My 5 step guide to the first few months of wedding planning...
so You said yes...Firstly congratulations on your engagement! this is such an exciting time for you both with the anticipation of not just wedding planning but planning the rest of your lives together. You must now be thinking... what next? As a wedding photographer i see so many couples from the very early stages of their wedding planning. Im here to provide you with some guidance on the first 5 steps to take as you begin your journey.
Step 1: Breath, get excited and enjoy the moment.
The absolute first thing you need to do is to take a moment to soak it all in! Surprise your your closest family and friends with the news before announcing it on social media. This is such a big moment in your life, and it deserves to be celebrated in style. Some couples choose to host a small engagement party or dinner to mark the occasion. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a bigger bash, this is the perfect way to share your excitement with loved ones.
You may also consider marking the occasion with an engagement photography session. This would not only give you beautiful memories to mark your engagement, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera and potentially connect with a wedding photographer you may wish to use for your wedding day. These photos can also be used for save-the-dates or displayed at your wedding. If you’re based in or around Cambridgeshire, you may wish to search for local photographers who specialise in your preferred wedding photography style and who can suggest some beautiful local locations for your engagement shoot. If you are not sure what sort of style you would like yet, then Pinterest or Instagram is a perfect place to start to explore. It is so important to connect with a photographer who understands your vision and preferred style as they can really help you throughout your wedding panning process.
Step 2: Set a wedding budget
Deciding your wedding budget early will help you to shape most of your major wedding decisions, from the venue to the guest list. Sit down with your fiancé to discuss what you can realistically budget and spend. Remember that your wedding day is about you and your relationship. Some of the most beautiful weddings I have photographed have been ones that the couple have decided to spend a little as possible and made completely about them.
Be sure to prioritise what matters most to you — whether it’s an unforgettable venue, stunning photography, or a small intimate elopement. Once you’ve set a budget, consider breaking it down into categories such as venue, catering, photography, wedding attire.
A good wedding planning book or spreadsheet can also help you track expenses and stay on budget. Many planning books can offer detailed worksheets and tips for managing costs, which can be especially helpful for newly engaged couples. Remember to allocate a portion of your budget for unexpected expenses, as these can add up quickly.
TOP TIP
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and do not know where to start, consider consulting a wedding planner. They can provide insights into cost-effective solutions and help you make the most of your budget. For couples in Cambridgeshire, there are plenty of experienced planners who specialise in local weddings and venues to help start your planning journey.
Step 3: Start thinking about wedding venues
Pictured: Holmewood Hall located near to Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
Wedding venues can book up fast, especially for popular summer dates, so start exploring your options early. Consider what type of setting matches your vision: a rustic barn, an elegant manor house, or a fun city space. If you’re in Cambridgeshire, there are plenty of beautiful venues to choose from, ranging from countryside estates to beautiful barns. For example, venues like Holmewood Hall and South Farm offer picturesque backdrops for your special day. I am lucky to be able to photograph some of the most beautiful venues in the area and would love to give you a list of my favourite local venues.
When visiting potential wedding venues, think about the logistics and your priorities for the day. How many guests can the space accommodate? Is there a backup plan for bad weather if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony? What’s included in the rental fee? Asking these questions upfront will help you avoid surprises later.
It’s also worth considering the location’s proximity to accommodation and transport links for out-of-town guests. A venue that’s easy to access can make a big difference for your friends and family traveling from further away.
Step 4: Hire your wedding photographer
After booking your venue and securing your wedding date the next important decision will be to book your wedding photographer. As a wedding photographer based in Cambridgeshire, I know how busy we can get, especially in the summer and autumn months so it is essential that you book early to avoid disappointment. Your wedding photographer will play a key role in preserving your memories of the day, so take your time finding someone who matches your style and personality. Look for photographers who love to capture natural and candid moments or if you prefer an editorial edgy style with lots of posing and flash then there are many photographers to choose from. It is crucial that you review their portfolios, read testimonials, and don’t hesitate to ask questions to ensure they’re the right fit – for example I offer every couple who enquire a no obligation introductory call to help determine whether we are the right fit. You can discover my portfolio here.
Top Tip
Choosing a photographer local to you or your venue has so many benefits – for example, many will offer an engagement session with a certain mileage of them. There will also be less risk should adverse weather affect your wedding day. There are so many amazing photographers in Cambridgeshire so there will be plenty of choice whatever your preferred style.
Step 5: Start your wedding planning early
Once you have planned and booked the essentials such as your budget, venue, and photographer, it’s time to start building a wedding planning timeline. This will help you stay on track with your bookings and help you budget accordingly.
This may include booking vendors, sending save-the-dates, and planning some fun and exciting moments for your wedding day. Some couples may find that hiring a wedding planner helps streamline the process, but even a simple checklist or a comprehensive wedding planning book can keep you organised and reduce stress.
To make the planning process enjoyable and to make sure that it does not consume your life for the whole planning process (as it will at times feel like a second full time job), set aside regular wedding planning dates or specific times every week with your partner that you can dedicate to wedding planning. These sessions can be a fun way to tackle tasks together while enjoying a glass of wine or your favourite meal.
If you’re planning a wedding in Peterborough or the wider Cambridgeshire area, don’t hesitate to use local resources. Many venues and vendors have extensive experience with how to create an amazing wedding in the area and can offer valuable advice on creating an unforgettable day.
Final Thoughts...
Getting engaged is just the start of your journey to planning your dream wedding. Take the time to enjoy and celebrate this moment with your fiancé and family. Once the time comes to start planning your wedding day, enjoy the process and set aside time to dedicate to planning keeping the rest of the time to do the things that matter the most to you.
Enjoy every second of venue hunting, cake tasting and wedding dress shopping. Remember to take every step at a time and plan the perfect timeline so that you don’t fall behind, particularly on key decisions like venue and photography.
Reach out to local Cambridgeshire wedding vendors such as myself or planner who can help you with any questions or guidance. If you are ready to take the step and book your engagement or wedding photographer, then please drop me a message. I would to discuss all things wedding planning and hopefully book you in for an engagement shoot so you can start to share some incredible images of you together.
