and your infused personalization selections.

a. Create several headings on your storyboard to group ideas together. Such as attire, ceremony, reception and floral decor.

b. Attach items such as ribbon samples, tiles, a silk flower, or any object that reflects your selected theme?

c. Look through magazines, newspapers & websites, cutting out ideas that fit your color scheme/theme.

d. Paste them to the board.

5. Select your color palette. – Review what items are on your story board and look for reoccurring color combinations. Just remember this basic formula when selecting your colors: A dark color, a medium color, a light color and an accent color. So for example: Let’s look at a theme displayed I like to call “The Splendor’s of Summer”. Dark color – Sag

Well, first we need to define the difference between a Scheme and a Theme. While many people use the term interchangeable, each has a subtle difference. The dictionary defines scheme as an elaborative systematic plan of action. This is true. However, in the world of event planning scheme is usually related to a chosen color palette, while a theme is a unifying idea with reoccurring elements. Such as, tropical paradise, east meets west, down home country, etc. Now that we understand the difference let’s outline a few easy steps to help you create your own personal color scheme or theme.

1. Create a budget. – Try not to groan. As I know this is not the must fun part about planning your wedding, it is extremely important. Now, the more detail the better, but don’t worry if you don’t think of everything. Why?

a. We need to have a general idea of how much you can afford on your event. This budget will help you from overspending and help you focus on your decorative elements later.

b. Step up your general categories: Ceremony, Reception, Bridal Attire, and assign costs to them.

c. What if I don’t know how much I should assign? Ask yourself: What can I afford and I am comfortable spending on this event as a total number. Then research typically cost breakdowns (in percentages) and do the math. As a buffer add 10%

2. Envision your ideal wedding day. – If you had an unlimited budget, imagine what your perfect wedding day would be like. A country affair, complete with the steeple church on the hill, an uptown chic wedding in a loft overlooking the city or a private party down by the beach. Once you have the big picture you can start to break down the little details into manageable pieces.

a. Here’s a great exercise. With your fianc?, friend or other family member helping you, close your eyes, and answer the question, “What would your ideal wedding day be?” While your helper writes down what your are envisioning. Then continue the exercise, by going back and elaborating on each section of the wedding…getting dressed, the ceremony and the reception.

b. Ladies, don’t forget about your fianc?. And guys, play along. Trust me, this is how you can help. After you review your vision, you may see some overlapping styles start to emerge.

3. Infuse your own style. – This is where you can reflect the personalities of you and your partner by taking your ideal day and personalizing it. For ideas on how to add personality to your wedding day, ask you and your spouse the following questions.

a. What are our hobbies?

b. Where did we meet?

c. What are our favorite colors?

d. What profession are we currently in?

e. Do either of us have a nickname?

f. What is the season we are getting married in?

Then select the answer that means the most to both of you. Now, notice how I didn’t say answers. A word of caution here, a single theme/scheme is easy to plan and will create cohesiveness. A theme may have emerged, by now..

4. Prepare a “Storyboard”. – What is a storyboard? A story board is a collage (grouping) of ideas representing your envisioned wedding day and your infused personalization selections.

a. Create several headings on your storyboard to group ideas together. Such as attire, ceremony, reception and floral decor.

b. Attach items such as ribbon samples, tiles, a silk flower, or any object that reflects your selected theme?

c. Look through magazines, newspapers & websites, cutting out ideas that fit your color scheme/theme.

d. Paste them to the board.

5. Select your color palette. – Review what items are on your story board and look for reoccurring color combinations. Just remember this basic formula when selecting your colors: A dark color, a medium color, a light color and an accent color. So for example: Let’s look at a theme displayed I like to call “The Splendor’s of Summer”. Dark color – Sage

don’t think of everything. Why?

a. We need to have a general idea of how much you can afford on your event. This budget will help you from overspending and help you focus on your decorative elements later.

b. Step up your general categories: Ceremony, Reception, Bridal Attire, and assign costs to them.

c. What if I don’t know how much I should assign? Ask yourself: What can I afford and I am comfortable spending on this event as a total number. Then research typically cost breakdowns (in percentages) and do the math. As a buffer add 10%

2. Envision your ideal wedding day. – If you had an unlimited budget, imagine what your perfect wedding day would be like. A country affair, complete with the steeple church on the hill, an uptown chic wedding in a loft overlooking the city or a private party down by the beach. Once you have the big picture you can start to break down the little details into manageable pieces.

a. Here’s a great exercise. With your fianc?, friend or other family member helping you, close your eyes, and answer the question, “What would your ideal wedding day be?” While your helper writes down what your are envisioning. Then continue the exercise, by going back and elaborating on each section of the wedding…getting dressed, the ceremony and the reception.

b. Ladies, don’t forget about your fianc?. And guys, play along. Trust me, this is how you can help. After you review your vision, you may see some overlapping styles start to emerge.

3. Infuse your own style. – This is where you can reflect the personalities of you and your partner by taking your ideal day and personalizing it. For ideas on how to add personality to your wedding day, ask you and your spouse the following questions.

a. What are our hobbies?

b. Where did we meet?

c. What are our favorite colors?

d. What profession are we currently in?

e. Do either of us have a nickname?

f. What is the season we are getting married in?

