More from Kate on the search for the perfect Minneapolis wedding venue…! (Miss part one? Scroll down or click here!)

The perfect venue wasn’t going to work out so what did we do? We decided to list the pros and cons of each space we had visited. I then realized that at some point I had lost focus of the most important aspect of our reception: finding a venue that made everyone feel comfortable and well taken care of. And that’s when we came to decide that the Semple Mansion would be our venue. A classic, elegant mansion that I had never really considered came to be just what we—Nick & I—were looking for. A look at our venue:

The main reason why we decided on this space was because it felt warm and cozy. It had a traditional feeling that I liked and, with a few decorating choices, we could make it feel unique to our wedding. I could imagine the people we love most chatting by the fireplace. I could see them dining by candlelight at little tables tucked in intimate booths around the perimeter of the elegant ballroom. I loved the soft color palette. But more than anything, I adore that the place oozes vintage charm! As the Semple Mansion began to influence the overall look and feel of our wedding, I began creating an inspiration board that would help inspire our vendors and ourselves. It helped me begin imagining everything: our invitations, flowers, cake, china, etc. Things were starting to look and feel very real!

Sources for board starting from top left: this is glamorous, deviantART, Country Living, Classic Bride, snippet & ink, ffffound, Elva Fields, Sunday Suppers, Jose Villa, Martha Stewart Weddings, this is glamorous, 100 Layer Cake, this is glamorous, ffffound.

This inspiration board has not only helped to defined our vision, it has been a huge help when talking with vendors. It serves as a good talking point for what we like and what we don’t like. It helps us find vendors that really understand our vision. I’d highly recommend making your own inspiration board or finding one that inspires your wedding planning.

Here are a few tips for making your own inspiration board:

1. Collect your favorite images from Clover & Bee and other wedding resources. Save them in a folder organized by category (i.e venue, flowers, cake, accessories). Be sure to note where you found each image.

2. Sort through your favorite images and begin to define an overall look. Are you drawn to images that feel like classic elegance? Or are you more of a vintage inspired bride? Are you inspired by soft and romantic images or bold and modern ones? These images should all reflect your unique taste and help you define what look best fits your venue.

3. Once you have your images, begin to place them into a Photoshop, InDesign or Powerpoint document. Use scale to place an emphasis on one or two images you feel best represents your vision. Add additional images to add depth and detail, like flowers, pattern, an amazing piece of jewelry, etc.

4. Keep editing as you make your plans. This board should help guide your ideas, but not restrict them. If anything, they should help to conjure up new ideas.

5. Be true to yourself and what you really want. Nothing is more timeless than a bride who is comfortable and confident.

Readers, what inspired your “look and feel”? Was it a color palette? A flower? A dress? I’m curious to know what inspires you!

Tags: home goods, home style, minnesota wedding, museum wedding, wedding inspiration