What Do I Do After Getting Engaged?
How to start planning your wedding
Advice from a Missouri Wedding Photographer
First of all, congratulations on your engagement!
This marks the beginning of one of life's most meaningful adventures. In between sharing the news with loved ones and stealing glances at your ring, you may also be wondering where to begin with planning. That's completely natural, and I'm here to help guide you through these first steps.
As a wedding photographer who has documented 70+ love stories, I've seen that the most beautiful celebrations are those that remain true to each couple's story.
Begin by Taking Time to Pause
Before diving into venue tours and spreadsheets, allow yourself to simply experience this special season. Spend an evening together talking about anything but wedding planning. Share your proposal story with loved ones. This time between "yes" and "I do" is precious - give yourself permission to fully embrace it! And start thinking about how you can find intentional time to continue doing this throughout the planning process.
Envision Your Celebration Together
Once you've had time to soak in the engagement joy, start dreaming together about how you'd like to celebrate. Perhaps you imagine an intimate gathering at a local winery, sharing meaningful moments with your closest family and friends. Or you might be drawn to a larger venue near your families, something big enough to host all of your favorite people. There's no wrong choice - what matters is choosing a celebration that feels truly meaningful to both of you.
Establish Your Priorities
Before getting into the details, take some time together to list your top 3-5 priorities for the wedding day. This might include photography to capture all the emotions of the day, amazing food that your guests will remember, or live music that keeps everyone dancing all evening. Compare your individual lists and decide together what matters most. These priorities will guide your decisions about where to focus your budget and which vendors to book first.
Create Your Budget Framework
While talking about money might not be the most exciting part of wedding planning, having a clear budget helps you make confident decisions throughout the process. Think of it as a tool that helps you invest in what matters most to you both while keeping stress levels low. Etsy has some great templates for wedding budget spreadsheets if you are looking for something to get you started.
Consider Professional Planning Support
One of the biggest keys to creating a seamless wedding day experience is working with a skilled wedding planner. If you're thinking about hiring a planner (which I highly recommend), consider doing this before choosing your venue. They'll guide you in bringing your vision to life and can suggest perfect venues based on your style and guest count.
Select Your Date and Venue
With your initial planning complete, you're ready to find a venue that brings your vision to life and comfortably fits your estimated guest count. Keep in mind that your venue's style and setting will play a factor in the overall look of your wedding photos. For example, an indoor ceremony at a venue with large windows and white walls will photograph differently than at a venue with orange-toned wood panelling. Remember to check the date with immediate family members before making it official!
Assemble Your Vendor Team
Now comes the exciting part - choosing the talented professionals who will bring your wedding day vision to life. Start with booking the vendors who match your top priorities, since many of us book weddings 1-2 years in advance. I typically recommend starting with your photographer, videographer, caterer, musicians or DJ, and florist. However, there is not necessarily one “right” order for this. Everyone’s experience is going to look a bit different!
If you are looking for a photographer to capture your day in a way that feels candid, timeless, and true-to-you, you are in the right place!
I’m passionate about documenting weddings with the couple’s story as the primary focus. I would love to share more with you about my process and hear all about your wedding vision and story.
Fill out the form below, and let’s get started!
Talk to you soon,
