Now let’s be real for a minute.. we’ve all been planning our wedding since we were little but we didn’t realize just how much we had to plan and how much our dream Pinterest wedding would (shocked face) cost.. am I right??
Well if you’re already feeling overwhelmed and are not even sure where to start then read below for your Wedding Planning Workflow- it’s everything you need to plan with a helpful timeline! Happy planning!
1. GET ENGAGED! (Check!):
Let the wedding planning begin! Start looking for a wedding planner now if you plan to have one, they can help with anything and everything!
2. Guest List:
Creating a guest list right from the start is a good way to determine how big or small of a venue you will need. It will help you narrow down your search later on! Tip: about 80% of guests invited will attend.
3. Budget:
Yes, the dreaded budget.. you’ll need to know pretty early on how much you are willing/able to spend and where the funds will be coming from. It will save some stress and headaches later! Tip: According to “The Knot 2016 Real Wedding Study”, the national average cost for a wedding is $35,329 and 2017 will most likely be more.
4. The Venue:
The venue is one of the first big things you need to mark off your list. It sets the tone for the entire wedding and you can’t very well hire vendors without a date!
5. The Dress:
Chances are you won’t buy the first dress you see and it will probably need some alterations. Dress shop early to accommodate for fittings so you have your dress in plenty of time!
6. Music:
Reserve a DJ for you ceremony, cocktails and reception. Music can really make or break the party.
7. Photography and Video:
Find a photographer (and videographer if you want one) that fits your style and you will work well with. The book up fast so make sure to reach out well in advance!
8. Engagement Photos:
Your wedding photographer will most likely do your engagement photos as well so hop in front of the lens, you might use photos for your save-the-date!
9. Stationery:
Start to plan out your save-the-dates as well as your invitations. They are the first thing your guests see and get them excited about your big day! They can take awhile to design, print, and assemble and ship though so plan early. Tip: Want to know when to send save-the dates and invitations? See my “When Do I Send My Wedding Invitations” blog post!
10. Book Your Honeymoon:
Book your honeymoon early to make sure you are getting the best deal!
11. Flowers:
Choose a florist that represents your style and your budget.
12. Cake:
If if you are not going with a traditional cake you will still want some form of dessert for you guests. Pick a bakery that fits your style and budget but don’t forget to check with your venue before booking! Sometimes they only allow certain food vendors.
13. The Rings:
A lot of rings are custom made so make sure you order in time to accommodate!
14. Hair and Makeup:
Having someone on hand to do your hair and makeup with take a lot of stress off your during the big day. Sit back, relax, and be pampered!
15. Transportation:
You may need transportation especially if your ceremony and reception are in 2 different locations. Look into limos and party busses for mass transportation!
16. Decor:
Chairs, linens, signs, and favors, oh my! Be careful this is where things really start to add up. (Thankfully you already did your budget though “wink, wink”)
17. Live Happily Ever After:
Enjoy your honeymoon and the joy of finally being married!
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- Emma H.
"110% recommend Lisa Marie Cason for all your photography needs. Her photos are so gorgeous - they’re bright, airy, and just flat out perfect! She did our engagement photos and they are stunning and cannot wait to have her do our wedding photos as well. She has very reasonable pricing for amazing quality photos!"
"110% recommend Lisa"
- samantha b.
"Lisa did our wedding invitations and the turned out perfect! I literally had no idea what goes into wedding invites and she walked us through it and answered all of our questions. Unfortunately we had to postpone due to COVID but you bet we will be meeting with her again for new invites for our new date!"
"She made it so easy!"
- katie r.
"We are so incredibly happy with the engagement session that we had with Lisa! Not only did the pictures come out more beautifully than we could have imagined, Lisa was truly professional and made us feel comfortable, special, and celebrated. I highly recommend her services!"
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- Rachel e.
"We used Lisa for our invitations, day of items, welcome sign, seating charts and everything in between! She was unbelievably talented and prompt timing. We could not be more thankful and pleased with everything!!!"
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- BRITTANY H.
"Lisa was very professional throughout our whole experience! She sent friendly reminders and thank yous after our session. Our pictures came out wonderful and she worked well with our two boys! Thank you Lisa!"
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"Lisa is nothing short of amazing! She has made birthday invites, a ring dish, and now has done family photos! She makes everything stress free and is wonderful to work with! I can’t wait to work with her again!"
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"Lisa did our maternity pictures and we loved how they turned out! Lisa is very easy to work with - professional, responsive, and has a quick turn around time. I would recommend her to anyone! Thanks again, Lisa!"
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"We hired Lisa for our invitations. She was so accommodating and never kept us waiting. Her response time was almost always same day! We had our invitations very quickly and they are PERFECT!"
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- jayme a.
"Lisa did our wedding invites, charity cards given out at the reception as well as our thank you cards. We had requested somewhat of a non traditional design for the invites and she really came through with an awesome design! We loved them all and received many compliments! She also had a very quick turn around time even though we were very last minute in ordering."
"We loved them all!"
- stephanie e.
"I have known Lisa for years! She is one of my best friends and I found it only fitting for her to capture my maternity photos. She did a session for us in 2016 and then when I found out I was pregnant again I already knew she was the one to do another maternity session for us in 2017. She is really great at what she does and always captures amazing photos and picks wonderful locations! I love having these memories to look back on! I would recommend her to anyone!"
"She is really great at what she does!"
