There’s something incredibly special about that first quiet moment after the proposal, the overwhelming joy, the rush of “We’re really doing this,” and the gentle sense that a whole new chapter just opened in front of you. If you’re newly engaged and wondering what comes next, you’re not alone. This season is full of couples asking the same questions, which is why I put together a warm, practical Guide to Wedding Planning to help you breathe, settle in, and take those first steps with confidence. Whether you’re dreaming of a church wedding, a garden ceremony, or something completely your own, this guide is designed to meet you right where you are!
Guide to Wedding Planning: Start by Simply Being Engaged
Before you jump into timelines and venues and spreadsheets, give yourself permission to just be engaged. It’s such a brief, meaningful season, don’t rush past it. Let yourself enjoy telling the story, calling your families, replaying the proposal in your mind, and soaking in all the love coming your way. There’s no rule that says you must immediately pick a date or know the vision for your day. Start here, stay present, and let the excitement settle in naturally.
Guide to Wedding Planning: Have the “Real Talk” Budget Conversation
This step isn’t glamorous, but it will shape every decision moving forward. Sit down together and talk about what matters most to you both, what your non-negotiables are, and what a realistic budget looks like. Do you imagine a high-end venue or church that comes with a bigger price tag? Or would you rather keep the venue simple and put your investment toward florals, your media team, or a planner?
And yes, if you’re hiring a full-service planner, they’re typically the first vendor you book, sometimes even before the venue and the date. A good planner can help stretch and prioritize your budget so it actually reflects what you care about most. While you’re talking numbers, remember that your guest list has the biggest influence on your overall budget. Feeding, seating, and hosting more people multiplies costs quickly, which is why so many couples start here when building out their plans!
A Quick Look at When to Book Each Vendor
Every couple’s timeline looks different, but here’s a helpful general order for reaching out to wedding pros:
- Planner: 12–18+ months out (first person you contact if using one)
- Venue & Ceremony Location: 12–18 months out
- Photography & Videography: 8–16 months out
- Catholic Weddings: Photographers often book 4–12 months out since engagements tend to be shorter
- Florals: 6–12 months out
- DJ/Entertainment: 6–12 months out
- Catering: 6–12 months out
- Hair & Makeup: 4–8 months out
- Invitations/Stationery: 4–6 months out
You don’t need to have every detail figured out, you just need a starting place. And once you have a planner or venue in place, everything else begins to fall into a natural order!
Let’s Talk About This Philbrook Proposal
If you’re dreaming about proposing, or being proposed to, somewhere beautiful in Tulsa, the Philbrook Museum of Art is one of the most iconic spots in the city. This particular proposal happened at 1 p.m. in JULY, and yes… it was very hot, but the moment was still pure magic. Her best friend convinced her she was doing “friend photos” with her senior photographer, and they met in the gardens where the surprise unfolded. It was emotional, elegant, and the sweetest transition into their engagement session. If you’re considering proposing at Philbrook, or want help planning the perfect moment, let’s talk, it’s one of my favorite places to photograph.
Ready to Take the Next Step? Let’s Chat! Book me as Your Tulsa Wedding Photographer!
Wherever you are in this newly-engaged haze, excited, overwhelmed, or a little of both, you don’t have to navigate this season alone. If you’re dreaming up a wedding day that feels intentional, emotional, and beautifully true to the two of you, I would love to help tell that story. Head to my contact page so we can chat about the ideas you have! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!!
