How to Avoid Pinterest Wedding Angst

So, the initial glow of engagement has worn off. Maybe that’s because you started discussing wedding budgets, guest lists and catering options. To make matters worse, you’re starting to view Pinterest not as a frilly paradise of inspiration, but as a barrage of nuptial media.

Step back from the edge, my friend, and consider our suggestions below. They’ll help put a little fun back in the process, and maybe even save your sanity.

If you’ve been holding back from Pinterest, fear not. It’s a great place to share ideas with your family and friends, and our tips can help you avoid pantone-color-swatch-tulle-induced madness.

And remember, social media should improve your life, not give you one more thing to obsess over. Committing the rest of your life to someone is stressful enough.

1. Cull Your Following List

No, you do not need to follow every old high school Facebook acquaintance who repinned your bouquet idea. If you do, you’ll end up with 50 of the same repins in your feed, or a million pins from boards you have absolutely no interest in.

If you’re still in the general idea phase, stick with people or brands that post a variety of content, and that are reliable. Or subscribe to individual boards — if all you need are table settings, you can skip the wedding dresses board altogether. The goal here is to tame the flood of information so you’re inspired, not overwhelmed.

2. Go Beyond Pinterest

Pinterest is arguably more useful as a place to store your ideas, rather than a place to generate them. With the “Pin It” browser extension, you can go directly to a site you know you’re interested in, bypassing Pinterest’s clumsy search function. After you’ve visited a site, check whether your favorite blogger or brand is on Pinterest and add them to your selective follow list.

3. Split Up Your Boards

If you’re using Pinterest as a way to store images and ideas for future reference, you’re going to want to be able to find them again later. Splitting up your boards is a great way to help with this. Instead of a general “wedding” board, trying having separate ones for different facets: table decorations, dresses, cake, invitations, flowers, etc. This will also come in handy when you want to share your bouquet ideas with a florist (or your grandma), your hairstyle options with your mom, or bridesmaid dresses with your sister.

4. Keep It in Context

Like any tool, the goal of Pinterest is to help you out, not make you crazy. Step away from the pinboards, if that’s what you need. Or quit following a user who only pins options outside your budget or taste. Remember, creativity comes from constraints — no need to torture yourself with budget-busting chair covers.

Take a moment to define your purpose in using Pinterest for wedding planning, and if you start veering from that, reel yourself back in. The real goal of wedding planning is to get married, however you choose to accomplish that. Pinboards are optional.

Got more tips for wedding planning sanity, Pinterest-related or otherwise? Share ‘em in the comments.

1. A Practical Wedding

Come for the pretty photos from real weddings. Stay for the blog run by Meg Keene, which features helpful advice from Team Practical on Fridays. It's particularly useful for non-traditional wedding suggestions.

2. The Perfect Palette

No, you don't need "wedding colors," but it's nice to have something to reference as you make decisions. Take a color you like and explore the possibilities. The website has more options if you run out of pins.

3. Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine

You can't talk about weddings and avoid Martha. With a wide variety of pins to suit just about anyone, you'll encounter lots of ideas without a lot of effort.

4. Minted

This paper goods company features independent graphic designers with options for every occasion. It's a good place to get a feel for what's possible in a wedding invitation, without getting overwhelmed at the stationery store.

5. Better Homes and Gardens

BHG has a wedding section on its website, but the Pinterest account is more general. This is helpful, actually. The dining, home decor and outdoor boards have a lot to offer.



Image courtesy of iStockphoto, Brasil2




























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