If I had a dollar for every time a bride nervously laughed and said, “I don’t know, I’ve never done this before,” when I ask what kind of wedding they’re envisioning—I’d probably be sipping coffee on a porch in Santorini right now. But in all seriousness, that phrase is the reason I wanted to write this blog post.
Planning a wedding can feel like stepping into a world with its own language, rules, and Pinterest boards full of perfectly styled dreams. And if you don’t know where to begin, that’s okay. You’re not supposed to be an expert. But as someone who’s photographed more weddings than I can count, I’ve picked up on a few patterns that might help ease the overwhelm. This is your soft place to land—a beginner’s guide to the very first steps of wedding planning.
What Kind of Wedding Do You Actually Want?
Let’s start with the big picture. Ask yourself these questions and just go with your gut:
• Do you want a traditional wedding, micro wedding, elopement, or a destination wedding/elopement?
• How many guests do you envision? 200? 50? Just the two of you and a mountain view?
• Are you dreaming of a multi-day experience with welcome parties and farewell brunches, or something simple and quick?
• Do you want to keep it personal and intimate, or invite everyone you love and celebrate big?
• Is your goal to create deep, quiet memories together, or to throw the best party of your life?
The answers to these questions will guide everything else—from your budget to your venue to the kind of photographer that will best capture your day.
Set Your Budget (It Doesn’t Have to Be Scary)
Once you’ve got a rough idea of the type of day you want, it’s time to talk numbers. You don’t need exact figures right away. Just start with a general range you’re comfortable with. Then, get quotes from vendors you’re interested in. Most vendors are happy to walk you through what your investment includes, and many offer packages that scale up or down depending on your needs.
Pro tip: prioritize what matters most to you. For some couples, it’s the photos (hi! 👋). For others, it’s the food, the flowers, or the band. Your budget is a reflection of your values, not a one-size-fits-all checklist.
Make a Mood Board — Yes, Really
Pinterest, Instagram, and even screenshots from wedding blogs or your favorite movies can help you start building a mood board.
Ask yourself:
• What color palettes draw you in?
• Do you like soft and romantic, dark and moody, or bright and bold?
• Are you drawn to wild, organic florals or clean and classic arrangements?
• Do you lean toward modern minimalism, whimsical garden party, or vintage elegance?
Having a visual reference will help you communicate clearly with your vendors (and prevent decision fatigue later on). Not only that but the wedding coordinator, decorator and florist will also want to see your mood board or any inso you have saved.
Find Wedding Venues That Match Your Vibe
Once you have a vision, start looking for venues that support it. Think beyond just availability—does the space align with your mood board? If you’re dreaming of whimsical florals and organic details, a botanical garden or historic home might be perfect. If you love earthy tones and rugged views, maybe an outdoor venue or mountain lodge speaks to your soul. Create a list of top contenders, and keep your guest count in mind to make sure the space feels right.
Choose a Wedding Photographer You Trust
Photography is so much more than showing up with a camera. It’s how your memories will be preserved forever.
When looking for a photographer, consider:
• Editing style – Do you like warm tones, true-to-color edits, film-inspired softness?
• Shooting style – Do you want someone who’s documentary-style and unobtrusive, or someone who offers more direction and guidance?
• Personality & vibe – You’ll spend so much time with your photographer. Make sure you like them!
• Reviews & consistency – Check out full galleries, not just Instagram highlights. Look for consistency across different lighting conditions and moments. Don’t be afraid to schedule a call or FaceTime—it’s a great way to see if the connection feels natural.
Wedding Florists That Fit Your Vision
Once your mood board is coming together, look for florists who align with it. Are you swooning over funky, colorful blooms and modern shapes? Or are you in love with soft, traditional arrangements? Check their portfolio and Instagram. A florist’s aesthetic shines through in their work, and the right one will make your vision come to life (and then some).
You Don’t Have to Know It All — Just Start
Planning a wedding doesn’t require you to have all the answers on day one. It’s okay to figure things out as you go. It’s okay to change your mind. And it’s more than okay to ask for help. So if you’ve found yourself thinking, “I don’t know, I’ve never done this before,” just know: you’re not alone. That’s where the magic starts—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
And when you’re ready to talk about photos? You know where to find me. 💛