Recently Engaged? These are the First 13 Steps to Take When Planning Your Dream Wedding

Your significant other just proposed, you’re freshly engaged, full of joy and love, now what? As a professional wedding photographer who specializes in capturing the joy and emotion of life’s special moments, I understand how important it is to plan your dream wedding to create everlasting memories. To help you get started, here are the first 12 steps you should take to plan the wedding of your dreams:

Step 1: Celebrate 

First and foremost, this is a milestone, take the time to celebrate your engagement with your fiancé and loved ones. Process your emotions and take it all in. Lastly, share the exciting news with family and friends, and even consider posting on social media to spread the joy. No matter what, remember to slow down, enjoy the moment and do not allow yourselves to be become overwhelmed with the planning that is ahead. You’ll have plenty of time for that later, lol.

Step 2: Determine Your Budget.

Sit down with your partner and determine your wedding budget. Consider your financial situation, priorities, and the type of wedding you envision. Setting a budget early on will guide your planning process and help you make informed decisions.

Step 3: Create Your Vision.

Discuss and define your wedding vision together as a couple. Consider the style, theme, and overall atmosphere you want for your big day. This will serve as a guiding principle for all your wedding decisions moving forward. 

Pro-tip: Hop on Insta, Pinterest, YouTube & TikTok for inspiration. Jot down the things that you absolutely must have, and the things you can go without to start narrowing down your vision.

Step 4: Choose The Big Day.

There are a few important factors to consider when choosing the big date, such as season, availability of key guests (do not try to accommodate for every single guest), and special dates that hold significance for you as a couple. Select a wedding date that works best for you and aligns with your vision, provided you plan six plus months or more in advance, your guest should be able to accommodate to your date painlessly.

Step 5: Create Your Guest List.

Begin compiling a guest list, taking into account the number of guests you want to invite and your budget. It’s crucial to do this before looking for venues so that you’ll know if you need to adjust either your budget or your guest list.

Pro Tip: This part is easy to procrastinate, so turn it into a fun date! Chill a bottle of wine, put some background music and start typing away!

Step 6: Find and Book Your Wedding Venue.

Google is your best friend for this one. Visit the Google listings and websites of the venues that align with your vision and budget the most, make a list of your top venues and schedule those tours. If you need help with what to ask the wedding venues, click here for 10 must ask questions. Once you find that perfect venue, check if it’s available and secure it by signing a contract and making a deposit. Congratulations, you officially have your wedding venue!

STILL IN SEARCH OF YOUR DREAM

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN TAMPA?

Step 7: Select Your Wedding Party.

Are you having fun yet? I hope you are! This is all part of your wedding journey. Now you get to choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other members of your wedding party, best of all, you get to see the cheer excitement on their faces when you ask them. Consider their availability, personalities, and roles in your life as you make your selections. Golden rule, this is your wedding, don’t be afraid to hurt feelings if you don’t ask someone, you should be thrilled with your selection.

Step 8: Hire Key Vendors.

Research and book your key wedding vendors such as a wedding photographer, videographer, planner, caterer, florist, and officiant. Read reviews, compare prices, and meet with vendors to ensure they pass the vibe check and align with your vision.

Step 9: Schedule An Engagement Session With Your Photographer.

I can’t say it enough, engagement sessions are a huge part and so beneficial for your wedding planning journey. I actually wrote a whole separate blog on why they are so important along with some tips for an amazing session, you can check that out HERE.

Pro-tip: Schedule your engagement session early so that you can have the photographs edited before ordering your save-the-dates.

Step 10: Find your wedding attire: 

Start shopping for your wedding gown, bridesmaid dresses, groom and groomsmen attire etc. Let’s be honest, we all eat just a little bit more when we are in love and happy, so allow ample time for alterations and fittings to make sure everything fits perfectly on your big day.

Step 11: Plan Your Ceremony and Reception details.

Work with your wedding planner or venue coordinator to plan the details of your ceremony and reception. This part doesn’t have to be stressful, have fun choosing your decor and designing your seating arrangement. Lastly, plan the timeline of events.

Step 12: Send Save the Dates. 

You have your wedding date, venue and timeline confirmed, next send out save the date cards or emails to notify your guests and allow them to mark their calendars. Include important details such as the date, times, location, and any travel information.

Pro Tip: Schedule your ceremony starting time 30 minutes before you actually intend to start on your save the dates to avoid having to wait on late guests.

Step 13: Begin Wedding Day Beauty and Wellness Routine. 

Last, but definitely not least, start a beauty and wellness routine to look and feel your best on your wedding day. This may include skincare, hair care, exercise, and nutrition. Whatever you do, do not overlook this step, this will allow you to feel amazing and have a great amount of positive energy during your once in a lifetime day!

Planning your dream wedding can be an exciting and overwhelming experience, you must keep in mind that it’s all part of your journey together. Follow these first 12 steps, and you’ll be well on your way to planning your dream wedding. Remember to stay organized, communicate openly with your partner, drink plenty of water and a bottle of wine or two lol. Don’t let your wedding day sneak up on you, and make decisions that align with your vision and budget. Best wishes!