A modern green, black, and grey invitation suite for a wedding at the Tinsmith
A modern green, black, and grey invitation suite for a wedding at the Tinsmith

Our five-step process to designing and styling your Midwest wedding

Our Premium Wedding Design Process

A modern tablescape for a Tinsmith wedding in downtown Madison
Photo: Wanderlynn Photography / Venue: The Tinsmith / Design: Q Jancola

Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting experiences, but it can also feel overwhelming. How do you make sure every detail aligns with your vision? How do you ensure the florals complement the linens, and the paper goods enhance the tablescape? The answer: hire a wedding designer!

As wedding designers and planners based in Wisconsin, we help couples create unique, one-of-a-kind wedding experiences. We understand the importance of turning your vision into a cohesive design that tells your story. With our five-step design process, you can trust that every detail of your wedding day will be thoughtfully curated to create an unforgettable celebration

1. Design questionnaire

We start by getting to know you. Every couple is unique, and our design questionnaire helps us uncover your personal style, preferences, and the elements that matter most to you. It’s a deep dive into your vision and a chance for us to understand what excites you about your big day.

Design Questionnaire Prompts:

  • What three words describe how you want your wedding to feel?
  • Do you like the look of linens, or do you prefer harvest tables?
  • Are there specific chairs you love, or are you open to options that fit your design and budget?
  • How do you feel about hanging installations like floral chandeliers or statement lighting?
  • Are there any colors you absolutely do not want in your palette?

We’ll also ask you to share your Pinterest board (if you’ve created one). This gives us insight into your color preferences, favorite textures, and overall vibe. Every detail you provide helps us shape a wedding design that feels authentically you.

2. Design board

After gathering information from the questionnaire, we translate your vision into a personalized design board. Think of this as the blueprint for your wedding aesthetics. It’s a comprehensive document that outlines the overall vibe of your day—from ceremony decor to reception details.

Your design board includes:

  • A curated color palette: This ensures every element, from florals to linens, is cohesive.
  • Inspirational imagery: Photos that capture the mood and style of your wedding.
  • Detailed concepts: Ideas for florals, tablescapes, lighting, and more.

The design board is more than just a collection of pretty pictures; it’s a guide for your entire vendor team. It ensures everyone—from your florist to your stationer—is aligned with your vision.

A mood board for a botanical-inspired wedding at the Tinsmith in Madison, Wisconsin
We first create a mood board to capture the overall vibe of your wedding and then we use that as a guide to create your design board. (None of these images are my own; images found on Pinterest).

3. Vendor sourcing & booking

With your design board approved, we move into sourcing and booking the perfect vendors to bring your vision to life. This step is all about assembling a dream team that aligns with your style, priorities, and budget.

Here’s what we handle:

  • Florals: We’ll find a florist whose work matches your desired aesthetic. We love working with Daffodil Parker!
  • Signage and paper goods: Invitations, menus, place cards, and more—every detail matters. For the best of the best, we recommend Lettered by Shi and FEST Paper.
  • Specialty rentals: From furniture to tableware, we’ll source the best pieces for your design.
  • Lighting and decor: We’ll identify the elements needed to set the perfect mood.

Our goal is to find vendors who not only fit your budget but also share our commitment to excellence. By carefully curating your vendor team, we ensure every piece of your wedding design comes together seamlessly.

4. Production & coordination

This is where everything starts to take shape. During the production phase, we collaborate with your vendors to bring the design to life. From custom builds to finalizing rental orders, we oversee every detail to ensure everything aligns with your vision.

Here’s what happens during this stage:

  • Custom elements: We work with designers, stationers, and fabricators to create personalized items like signage or installations.
  • Paper goods: Final proofs are approved, and production begins.
  • Inventory selection: Rentals, decor, and other elements are finalized.
  • Logistics coordination: We handle delivery schedules, setup plans, and vendor timelines.

We also create detailed floor plans and drawings to communicate your design to the vendor team. These visual tools ensure everyone knows exactly how your space will be styled on the big day.

5. Day-of execution & styling

As your wedding day approaches, we shift into execution mode. Our team reviews the design plan in detail and coordinates with vendors to make sure no detail is overlooked. We’ll even check in with you to gather any personal items you want incorporated into the decor.

On the day of your wedding, we’re there from start to finish, overseeing every aspect of the setup and styling. Here’s what we handle:

  • Vendor coordination: We ensure everyone knows where to be and when.
  • Setup and styling: From aligning chairs for the ceremony to perfecting the tablescape, we style every element.
  • Problem-solving: If something unexpected comes up, we handle it so you don’t have to.

Our goal is to create an experience where every detail feels intentional and cohesive. You’ll be able to relax and enjoy your day, knowing that we’ve got everything under control.

Why hire a wedding designer?

Planning a wedding involves countless decisions, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. A wedding designer takes the stress off your shoulders by handling the creative and logistical aspects of your big day. We ensure your wedding is not only beautiful but also reflective of your unique story. Our five-step design process is designed to make the planning journey enjoyable and stress-free.

Let us plan your dream day