welcome to the blog!

 

If you’ve been on my IG the last week or so, you might have noticed that all of my posts had the same general topic- wedding planning. I wanted to share some tips and insight that I’ve gathered over the last decade, and then I thought why not put it all together in a post for you all! So, bookmark this to come back to, or send it to a friend. Happy planning lovelies!

 

No. 1

Did you say yes over the holidays? Or maybe you said yes a bit ago, but wanted to wait until after the holidays to start planning? If so, this week is for you!! I will be sharing one tip each day this week for couples who are on the wedding planning train. Up first- when to schedule your engagement session! You don’t HAVE to use an engagement photo for your save the dates! I know they’re so fun, but sometimes it just doesn’t pan out schedule wise and you don’t want to send those out too late. I like to try and schedule engagement sessions in a different season than the wedding date (unless we’re talking more than a year out). It gives you time to breathe and plan for that aside from everything else!

No. 2

Well, this could cause quite the stir, but it really is up to what is most important to you. Got a venue that you can’t live without? Reach out to them for dates they have open, then go from there. Your best friend is a wedding planner who’s team you adore and couldn’t say I do without? Get on their calendar first! Make sure that you know what is most important to you when you start the planning process. There’s a ton to juggle, and sometimes things can get knocked down in the bunch, but having a clear list of importance can really help you navigate the seemingly endless list of vendors you need to call.

No. 3

Want to really go big and get outta town to say I do? You can totally do that! Know before you begin though, this is gonna take some extra steps and planning. I HIGHLY recommend working with a planner in whatever city you’ll be in. They will have all of the ins and outs on what vendors to reach out to, and can be your eyes and voice while you plan from afar.
A destination wedding doesn’t have to be small and “elopement” like if that’s not your vibe. You can definitely still have that grand time-stopping day with those who love you. Make sure to give your guests that will need to travel enough time and clear expectations on how much travel is going to cost (on average is totally fine). Yes, it’s a little more leg work for you, but I promise your guests will be so grateful, and they might be surprised if you’re able to suggest good deals!

No. 4
You really do get what you pay for. I know we say this all the time, but allow me to put it in some perspective with something I know a lot about- photos. I’ve been in business for 10 years. That’s 10 years of constant education and growth. It wouldn’t make sense for someone in business for only 5 years, charge the same as I do. They don’t have the experience or knowledge that I have. They haven’t had the opportunity to grow as much as I have in those 10 years. That’s not even going into the amount of equipment that I’ve added to my collection, workshops I’ve attended, trainings I’ve signed up for, and educational resources I’ve invested in. You really do get what you pay for. Am I saying that you should only book vendors who charge top dollar? No! I’m saying remember that list you
This isn’t a tip about which vendor is the best or the one you should spend all of your money on, because they’re all such a big part of your day. I just want to help show you that yes-if you are paying next to nothing, there might be a reason. You may want to check in with that and make sure it aligns with your list of wants and what’s important to you both!

No. 5!!
Don’t rule out a weekday wedding! If the last 2 years have only taught one thing about weddings, it’s that there is no rule on what day or time of day to say I do. Are you brunch people? Why not go for mid morning then? Wan to have a whole weekend of events planned with your friends and family? Start on Thursday or Friday! Are you going on that destination route? Tuesday sounds like a great day to get married. Think outside the box, and maybe you’ll find some secret deals or add-ons! Don’t be afraid to ask if vendors offer weekday rates. The worst they can say is no!

No.6

Should we work with a planner? Simple answer is yes.
Wedding planning can be so stressful and wonderful and time consuming and you will times where you have no idea what you’re doing. Why not work with someone who does this every day? Weddings are their life, what they dream about. They’ll help you keep track of deadlines and keep things organized. It’s their job to ensure you’re taken care of and the day goes smoothly. How amazing is that? Just some food for thought since I know we’ve talked about lists of important things, and different vendors and pricing. If planning makes you sweaty and nervous- a wedding planner might be just the thing you need! If you want a list of some of my favorite planners, leave a comment below!

No. 7 The last and most important tip of them all.

Take a minute and sit in the feels. Watch the iPhone video of your proposal, look at the photos. Get the warm and fuzzies. This is a once in a lifetime feeling and so often it’s trampled by dates and timelines and budgets and planning. Date through your engagement. Dress up and go out, or dress up and stay in if that’s your style! Take the time to be crazy in love. It’ll make the whole experience that much more special.

 

I hope these tips help get you on the right path, or make you feel better about this process. I know it can get hectic and you forget which way is up. Remember that it is supposed to be the happiest journey that you take, and a special one at that. Make it fun, do it together and you’ll see that the wedding of your dreams can become a reality!