Pinterest is a tool- Not your Wedding bible
It’s inspo, not instruction—and there’s a difference.From a wedding expert who’s seen Pinterest save the day—and totally derail it.
As a wedding planner and creative behind Dairyland Bach Co., I’ll be the first to admit—I love a good mood board. Pinterest is amazing for sparking ideas, defining your vibe, and helping you show, not just tell, your vision to your vendors.
But somewhere along the line, couples started treating Pinterest like gospel. As if if it’s not on their board, it’s not allowed at their wedding. As if their day isn’t “good enough” unless it matches the perfectly staged shots they’ve been scrolling through since the day they got engaged.
So let’s get something straight:
Pinterest is a tool. It is not your wedding bible.
Here’s how to use it to your advantage—without letting it control your decisions, your budget, or your joy.
Pinterest Helps You Discover—Not Copy
Pinterest is incredible for figuring out what speaks to you.
Are you drawn to:
Romantic garden florals or sleek, sculptural arrangements?
Moody candlelit dinners or bright backyard bashes?
Earth tones or high-contrast black and white?
It’s visual shorthand for your style—which is incredibly helpful when working with florists, planners, photographers, or rental teams.
But here’s the catch:
Once you’ve found your direction, your goal isn’t to copy someone else’s wedding—it’s to build a version of that vibe that’s uniquely yours.
Pinterest Doesn’t Know Your Budget (or Reality)
One of the biggest traps with Pinterest is comparison without context.
That tented reception with the twinkle lights? Easily a $50k setup.
That bouquet with peonies in August? Out of season = $$$
That three-tiered cake with sugar flowers? That’s a full-time pastry artist’s work.
Pinterest doesn’t show you budgets, timelines, or how many people were behind-the-scenes for that one shot. So while you can absolutely use it to pull inspiration, don’t let it set the standard for what your wedding has to look like.
You can create something beautiful, thoughtful, and intentional within your real budget and real guest count.
Spoiler Alert: Not Every Image Is Real Life
Here’s an industry secret:
Many of the most pinned “wedding” images are actually styled shoots—aka fake weddings.
They’re often done with models, at off-hours, with no timeline pressure or actual guests to feed. That’s not a bad thing—it’s how vendors showcase their skills and creativity—but it’s not the same as the whirlwind, emotional, full-schedule day that is your real wedding.
Let that be freeing. You’re not falling short if your cake isn’t lit by sunset on a mountaintop. Your wedding is real, and that makes it even better.
How to Use Pinterest Without Letting It Take Over
Instead of endlessly pinning every pretty image, use a system that supports your planning—not overwhelms it.
1. Start Broad, Then Narrow
In the early days of planning? Pin freely. You’re figuring out what you like. Save what speaks to you, even if it doesn’t all match—yet.
2. Once You’ve Booked Key Vendors—Edit Ruthlessly
After you’ve picked your venue, florist, or planner, go back to your boards. Refine based on what’s actually possible in your space, season, and budget.
3. Organize with Intention
Break down your boards into clear categories. Here’s what I suggest:
Vibe & Venue – Mood, color, lighting, atmosphere
Florals & Decor – Bouquets, arches, tablescapes
Style & Beauty – Outfits, hair, makeup, accessories
Stationery & Signage – Invites, menus, welcome signs
Photography – Shot list ideas, angles, style preferences
Pro tip: Add comments to your pins. Tell your future self (and your vendors) why you saved something. That context is gold.
4. Give Yourself Permission to Stop
You don’t have to keep pinning forever.
Once you’ve made a decision—your dress, your flowers, your color palette—stop hunting for “something better.” Your vision doesn’t need daily revisions. It just needs commitment.
Real Talk from a Wedding Pro
I’ve seen couples drive themselves into stress spirals trying to recreate a wedding they found on Pinterest.
I’ve also seen couples create something absolutely breathtaking by starting with a Pinterest board, then letting it evolve into something that felt personal, effortless, and meaningful.
So yes—use Pinterest. It’s a powerful tool.
Just don’t let it run the show.
You don’t need to pin your way to perfect.
You just need to build a day that feels like you. That your people will remember because of how it felt—not how it looked.
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