Then select the answer that means the most to both of you. Now, notice how I didn’t say answers. A word of caution here, a single theme/scheme is easy to plan and will create cohesiveness. A theme may have emerged, by now..

4. Prepare a “Storyboard”. – What is a storyboard? A story board is a collage (grouping) of ideas representing your envisioned wedding day and your infused personalization selections.

a. Create several headings on your storyboard to group ideas together. Such as attire, ceremony, reception and floral decor.

b. Attach items such as ribbon samples, tiles, a silk flower, or any object that reflects your selected theme?

c. Look through magazines, newspapers & websites, cutting out ideas that fit your color scheme/theme.

d. Paste them to the board.

5. Select your color palette. – Review what items are on your story board and look for reoccurring color combinations. Just remember this basic formula when selecting your colors: A dark color, a medium color, a light color and an accent color. So for example: Let’s look at a theme displayed I like to call “The Splendor’s of Summer”. Dark color – Sag

ing the city or a private party down by the beach. Once you have the big picture you can start to break down the little details into manageable pieces.

a. Here’s a great exercise. With your fianc?, friend or other family member helping you, close your eyes, and answer the question, “What would your ideal wedding day be?” While your helper writes down what your are envisioning. Then continue the exercise, by going back and elaborating on each section of the wedding…getting dressed, the ceremony and the reception.

b. Ladies, don’t forget about your fianc?. And guys, play along. Trust me, this is how you can help. After you review your vision, you may see some overlapping styles start to emerge.

3. Infuse your own style. – This is where you can reflect the personalities of you and your partner by taking your ideal day and personalizing it. For ideas on how to add personality to your wedding day, ask you and your spouse the following questions.

a. What are our hobbies?

b. Where did we meet?

c. What are our favorite colors?

d. What profession are we currently in?

e. Do either of us have a nickname?

f. What is the season we are getting married in?

Then select the answer that means the most to both of you. Now, notice how I didn’t say answers. A word of caution here, a single theme/scheme is easy to plan and will create cohesiveness. A theme may have emerged, by now..

4. Prepare a “Storyboard”. – What is a storyboard? A story board is a collage (grouping) of ideas representing your envisioned wedding day and your infused personalization selections.

a. Create several headings on your storyboard to group ideas together. Such as attire, ceremony, reception and floral decor.

b. Attach items such as ribbon samples, tiles, a silk flower, or any object that reflects your selected theme?

c. Look through magazines, newspapers & websites, cutting out ideas that fit your color scheme/theme.

d. Paste them to the board.

5. Select your color palette. – Review what items are on your story board and look for reoccurring color combinations. Just remember this basic formula when selecting your colors: A dark color, a medium color, a light color and an accent color. So for example: Let’s look at a theme displayed I like to call “The Splendor’s of Summer”. Dark color – Sag

es of you and your partner by taking your ideal day and personalizing it. For ideas on how to add personality to your wedding day, ask you and your spouse the following questions.

a. What are our hobbies?

b. Where did we meet?

c. What are our favorite colors?

d. What profession are we currently in?

e. Do either of us have a nickname?

f. What is the season we are getting married in?

Then select the answer that means the most to both of you. Now, notice how I didn’t say answers. A word of caution here, a single theme/scheme is easy to plan and will create cohesiveness. A theme may have emerged, by now..

4. Prepare a “Storyboard”. – What is a storyboard? A story board is a collage (grouping) of ideas representing your envisioned wedding day and your infused personalization selections.

a. Create several headings on your storyboard to group ideas together. Such as attire, ceremony, reception and floral decor.

b. Attach items such as ribbon samples, tiles, a silk flower, or any object that reflects your selected theme?

c. Look through magazines, newspapers & websites, cutting out ideas that fit your color scheme/theme.

d. Paste them to the board.

5. Select your color palette. – Review what items are on your story board and look for reoccurring color combinations. Just remember this basic formula when selecting your colors: A dark color, a medium color, a light color and an accent color. So for example: Let’s look at a theme displayed I like to call “The Splendor’s of Summer”. Dark color – Sag

and your infused personalization selections.

a. Create several headings on your storyboard to group ideas together. Such as attire, ceremony, reception and floral decor.

b. Attach items such as ribbon samples, tiles, a silk flower, or any object that reflects your selected theme?

c. Look through magazines, newspapers & websites, cutting out ideas that fit your color scheme/theme.

d. Paste them to the board.

5. Select your color palette. – Review what items are on your story board and look for reoccurring color combinations. Just remember this basic formula when selecting your colors: A dark color, a medium color, a light color and an accent color. So for example: Let’s look at a theme displayed I like to call “The Splendor’s of Summer”. Dark color – Sage, Medium Color – yellow, Light Color – Buff and Accent color – Fuchsia.

6. Create a List of selected ideas. – This list will become your action plan.

a. Go through storyboard and select your favorite ideas.

b. Research their costs.

c. Add costs to your budget.

d. Implement with normal timeline and track actual expenses.

e. Revise as necessary. – Your wedding will continue to evolve through each stage. TIP As a general rule of thumb, select one 1 to 3 ideas to be implemented at each phase of the wedding. This will help create a unified feeling throughout the whole event. In some cases it may be necessary to give explanation of a theme. This can be done on a program or announcement board.