Congratulations you are engaged! What to do next? I know it is very overwhelming and you have turned to Pinterest for tips and tricks!
This is why I have created a list of 10 tips for your wedding from a wedding photographer:
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Decide on your budget!
Planning a wedding can get overwhelming and when you start to look for venders and venues the big question is going to be what is your budget? I would sit down and talk with your significant other about how much you are willing / wanting to spend on your special day.
According to Theknot.com this is a typical budget breakdown. Let’s put some numbers in here to help you out as well. If your Wedding Budget is $30,000.
50% Venue, Catering and Rental Costs = $15,000
12% Photography and Videography = $3,600
9% Attire, Hair and Makeup = $2,700
8% Decor = $2,400
7% Entertainment = $2,100
3% Wedding Planner = $900
2% Stationery = $600
2% Officiant = $600
2% Transportation = $600
2% Wedding Bands = $600
2% Goodies for Guests = $600
2. Book your set a date and book your venue!
I know I am a photographer but these two things are SO important as a first step for your wedding planning journey! Venues book out typically a year in advance and if you want to get married typically within a year then I suggest this be your first starting point!
Things to keep in mind to narrow your search:
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Do you want a view?
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Do you want it indoors?
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Do you want a tree line?
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Do you want all inclusive?
3. Now is time to look for your photographer so you can take some engagement photos! I suggest booking the same photographer for your engagement photos as your big day. The reason why is your photographer is with you ALL day long never leaving your side and you want to be comfortable with that person. Photographers are like venues as they book a year out especially for weddings!
Things to think about:
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What kind of style do you like? Light and Airy? Dark and Moody? Bright and Bold?
4. Create a details bag for your photographer!
The wedding day passes by faster than you think! To make the most of your photographers time on the wedding day, it helps to have certain items waiting in a pile ready to be captured in beautiful flat lays!
As you know, wedding days are jam packed with pictures. The most forgotten time consuming pictures are surprisingly not the portraits! It is the wedding details that are often scattered around the venue. To ensure the schedule goes smooth and I don’t miss any special item, below is a list of details to have ready in one area! Here is a quick tip so you can enjoy your morning! Assign this list to your MOH so you can wake up with nothing to do other than enjoy your day!
Bridal Items: Wedding Dress, Personalized hanger, Hair Piece or veil, Bridal shoes & jewelry, special perfume bottle or items (Something old, new, borrowed, and blue!!)
Groom Items: Formal shoes, Tux, cufflinks, Tie, Socks, boutonniere
Wedding Items: Wedding Rings (Both Bride & Groom Rings), Save the date & Wedding Invitations, Bouquets & Boutonniere, Exchanged Vow books, Bridge & Groom gift exchange
Wedding Party: Bridesmaid dress, Wedding party gifts, Groomsmen tuxes, special wedding items such as Groomsmen socks or Bridesmaid garter belts, Flower girl headband & dress, Ring Bearer pillow & outfit
5. Create a separate email account!
So if you are like me I get a million emails every day. When planning a wedding you are going to be messaging a ton of venders for quotes, and signing up for websites and to keep yourself organized I recommend going ahead and creating your own gmail account! This keep everything in one place so you do not get overwhelmed or miss an important email!
