colors to use at their wedding. Modern brides aren’t constricted by such limitations. A color scheme can include half a dozen of more shades and can be inspired by everything from a favorite painting to a beloved landscape. In addition to colors, you can create consistency throughout the event with a repetition of patterns and textures. For instance, a nubby burlap can add rustic touches to tabletops, throw pillows in the lounge areas, and bouquets. Or a colorful ikat print can give a modern feel to wine bottle labels and can even be incorporated into the cake design.

Get your vendors on board. Let your caterer, venue coordinator, rental company, florist and of course planner know about your vision, and they just might have ideas for extending it to their area. A florist might have some props tucked away that will fit in perfectly with your mood, or your caterer might be able to come up with a cocktail that matches your color scheme.

Keep it personal. Branding a wedding is a fun way to make it memorable, but you do want to avoid going overboard and risk seeming overly packaged, cold and commercialized. Focus on keeping it personal, and you’ll achieve that perfect balance that comes with a beautifully branded wedding that tells your love story.

What do you think about branding weddings? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Erica Jackson Curran is a weddings-obsessed writer who’s contributed to publications including Charleston Style & Design, Charleston Weddings, Virginia Bride and Breathe Magazine. She shares her creative wedding planning ideas on the blog at Wedding Paper Divas.

Image Credits:
Brittany Dow Photography
Design by Amorology Weddings
Paper Goods by Peanut Press