Just Engaged? Here’s Your First (Real) Step of Wedding Planning
(Hint: It’s Not What You Think)
You’re engaged!
The ring is sparkling on your finger, your social media is flooded with congratulations, and your mind is already wandering to pinterest boards full of dreamy venue photos. But before you fall down the rabbit hole of barn weddings versus beach ceremonies, let’s talk about the real first step of wedding planning – and why it might save your sanity.
Here’s the truth that any veteran wedding vendor knows all too well: Your wedding date isn’t real until your venue is booked. And you can’t book your venue until you know your guest count. And yes, that means starting with the decidedly unsexy task of creating your guest list.
Why I’m Leading With This (Kind of Boring) Truth
I get many calls from excited couples wanting to book me as their photographer, and the conversation often goes like this:
“We’re thinking either April or October… at either this barn venue or possibly the city… for somewhere between 50 and 200 people…”
And I have to be the one to say: “Let’s pause right there!”
Here’s why I care about your guest list (even though I’ll only be photographing a fraction of these people): Everything – and I mean EVERYTHING – flows from this number. Your venue options, your budget, and yes, even when I can photograph your big day.
Think about it: Finding the perfect French Quarter spot only to realize it can’t hold your 200-person guest list is a special kind of heartbreak. So is falling in love with an intimate restaurant space when your families’ combined must-invite list is already at 150.
But Here’s the Good News!
While you’re working on that guest list (which, yes, feels like the world’s least exciting spreadsheet), there are SO many fun things we can do:
1. Let’s Plan Your Engagement Session!
This is the perfect time to get comfortable in front of my camera and create some gorgeous images for your save-the-dates. Plus, you don’t need a wedding date for this!
2. Start Your Visual Planning
As your photographer, I’m OBSESSED with helping you develop your wedding’s visual story. Let’s:
- Create a mood board for your wedding aesthetic
- Play with color palettes (which will help with everything from bridesmaid dresses to florals)
- Start gathering inspiration for your engagement shoot
- Think about locations that match your vibe
3. Pre-Planning for Epic Wedding Photos
We can talk about:
- The best time of day for photos at different types of venues
- What lighting situations to look for when you’re venue hunting
- How different dress styles photograph
- Timeline planning for optimal photo opportunities
The Guest List Reality Check
Okay, back to that spreadsheet for a sec. Here’s my photographer-approved method:
- Make your “must-have” list (besties and close family)
- Get the parental “must-invite” lists
- Create your “would be nice” list
- Add it all up and be honest with yourselves
Trust me – I’ve seen the panic when couples realize their 50-person vintage restaurant venue can’t magically expand to fit 150 people. Better to know your numbers now! I’ve put together a little worksheet that you can download here to help gather your thoughts.
Your Next Steps (In Order of Actually What Makes Sense)
- Celebrate! Pop some bubbly, take some ring selfies (natural light, please! 😉)
- Start that guest list (I know, I know, but trust me)
- Book an engagement session with your photographer (hi!)
- Create your mood board
- THEN start venue hunting with your real numbers in hand
Remember: Getting that “official” wedding date might take a few weeks or even months, and that’s totally okay! This gives us time to plan an amazing engagement shoot and really nail down your wedding vision.
Plus, between us? Those couples who take their time with this first phase always end up with the most authentic, stress-free celebrations. And those make for the best photos. Just saying!
Now, reach out to me so we can start planning that engagement shoot while…we wait for those guest lists to come together