Feeling overwhelmed by wedding planning? 

You’re not alone. The moment you say “yes,” the flood of decisions, Pinterest boards, and budget spreadsheets can feel a little (or a lot) intimidating.

But take a deep breath—I got you. Before you dive headfirst into the chaos, let’s break it down. Here’s exactly where to start so you can plan your dream wedding without the stress spiral.

Step 1: Set Your Priorities (Before Your Budget!)

Most couples start with a budget, but here’s the secret: your budget should follow your priorities, not the other way around.

Think about what matters most to you. Is it an epic venue? Dreamy photography? A killer live band? Rank your top 3 must-haves first, then allocate your budget accordingly. This keeps you from overspending on things that don’t actually matter to you.

✅ Pro Tip: Couples who prioritize photography early on get the best availability and avoid last-minute regret when their dream photographer is booked. (Just saying. 😉)

Step 2: Lock in Your Venue + Photographer Early

Your venue and photographer should be two of your first bookings—here’s why:

• Your venue determines your date and sets the tone for everything else.
• Your photographer is one of the vendors who actually books up a year or more in advance.

If you have a specific look or vibe in mind (romantic, documentary, editorial, etc.), choosing your photographer early ensures your wedding day is captured exactly how you envision it.

💡 Hot Take: You’ll spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than almost anyone else—so make sure it’s someone you actually vibe with!

Step 3: Build a Realistic Wedding Timeline

Nothing adds stress like an overpacked schedule. The best way to avoid rushing through your wedding day? Plan for breathing room.

Here’s where many couples go wrong:
🚨 They don’t allow enough time for hair + makeup.
🚨 They underestimate how long family photos take.
🚨 They assume they’ll have endless time for portraits when, in reality, guests (and hunger!) are waiting.

A well-planned timeline = a relaxed, joyful wedding day where you actually get to soak it all in.

Step 4: Choose Vendors Who Feel Like Teammates

Your wedding vendors aren’t just there to provide a service—they’re there to support you. The best vendors…
✅ Make your life easier, not harder.
✅ Have experience, so they guide you through potential hiccups.
✅ Actually listen to what you want (and help you make it happen).

If a vendor gives you weird vibes or doesn’t make you feel confident—trust that gut feeling. Your dream team should be people you trust to bring your vision to life.

At the end of the day, your wedding isn’t about perfectly folded napkins or the exact shade of blush flowers. It’s about celebrating your love with your favorite people.

Some things will go differently than planned—but I promise, the best moments of your wedding day are the ones you feel, not the ones you meticulously plan.

Final Thoughts: Your Wedding, Your Way

Planning a wedding doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with what matters most, book your dream team early, and give yourself grace. You’ve got this!

💌 Still looking for a photographer who’s all about making your wedding day feel effortless and unforgettable? Let’s chat—I’d love to help you capture every moment.