You’re engaged, now what?
Joey & Cass - Sesquicentennial State Park, South Carolina
After the excitement of the moment and sharing the news with everyone has worn off, you can breathe and actually get to the reason you got the ring in the first place: TO MARRY YOUR PERSON!
It can be a little overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to planning a wedding. I just got married in October and I thought I knew a lot about planning weddings with being a wedding photographer, but boy, was I mistaken. 😂
I'm not an expert for any of the reasons listed above. The list I comprised below is based off of my own experiences and experiences of my wedding clients.
Damon & Kayla - Lake of the Woods, Mahomet, IL Engagement Session
#1 FIGURE OUT YOUR BUDGET
Very quickly it seems there are more and more costs for your wedding day. Be sure to know how much you and your partner and/or your families are going to be comfortable with spending. Having an idea before you start paying deposits is really good so you know how much can be spent for each part of the day.
Don't forget about gifts, tips, and accommodations! The little details closer to the big day can start to add up. Make sure you clarify all pricing and ask if there is anything additional you will need to pay that isn't included in the price they mention: cleaning fees, gratuity, etc.
Joey & Cass - Sesquicentennial State Park, South Carolina
#2 BOOK YOUR VENUE(S)
You cannot have a wedding if you do not have a place to get married or have the after party! Be sure to book your venue first, UNLESS there is a different vendor like photographer or band that you NEED to have on your wedding day. Get their availability first and then work on the venue(s).
Again, be sure to ask if there are any other costs in addition to the number they are giving you. Also be sure to find out if you will be able to access the venue the day before for a rehearsal or for decorating and when your belongings will need to be out of the venue either that night of or the next morning.
David & Alex - Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL Engagement Session
#3 BOOK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER
Being sure the moments of your day are captured is an important task! Hiring artists who you trust, as people and as creatives, is very important. You are going to be around them for a BIG part of your wedding day! Do your research, ask your friends, and make sure to have a chat with them either in person or through a video call before you book.
Gonna say it again cause it doesn't hurt to repeat 😂 Ask if there are any additional costs to the one they are giving you, find out exactly what is included in the packaging. Also, be sure to have a seat for them at your reception to sit down and eat as well.
Joey & Cass - Sesquicentennial State Park, South Carolina
#4 BOOK YOUR OTHER VENDORS
Lol I sound like a broken record, but this is the thing I knew I wanted to get off my plate first when planning my wedding. I didn't want to be a few months from the wedding and trying to find a caterer for the day or venue. Having everything booked let me relax up until about 2 months from the wedding when all the details needed to start falling into place.
Other vendors would include: caterer, dj, florist, transportation, baker, make up artist, hairstylist, attire, wedding planner, etc.
And also, you do not NEED to hire all of these people! Every wedding is different and every budget is different. Do not go outside of your means for one day! And again, ask them if there are any other costs that that might come up later: thinking travel for makeup artist or clean up costs for limo.
Damon & Kayla - Lake of the Woods, Mahomet, IL Engagement Session
#5 PICK YOUR SQUAD
Once you've got the professionals who will be there on your wedding day, pick out your squad officially so if you want to get things with dates on it, you know that those dates won't change. (Unless.... well, we all were there for 2020 😄)
Pick the people who are going to be there to keep you lifted and supported on your big day! The ones who are going to be hyping you up and helping you up!
David & Alex - Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL Engagement Session
#6 ALL THE DETAILS
Once you know you'll have dinner on your wedding day and you'll have a place to get married at, you get to pick out all the details! The outfits, the decor, the music!
Start gathering all your inspiration and share it with your partner so you two can start putting together the best party ever! 🥳
Joey & Cass - Sesquicentennial State Park, South Carolina
And remember this is the day to join you and your partner together. If there is something you don’t want to do, you don’t have to do it! It is your day and you don’t want to look back and think man I should not have done that or I wish I would have done this. Make it as perfect as you possibly can and use your support system, including your vendors, to make it the best day ever!!
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