Newly Engaged? Start Here
The second you get engaged, the wedding world comes at you fast.
Everyone starts asking questions. Instagram suddenly serves you wedding content nonstop. Pinterest becomes a black hole. And before you’ve even had a second to breathe, it can feel like you’re already behind on a day you haven’t even started planning.
So let’s slow it down.
If I were starting from scratch, this is exactly where I’d begin.
Set the Vision
Before you think about colours, centrepieces, or anything aesthetic, start here:
What do you want your wedding day to feel like?
Sit down with your partner and talk about the big-picture experience. Do you want a big celebration with everyone you know, or would you prefer a smaller guest count that feels more intimate and intentional?
Do you want a wedding party? Do you want a full weekend experience? Do you want something relaxed and untraditional, or more classic and structured?
The most important part of wedding planning is identifying what matters most to you, because that becomes your compass for every decision that follows.
Once you have a vision in mind, everything else gets a little easier.
Start Your Guest List
I know this feels like a big step early on, but your guest list influences almost every part of planning.
Even a rough estimate helps.
Your guest count will determine what venues are possible, what your budget looks like, and what kind of atmosphere your day will have.
Do you want a traditional wedding with all of your favourite people there celebrating with you?
Or would you rather an intimate event with your closest family and friends, where you have time for real conversations and slower moments?
Also consider travel logistics. Where will your wedding take place, and will guests realistically be able to attend?
Your guest list sets the tone, so it’s worth starting here.
Find Your Location or Venue
Once you have a general guest count, you can begin narrowing down your venue or location.
You may already have a place in mind, but if not, think about what matters most to you:
Location
Catering options
Indoor vs outdoor space
The overall aesthetic and vibe
Bar service and guest experience
How the day will flow in that space
My biggest advice is to choose your top 1–3 venues and start there.
The last thing you want to do is overwhelm yourself by touring twenty places just because they exist.
And if you’re not booking a traditional venue (maybe you’re eloping, planning a backyard celebration, or doing something more untraditional), this is still the step where you choose your setting and location.
Choose Your Date
You may already have a date in mind, but a few factors can influence this decision.
Think about the season you want to get married in, what your venue has available, and how long of an engagement you want.
Most weddings book 12–16 months in advance, so depending on when you got engaged, you may not get your first choice of vendor dates, especially for peak weekends.
One thing couples don’t always realize is that weekdays and off-season dates often come with much more flexibility.
Ultimately, the best date is the one that works for your life, your priorities, and the kind of wedding experience you want.
Book Your Photographer
Once you have your date and venue confirmed, it’s time to book your photographer.
And depending on your priorities, this step can easily move even higher on the list.
That’s why choosing a photographer isn’t just about finding someone with a camera. It’s about finding someone whose work feels like you. Someone you trust to tell the story honestly, beautifully, and in a way that you’ll want to return to for years.
When you’re looking through portfolios, pay attention to more than just the highlight images. Look for consistency across full galleries. Look for emotion. Look for storytelling. And most importantly, choose someone whose presence on the day feels calm, supportive, and aligned with the experience you want.
Because long after the flowers are gone and the day has passed, your photos are what will bring you back.
A Final Reminder
If you take anything from this, let it be this:
You don’t need to do everything at once.
The beginning of wedding planning is not about rushing into decisions. It’s about slowing down, getting clear on what matters, and building your day from a place of intention.
One step at a time.
You’re not behind. You’re just getting started.
If you’re looking for a photographer to document the story of your day then I’d love to connect with you! Get in touch with me here.