First off—congratulations! You just said "yes," and now you're stepping into one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) chapters of your life: wedding planning. Whether you've been dreaming about this day for years or are just starting to figure things out, here are the first steps to take after getting engaged.
1. Take It All In & Celebrate
Before diving into planning, take a moment to enjoy this special time. Celebrate with your partner, share the news with family and friends, and snap some photos of the ring (if that’s your thing!). This is your time to soak it all in before the planning begins.
2. Set a Budget
Weddings can be as intimate or extravagant as you want, but setting a budget early will help guide your decisions. Discuss what’s important to both of you and determine how much you’re comfortable spending.
3. Pick a Date (or a Season)
You don’t need to finalize an exact date right away, but having a general idea of the season or month will help when reaching out to vendors. If you have a dream venue in mind, their availability might even influence your date.
4. Book Your Photographer (Hint: Sooner Is Better!)
Photographers book up fast, especially for peak wedding season! If capturing your day beautifully is a priority, start researching photographers whose style resonates with you. I’d love to chat and see if we're the right fit—let’s grab a coffee (on me!) or hop on a video call.
5. Start Looking at Venues
Your venue sets the tone for your entire wedding, so it’s one of the biggest decisions you'll make. Whether you dream of a rustic barn, elegant ballroom, or scenic outdoor setting, securing your venue early gives you a solid foundation for planning the rest of your day.
6. Think About Your Guest List
It doesn’t have to be final, but having a rough estimate of guests helps with venue selection and budgeting. Are you envisioning an intimate wedding with close family and friends or a big celebration?
7. Enjoy an Engagement Session
Engagement photos are a great way to celebrate this chapter, get comfortable in front of the camera, and use the images for save-the-dates or wedding websites. If you're interested, I offer relaxed and fun engagement sessions to capture your love story!
8. Gather Inspiration but Stay True to You
Pinterest and Instagram are great for inspiration, but don’t feel pressured to follow every trend. Your wedding should reflect your personalities and love story, so focus on what truly excites you.
9. Begin Researching Other Vendors
Once your venue and photographer are secured, you’ll want to start thinking about caterers, florists, planners, and entertainment. The best vendors book up quickly, so getting a head start is key!
10. Enjoy the Journey
Wedding planning can feel like a whirlwind, but don’t forget to enjoy the process. Take breaks, go on date nights, and remind yourselves why you’re doing this in the first place—celebrating your love!
Planning a wedding in 2025 or beyond?
I’d love to be part of your journey and help capture your special day. Let’s chat about your vision and how I can bring it to life through timeless, joy-filled photography!
Reach out today to book your wedding photography and let’s create something beautiful together!