How to Design a Wedding That Feels Like You (Not Like Everyone Else’s)
By Dereves Studio — Luxury Wedding Planner & Floral Designer in Toronto
Every season, we see a flood of new wedding trends: the color of the year, the latest flower, a viral decor idea that suddenly appears in every moodboard. And while they can be beautiful, here’s the truth — your wedding will never feel timeless if it doesn’t feel personal.
At Dereves Studio, our philosophy is simple. We design weddings that reflect you. The tone of your love story, the way you host, the kind of energy you want in the room. That’s what makes a wedding unforgettable. Not the trend. Not the price tag. The meaning.
1. Start With Feeling, Not Pinterest Boards
Before you start pinning, pause and ask: how do I want this day to feel?
Romantic and cinematic? Intimate and cozy? Bold and modern? Once you know the emotion behind your vision, every decision becomes easier — color, lighting, flowers, music, even timing.
When couples skip this step, they end up chasing trends that don’t align with their personalities. But when you start from feeling, design becomes storytelling.
Pro tip: We call this your wedding atmosphere. Describe it in five words and use that as your filter for every choice.
2. Build a Color Story, Not a Palette
Instead of choosing “sage and blush,” think of a color story that unfolds through your day.
For example, soft cream and pale apricot for the ceremony, deeper peach and rust for the reception, candlelight tones as night falls. It feels alive and cinematic — not flat.
Your color story doesn’t have to be perfectly matched. It just needs to flow.
When we design Toronto weddings, we often build palettes inspired by nature, season, and architecture — a fall ceremony in the Distillery District might lean into terracotta and toffee tones, while Casa Loma glows with classic ivory, champagne, and greenery.
3. Florals Should Reflect Emotion, Not Just Theme
Flowers can express tone in a way words can’t.
Wild and asymmetrical arrangements create a sense of freedom.
Structured designs feel refined and timeless.
Loose, airy textures evoke softness and romance.
At Dereves Studio, we often pull inspiration from our couples themselves — their energy, how they move together, how they host. Your bouquet, centerpieces, and installations should all feel like an extension of your personality.
4. Think About the Guest Experience
The most memorable weddings don’t just look beautiful. They feel considered.
Guests notice how they’re welcomed, how easily they find their seats, how warm the light feels at dinner. These micro-moments shape their experience.
Here’s what we build into every Toronto wedding plan:
Intentional flow: spaces that guide guests naturally.
Thoughtful timing: enough buffer to breathe between transitions.
Atmosphere lighting: soft amber and candlelight make everything feel magical.
You can have the most beautiful floral arch in the world, but if guests feel rushed or confused, it loses its power.
5. Personal Details Are the New Statement Piece
A luxury wedding isn’t defined by how much you spend — it’s about what guests remember.
Personal details create emotional connection. A hand-written note on each place card. A signature cocktail inspired by your first trip together. A ceremony playlist that tells your story.
These are the things that turn a beautiful wedding into an unforgettable one.
6. Sustainability Makes It Feel More Authentic
Sustainable wedding design isn’t a buzzword — it’s a mindset.
When you use local and seasonal flowers, reusable mechanics, and thoughtful sourcing, your wedding naturally feels grounded and real. It connects your guests to a sense of place and time.
Our Toronto floral studio partners with local growers whenever possible, creating designs that are not only stunning but conscious. Sustainability isn’t about cutting back. It’s about designing with care.
7. Choose a Team Who Gets Your Vision
When you hire a planner, designer, or florist, choose someone who sees you — not just your Pinterest board.
The best creative partners translate your essence into visuals. They know when to push boundaries and when to pull back. They’ll help you make choices that age beautifully and still feel fresh years later.
Final Thought: Luxury is Personal
The most luxurious weddings aren’t the ones that look the most expensive. They’re the ones that feel deeply personal, effortless, and full of life.
When every detail feels like you, your guests won’t just see a beautiful event. They’ll feel your story woven through it.
That’s the kind of design we believe in. And that’s what makes a wedding unforgettable.