5 Must-Do’s for Newly Engaged Couples
First off—congratulations, newly engaged couples! You’re doing the damn thing! 💍✨ After the excitement of “OMG, we’re getting married” starts to settle in, reality will hit, and you’ll find yourselves ready to dive into the world of wedding planning.
As a wedding photographer who’s been in the biz for over a decade, let me tell you: planning your wedding is both thrilling and slightly overwhelming. (Trust me, I was a bride in 2022, I know firsthand from both sides of it.) But no worries—I’ve got you covered with 5 must-do’s that will help you kickstart your wedding journey with confidence and excitement. Let’s dive in!
1. Celebrate Your Engagement—But Don’t Rush Into Planning!
Before you get into full-on wedding-planning mode, take a moment to savor your engagement! Go out for a celebratory dinner, take cute photos together, and maybe even document this milestone. No pressure, but these are the moments you’ll treasure forever. (And yes, I’m available for an engagement shoot 😉).
For newly engaged couples, the last thing you want is to rush into planning and miss the magic of being engaged. Let the excitement of being a fiancée sink in and enjoy this phase. Trust me—once you start planning, things will move fast, so give yourselves time to soak it all in.
2. Set a Wedding Budget (Yes, You Have to!)
Alright, I know, talking about money isn’t the most exciting part of the process, but hear me out: setting a wedding budget is key to making sure your day goes exactly as you envision without any surprises. As a wedding photographer, I always recommend getting this step out of the way early on. It helps you make decisions about your venue, vendors, and even your guest list without having to stress over finances later.
And hey, this doesn’t mean you can’t splurge on the important stuff—like a killer photographer 😉—but knowing your limits will make the entire process smoother and more enjoyable.
3. Create a Wedding Vision That’s All About You
This is your day—make it as unique as your love story! Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic garden wedding or a chic ballroom affair, this is the fun part where you get to bring your vision to life. Start by browsing Pinterest (I know, I know, everyone does it!) or pulling inspiration from your favorite places, colors, and memories together.
This isn’t about following trends—this is about creating a vibe that feels like you both. As a wedding photographer, I love when couples have a clear vision because it helps me capture the essence of their day, and we can create some seriously stunning shots that tell their unique love story.
4. Start Your Guest List (But Keep It Simple)
Here’s a fun fact: You’re going to be shocked by how quickly your guest list can get out of hand. When you start adding people to the list, you’ll quickly realize how many friends, family, and acquaintances are involved in your lives. But trust me—try not to go too crazy with the invite list at first. Start with your must-have people—close family and friends—and then work your way from there.
This is also a great time to consider if you want an intimate gathering or a big bash. I’ve seen both, and each comes with its own set of pros and cons, but the most important thing is that you’re both happy with the people surrounding you on your big day.
5. Choose the Right Wedding Vendors (And Not Just the Photographer)
You already know that finding a great wedding photographer is essential (if I may say so myself 😉), but here’s the thing: the right vendor team is everything. Start by researching your venue options, planners, florists, videographers and caterers who vibe with your style and budget.
As a photographer, I love working with other vendors who are as invested in your day as I am. A solid vendor team makes the day flow seamlessly, which results in beautiful, stress-free photos. Remember, your wedding is a team effort—don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations and check reviews!
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to enjoy the process! Yes, you’ll have your moments of stress (it happens to everyone), but remember why you’re doing this. It’s about celebrating your love. Trust me, the best part of all this planning is seeing everything come together on your wedding day, and you’ll look back on it as one of the most exciting times in your life.
Need a photographer who’s as excited about your wedding as you are? Let’s chat!
Be the first to comment