Mood Boards: Your secret weapon for budget-friendly party planning
Save time, money, and headaches: Your guide to DIY party planning on a budget.
You’re heading out on a girls trip - and you are PUMPED! Your besties have just loaded up the matching PJs and gluten-free snacks, you hit play on the Backstreet Boys jams, and you put the pedal to the medal for THE BEST GIRLS TRIP EVER!
There’s just one problem: You have no idea how you’re going to get where you want to go.
You don’t have a GPS signal and you laughed at the idea of printing out directions before you hit the road. And, oh right … your gas tank is almost empty.
… How the heck did this happen?
Here’s the thing, sweet friend: Planning your next party without a true party plan can be just as disastrous as road-tripping across the country without a GPS.
You could miss out on all the fun by missing just one crucial item.
But YOU won’t need to worry about this fiasco - because you are going to start using your new party-planning secret weapon: Your Mood Board.
It might sound silly, but even after ten years in the event-planning business, I personally reference my mood boards for everything. I’m talking everything from the photobooth backdrop to the frosting on the smash cake. Everything, people!
After all, celebrations are all about layers, and each layer builds on the last one. You’ll need to learn to lay a solid foundation with your event’s mood board so you can build an absolutely amazing gathering - like a pro!
So what is a mood board and why do you need one? Let’s get this show on the road!
Sure, just like a road trip, it could be fun to just wing it! But without a doubt, you need to have some fundamentals in place to make sure you get where you’re actually trying to go!
What is your Party-Planning Mood Board?
A mood board is a one-page document sets the concept, vibe, aesthetics, and theme for your party.
This secret weapon will be your party-planning touchstone, and it will carry you through every single decision you make.
Your mood board informs how you will evoke the feelings you want your guests to experience throughout your gathering.
Pro tip: The very best mood boards consider how your guests will experience all five of their senses. Immerse yourself into thinking about sights, sounds, scents, tastebuds, and tactile sensations.
Why you need a Party-Planning Mood Board: The Budget-Friendly Benefits
Let’s cut to the chase: A well-planned mood board saves you money!
Think about how much time, money, and energy you’d spend getting someone to come meet you on the side of the road to fill up your empty gas tank. And think about how different it would have been had you just left with a full tank when you first hit the road!
Just like your girls trip, planning a party is an endeavor! You need clear directions to help you make it to your destination safely, timely, and cost-effectively.
How your mood board saves you money:
You’ll hold yourself accountable to your budget. When you have clear directions to help you stay on track, you’ll be wayyy more savvy with your many DIY party-planning decisions.
You’ll select the right venue - which is probably the biggest cost and time-saver of them all! Most party planners don’t realize that with the right venue, your work could be cut in half. You can save money on the back end when you don’t need to purchase extra items to fill a space that doesn’t fit your aesthetic. Your venue alone could be the greatest moment of AWE for your guests!
Avoid falling into the common “But it was on sale!” trap of party-planning. You won’t be as swayed to make silly, impulsive, or costly decisions because you’ll be more clear on what is truly necessary and what’s just fluff. Having an established mood board can sometimes save you hundreds of dollars by the time you add up food costs, decor, rentals, or floral - just to name a few.
At the end of the day, a strong mood board means you won’t be tempted to “rubber neck” and get distracted as you’re planning, shopping, and sourcing for your party. That's why it's the ultimate hack for budget-friendly party planning!
Pro Tip: If you’re celebrating a person - like a bridal shower or retirement or birthday - keep that guest of honor in mind at all times! Really ask yourself:
Does this mood board truly fit the person we're celebrating?
Is the party I envision authentic to who they are?
Am I truly honoring this person and what they want?
How to craft your next mood board
So how’s it done, you ask? Just like learning to drive, creating a powerful mood board takes time, know-how, and practice. And we’ve got your back!
Snag your Mood Board Survival Guide!
Here's what ya get!
“Anatomy of a Mood Board.” This is the guide you’ll use every time you plan an event. Learn all of the components you should include for the most swoon-worthy mood board this side of the Mississippi!
Your “Mood Board Toolkit.” You’ll get all of the tools we use to craft the professional mood boards we use at The Uncommon Creative Studio.
"Party Theme Cheat Sheet." Set the mood with the right words - and evoke the emotional experience you want your guests to have!
Your "Mood Board Template" - Simplify, standardize, and organize the process you’ll use to set the mood, no matter what party you’re throwing!
“Find Your Venue’s Strengths.” You’ll learn how to identify and amplify what’s already working in your home. If you’re hosting a party outside of your home, this same tool will help you select a venue that works best for your event!
With the right tools, knowledge, and preparation ... you'll get to where you want to go in no time!
Keep on truckin’
The Uncommon Team
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