Every path leads in the right direction.
There are many factors to consider when planning an event. Goals, budgets, guest lists, and more. But what you don’t want to lose in all the planning and what you hope to deliver to your guests is inspiration.
To me, inspiration is everything felt that becomes salient. It is the underlying sensation that we transform into a finish.
We may not be able to put our finger on it or we may have a strong vision. Either way, having something that inspires you is a pretty big deal. But if you struggle with inspiration there are a few surefire ways to get started.
When struggling with an abundance of vision, it’s great to create an idea board. Whether you use Pinterest because it’s a great tool, or go with a cork board because you’re tactile – it’s great to start visualizing the things that stir you together in the same optical space. If you're getting inspired between work projects, keep a running set of images in PowerPoint or Word. Once the images are together, themes will appear and you can remove items that don't fit.
When struggling with lack of vision, don't be afraid to forget the visual. There are plenty of ways to get going without images.
Play with word association. The guest of honor is...effervescent, strong-willed, and athletic. It may not sound like much at first but effervescent can mean sparklers at an evening event or a champagne fountain at a picnic or a dance floor front and center of the venue. Gladiolus flowers and snapdragons both symbolize strength and can bring height to arrangements.
Make simple lists – "likes and dislikes" or "to avoid and must have". The easiest non-visual way for me to get inspired is purpose: are we celebrating, reveling, honoring, remembering? Are we dining and dancing or meeting and greeting? Any great vendor can make suggestions from their products or services with an inspiration driven by purpose.
There are many ways to start and they all get us to the right place – a successful event.
And if you want to know what inspires me: Looking at the sunny sky through flowering dogwood branches, the smile of a woman who feels pretty, children holding hands, mythological tales, and everything that feels luscious!
And that’s just a start!
