A Photographer’s Guide to the First Five Steps of Wedding Planning
Cue the confetti pop! You said yes, you’re wearing the ring, and you’ve officially stepped into one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) seasons of your life: being engaged. Whether your proposal was a total surprise or something you both saw coming, there’s something surreal about that first week of being fiancés. You might be on cloud nine, scrolling through Pinterest, staring at your ring every 10 minutes, or getting bombarded with questions like “When’s the wedding?” (before you’ve even picked a date). I see you. Here are some of the best wedding planning tips I’ve learned, both planning my own wedding and being an integral part of so many other couples’ big day!
If you’re wondering what to actually do now that you’re engaged, beyond just basking in the glow, this post is for you.
Here are five intentional and impactful steps to take after getting engaged that’ll help you move from excited to actually ready to plan your wedding (without the stress).
1. Share the News Intentionally
The first instinct for a lot of couples is to immediately post the ring selfie on Instagram, and trust me, I get it. But before you hit “post,” take a moment to share the news personally with your people.
Your parents, siblings, best friends, and closest crew deserve to hear the news directly from you. Whether it’s a phone call, Facetime, or a surprise in person (those reactions are priceless), telling them in a more meaningful way makes it even more special, and some of them may even have some great wedding planning tips of their own to share!
Then once the inner circle knows? Go ahead and shout it from the digital rooftops. You’ve got a ring to show off!
2. Talk About How You Want to Celebrate
Take a deep breath, this step doesn’t mean booking anything just yet. It’s about vision casting.
Every couple is different. Some want a 200-person dance party with a full wedding weekend. Others want to jet off to the mountains for an intimate elopement. Some want a backyard dinner under string lights. There’s no wrong way to get married.
The best wedding planning tip here is: make sure you and your partner are on the same page before you dive in.
Try this:
- Set aside time for a “wedding vision date.” Grab drinks or dinner and talk through what you both picture when you think of your wedding day.
- Discuss what matters most: size, vibe, location, and guest list.
- Ask, “What would feel most us?”
It’s okay if you don’t agree on every detail right away, that’s normal. But aligning your values now will make future decisions much easier.
3. Set a Budget That Works for You
Here’s where it gets real. While love is priceless, wedding planning usually… isn’t.
The average wedding in the U.S. costs over $30,000, but you absolutely do not have to spend that much. What matters most is choosing a number that feels manageable and makes sense for your financial goals.
Once you have a general number, here’s what I recommend:
- List every vendor category you can think of: photographer, venue, florist, DJ/band, planner, rentals, food, dress, attire, etc.
- Rate each category from 1–10 based on how important it is to you as a couple.
- Start researching what things cost in your area
- Check out venues in your area (If you’re from Ohio here are some of my favorite venues!)
Pro tip: The more clarity you have early on, the easier it will be to stick to your budget and avoid surprise costs later. Here’s a great budget calculator you can use while planning your day!
4. Define the Feel of Your Wedding
Before you get lost in inspo boards, stop and ask yourself this:
When you look back on your wedding day in five years, how do you want to remember it?
Don’t just think about how it looks. Think about how it feels.
Write down 3–5 words that describe your dream wedding day. Some examples:
These “anchor words” will help guide your decisions, from your dress to your photographer to your ceremony style. It’s one of the best ways to keep your wedding true to you (and not just an aesthetic you saw online).
If you want to take it further, start a shared vision board on Pinterest or Canva with your partner where you both add visuals that represent those words. Think color palettes, venues, textures, or even quotes that represent your values.
5. Book Your Top Vendors + Pick a Date
Once you have a general vision and budget, the real fun begins, booking your dream team!
This is where the wedding boom still affects a lot of couples: vendors like photographers, venues, and planners often book 12–18 months in advance. If there’s a vendor you know you want, don’t wait.
A few tips:
- Reach out via their website’s contact form (not DMs!)
- Include your tentative date or ideal season
- Share a little about your vision so they can get excited with you
- Make sure you ask the right questions! (I have a whole blog about this one)
Not sure who you want to work with? Start by asking recently married friends, checking vendor tags on Instagram, or looking through your local wedding directories and blogs. Each of them will have wedding planning tips they have learned throughout their career.
And remember: you’re not just hiring someone to do a job. You’re bringing people into your day. Choose vendors who feel like the right fit for your energy, not just your checklist.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget to Enjoy This
Yes, wedding planning is a process, and it can be stressful. Yes, there will be spreadsheets, timelines, and decisions. But this engaged season? It’s once in a lifetime.
Take date nights. Celebrate little wins. Take breaks from planning when it starts to feel like too much. You have permission to go slow, be intentional, and do things differently if that’s what feels right.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who is here for you every step of the way, fill out my contact form and let’s chat!
Already engaged? Drop your wedding date in the comments or reach out to chat, I’d love to hear about your plans!
leave a comment!