If you’re reading this, chances are you’re newly engaged and looking for some genuine, real advice on where to begin when planning your dream wedding. The process is incredibly exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming and stressful—even with the right planning team in place.
With over ten years of experience in the industry, and as a bride myself, I’ve compiled a list of my top “next steps” to take after getting engaged. This is just a suggestion, and yes, the order of events can absolutely vary depending on what works best for you.
I could have added so many more tips, but I believe these are the key actions to focus on once you've put a ring on it and said YES!
1. Savour the Moment.
Embrace the present moment with open hearts. Pause, look into each other’s eyes, and truly see each other—because amidst the 8 billion souls on this planet, you’ve found one another. This is no ordinary connection; it’s a rare and beautiful bond deserving of celebration. Whether the wedding is a few months away or a year from now, there’s no rush to dive into the details. Give yourselves the grace to bask in this precious time, to revel in the joy of simply being together. Take a few days to let this love settle in, and let the excitement unfold naturally.
P.S. After those few days of bliss, you might want to check with your fiancé about insuring the ring… just in case.
2. Tell the World!
Well, perhaps not with everyone just yet, but definitely with those in your world. Tell your parents, siblings, best friends—anyone in your inner circle who will be over the moon to hear the news. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to announce your engagement. You know your loved ones best, so consider sharing the news with close family and friends first before posting it online. Remember, this is your love story, and you and your fiancé are the stars of the show. You get to set the pace and make the rules.
3. Celebrate!
Now that you’ve had time to savour the moment and share the joy, it’s time to gather your loved ones and truly celebrate. An engagement party can take any form you desire—it’s all about what feels right for you. Whether it’s an elegant cocktail party at your favorite restaurant, a cozy brunch at the spot where you had your first date, a laid-back barbecue at your in-laws’ farm, or a surprise gathering at your own home, the celebration should reflect who you are as a couple. Just a heads-up, in many cultures there are various traditions and often more than one way to celebrate this special moment. Embrace the diversity of the celebrations as two families join together!
4. Take Engagement Photos.
After over a decade of photographing weddings, I can confidently say that most newly engaged couples have never had a professional photo session dedicated just to celebrating their love story. This is what makes engagement sessions so special! In my opinion, they are not just important—they should be mandatory. They do not have to be booked right away, but should be thought about and considered after getting engaged. Think of your engagement session as a “wedding day creative rehearsal.” It’s the perfect opportunity for me to get to know both of you—individually and as a couple—and for you to become comfortable in front of the camera. Consider it a fun, low-pressure dress rehearsal before the main event!
5. Start a Vision Board.
Here’s where the magic begins, and your creativity takes center stage! Some have dreamt of their wedding day for years, while others may not have given it much thought—so this step will look different for everyone. The key is to make it fun and exciting, not stressful or overwhelming. There’s no need to do it all at once. Break it down into smaller tasks to keep it manageable and enjoyable. For example start by choosing engagement photos you love, a colour palette that speaks to you, a wedding dress style that resonates, or imagining the florals you’d want to incorporate.
Two of my favourite tools for creating vision boards are Pinterest and Canva. Pinterest is perfect for collecting and organizing countless images, almost like a digital scrapbook. You can group them by theme or style, which is so helpful! Then, you can bring those images into Canva to create more specific boards that you can actually visualize. To help you get started, I’ve included links to my Pinterest and my favourite Canva vision board template!
6. Pick a Date.
Setting a wedding date isn’t always as straightforward as it may seem, which is why it’s on the top ten list! Since the global pandemic, the landscape of wedding planning has changed significantly. Pre-2019, it was rare for couples to inquire about wedding dates within the same year. Most couples would plan a year—or even two—in advance, especially during peak wedding season.
Why does this matter? Simply put, dates can get booked quickly. There was a time when I could confidently tell couples that their desired wedding date would likely still be available for weeks or even months. Sadly, I can no longer offer that same level of certainty. More couples are now opting to book not just for the same year, but also in the "off-season" or on Fridays and Sundays.
The takeaway? Once you’re ready, choose your date, but stay flexible. If your first choice is already taken, be prepared to consider alternatives.
7. Set a Budget.
This is where your dreams and reality come together. As you begin planning your wedding, the costs of everything can quickly add up—especially if you’re paying for it yourselves. There’s no rulebook on how to allocate your budget, so it’s important to determine what matters most to you and your fiancé. Think about where you want to splurge and where you may need to scale back.
This is also a great opportunity to get creative. You might fall in love with a floral arrangement that’s a bit more expensive than you expected, but don’t hesitate to ask your florist for suggestions on similar options that won’t break the bank. On the flip side, if flowers are a place you’d like to splurge, you might have to adjust elsewhere, like choosing a more affordable charger plate or chair style.
8. Hire a Wedding Planner.
Game. Changer. One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to hire a good wedding planner. It’s truly one of the best investments you’ll make. A great planner brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, offering invaluable advice, tips, and tricks to help you maximize your budget and minimize stress.
They act as your host, ensuring that the most important day of your lives unfolds exactly as planned. Their goal is to make everything seamless and stress-free. As a photographer, having an amazing wedding planner on board is a dream. It gives me peace of mind, knowing they will keep the day running smoothly, ensure everything stays on schedule, and solve any unexpected challenges that may arise.
I know it’s been an incredible wedding when there are secret high-fives and hugs shared with the planner at the end of the night. (Okay, maybe some happy tears, too.) And if you need recommendations, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
9. Create the Guest List.
For many couples, creating the guest list can be both exciting and fun, but it can also become a source of tension and stress—especially if you're not footing the bill yourself. You and your fiancé may have a specific number in mind, along with people you'd prefer not to invite. This is also where etiquette comes into play. If someone else is contributing financially to the wedding, it’s important to involve them in the guest list discussion.
That being said, it’s still your wedding day, and open, honest conversations about any concerns or reservations will go a long way in helping you navigate this process together. The key is finding a balance between honoring family dynamics and staying true to what feels right for you as a couple.
10. Choose a Venue.
If your heart is set on a specific venue you may want to get on this as soon as possible. Usually after setting a date, securing a venue and your dream photographer (ME!) is vital. Based on feedback I have got over the years, these are the aspects that usually book first. Be flexible knowing that if your dream venue is taken, you may have to switch your wedding date to make this dream a reality. Another option, as mentioned above it do choose another date (even a Friday or Sunday). This has become very common and popular.
11. Invest in a Vendor Dream Team.
A dream team of vendors can make a huge difference on your wedding day. If you’ve hired a wedding planner, they are your ultimate resource for recommendations of trusted vendors with a strong reputation. Another great way to find stellar vendors is through word of mouth from friends or family who have worked with them before.
Start by compiling a list and researching these vendors yourself. Be sure to check out their social media pages and read through any legitimate reviews you can find. One important tip: always ensure you have a formal, signed contract in place before handing over any form of payment. Vendors are a big investment, and you’ll want to make sure you’re covered!
Last but not least, don't forget to relax. This is a time meant to be enjoyed and celebrated. A quote that really resonates with me is, “The days are long, but the years are short.” Time truly flies, and before you know it, your wedding day will be here. Soak it all in, try to stay present, and savor every moment of this incredible journey!