Top 3 wedding planning tips from a wedding photographer

YYou’re getting married — congrats! 🥂 Now the real fun begins (and by fun, I mean the spreadsheets, guest lists, Pinterest boards, and more group texts than you ever thought possible).

I know wedding planning comes with so many ups and downs — I’ve been there, done that, and bought the monogrammed tote. So, to make things a little smoother, here are a few tried-and-true tips to help you plan your dream day without losing your mind in the process.

1. Identify Your Top Priorities, Then Set Your Budget

No couple has an infinite budget (unless your last name happens to be Rockefeller). That’s why establishing your true priorities first is a game-changer.

Before you dive into the nitty-gritty of costs, sit down together and ask: What matters most to us on this day? Maybe it’s having a packed dance floor. Maybe it’s dreamy photos that will hang on your walls for decades. Maybe it’s grandma’s famous cake recipe.

Once you know your top 2-3 priorities, use that list to guide where your dollars go. For example, at my own wedding, our big priorities were:

• Music (because nothing kills a vibe faster than an empty dance floor),
• Photography (obviously — memories matter!), and
• A meaningful ceremony.

We happily invested in those areas, and scaled back where it mattered less to us (hello, DIY centerpieces). When you focus on your version of meaningful, it’s easier to create a day that truly feels like you.

2. Use Instagram Like a Pro to Find Vendors

Yes, Instagram is still one of the best tools for wedding planning. Not only can you get visual inspo, but you can also uncover trusted local vendors with a few taps.

Pro tip: when you’re checking out your dream venue’s feed, click on individual photos and see which vendors they’ve tagged. Venues often collaborate with great florists, DJs, planners, and (yes!) Kansas City wedding photographers. If you see a consistent name popping up — that’s someone worth researching.

Also, don’t be afraid to DM a vendor and ask for recommendations. The wedding industry is super connected and most of us LOVE referring fellow pros we trust. You’ll get a personal recommendation you won’t find in a Google ad.

3. Sketch Out Your Day-of Timeline Early

You do not need a perfect timeline the second you get engaged. But starting to think about flow early will save you a lot of stress later.

Here are a few key questions to start asking:

• Do we want a first look, or do we want to see each other at the aisle?
• Are formal family portraits important to us? If so, when should they happen?
• Do we want exit photos (sparklers, confetti, glow sticks)?
• How much buffer time do we need to truly enjoy the day (hint: always more than you think)?

As a Kansas City wedding photographer, I help every one of my couples nail their timeline down to the minute. If you want to dive deeper, check out my post on detailed post of tips and tricks for planning your wedding day timeline. Trust me — a thoughtful timeline is the secret sauce to a relaxed, joy-filled wedding day.

Final Thought: Plan Well, But Leave Room for Magic

Planning ahead is smart — but remember, the best moments of your wedding won’t always be on the timeline. They’ll be the unplanned glances, the spontaneous hugs, and the way your new spouse looks at you when the world fades away for a second.

So plan wisely, but leave room for joy. And if you need a photographer who can help organize the chaos and capture those unforgettable in-between moments, I’d love to chat.

Still building your dream team of vendors? If you want a photographer who can help you plan smarter and photograph the moments you’ll never want to forget — I’m here for it. Let’s talk about your big day! Message me to see if your date is open!