How to Use Pinterest for Wedding Planning (Because It’s Not the Devil, Just Glittery Chaos)
How to Use Pinterest for Wedding Planning (Because It’s Not the Devil, Just Glittery Chaos)
Let’s talk about Pinterest. It’s beautiful, inspiring, and chaotic. And if you’re planning a wedding, it’s everywhere. It is the third-largest search engine, and contains billions of pins.
In Episode 5 of Aisle Be Honest, we’re digging into the stripper glitter of the wedding world: Pinterest. And we’re talking about how to use Pinterest for wedding planning. Whether you’ve had a wedding board since your first college crush or just got engaged and feel like you should start one for wedding ideas, this episode is your permission slip to chill.
Wedding Pinterest Boards: Inspiration or Burnout?
We get it. You got engaged, and the first thing someone said was, “Do you have a Pinterest board?” Maybe you do. Perhaps it’s full of wedding inspiration, such as bridesmaids’ dresses, bridal gowns, and wedding flowers. Your wedding vision is C U T E. But, how do you use that Pinterest board without setting your sanity (and your budget) on fire?
Here’s the truth: Pinterest is a search engine, not a step-by-step manual. It’s here to enhance your wedding planning ideas, not define your wedding.
From the Vendor Side (Hi, It’s Us Wedding Vendors)
As photographers, we love Pinterest for inspiration. Through Pinterest marketing, couples find our work and pin our blog posts. It’s searchable, links to complete weddings, and is not performative like other platforms.
But we tap out once we’re handed a 47-pin shot list that needs to be recreated down to the hand placement and wind direction. Let’s be clear: Vendors are not here to replicate. We’re here to create something just for you.
Want a vibe board? Amazing. Want to photocopy someone else’s wedding shot-for-shot? Not so much.
From the Couple Side (Also Us, Because Brittany Is Engaged)
Pinterest is the ultimate rabbit hole. Its search capabilities are impressive. You can search for “green wedding suit,” “campground elopement,” or “wedding hairstyles for humid days.” And bam! You’ve got ideas.
In her vendor-to-bride wedding planning episode, Brittany said the danger is when you slip into comparison mode or expect a $100,000 wedding vibe on a $10,000 budget. And that is why she hired a wedding planner.
Your board might look “simple,” but those linen napkins, custom signage, and 5-foot floral installs add up. Trust us, that naked cake with cascading blooms? It’s not free. Neither are those 200 candles nor the “effortless” photo wall.
Use the board as a tool for ideas, not a checklist. Ask yourself: What do I actually love about this? The wedding theme? The mood? The vibe? Then, hand that over to your wedding professionals and let them create something with it. Not with the intent to copy but to create.
Pinterest Can’t Predict the Weather
The other thing Pinterest doesn’t show you? Rain, wind, humidity, and logistical chaos. You won’t see the arbor that blew off a mountaintop or the puddles under every guest chair. You see the curated aftermath, not the wedding-day scramble.
So when you pin that dreamy veil-floating photo, remember: it may have taken 20mph winds to get that shot (and someone probably lost a hairpiece in the process). Plan for real life, not just the Pinterest version of it.
DIY with Caution (and Snacks)
We’re not anti-DIY. We are anti-DIY burnout. Hot-gluing 150 invitations the night before your wedding? Hard pass. Making your own bouquet with the help of a florist and champagne? Yes, please.
If you’re going to do a Pinterest-inspired DIY, ask yourself:
- Why am I doing this?
- Do I have the time?
- Do I have the skill?
- Will this ruin my mood the night before my wedding?
If the answer to that last one is “maybe,” outsource it to the wedding pros.
Final Thought: Set the Vibe, Not the Copy Machine
Pinterest should serve your wedding, not control it. Use it to clarify your style, determine your interest, and have thoughtful conversations with your vendors. It’s a great tool, but don’t get trapped in perfection. You’re not planning Ashley-from-the-internet’s wedding. You’re planning yours.
So before you hit “pin” for the 19th time today, tune into Episode 6 on the Aisle Be Honest Podcast on Spotify or YouTube.
Then, head back to Pinterest with a purpose.
