A Step-by-Step Guide to a Stress-Free, Beautiful Wedding

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it can also be an exciting and seamless experience. This guide will take you through the essential steps of wedding planning, from the moment you say “yes” to the final send-off on your wedding day.


12+ Months Before the Wedding: Laying the Foundation

Set Your Budget

Before diving into details, determine how much you’re willing to spend.

Consider:

  • Venue & Catering
  • Photography & Videography
  • Attire & Beauty
  • Decor & Florals
  • Entertainment
  • Stationery
  • Miscellaneous Costs

Tip: Prioritise your must-haves and be flexible with the rest!


Choose a Venue & Set a Date

Venues book up fast! Consider:

  • Indoor vs. Outdoor
  • Seasonal availability
  • Guest accessibility
  • Backup plans for weather

Tip: If you love a venue but it’s out of budget, ask about weekday or off-peak season discounts!


Hire Key Vendors

Start booking vendors early, especially:

  • Photographer & Videographer (like me!)
  • Wedding Planner/Coordinator
  • Celebrant
  • Caterer & Bartender
  • Entertainment (DJ/Band)
  • Florist & Decor Rental


Create a Guest List

Decide on the number of guests that align with your budget and venue size.

  • Start with immediate family and close friends
  • Consider plus-ones and children


Decide on a Theme & Style

Pinterest is great, but focus on what feels authentic to you and your partner.

Consider:

  • Color Palette
  • Aesthetic (romantic, rustic, modern, minimal, etc.)
  • Personal Touches (cultural elements, heirlooms, etc.)


9-12 Months Before: Details Take Shape

Say Yes to the Dress (and Suit!)

Bridal gowns take months to arrive and alter, so start shopping early!

  • Consider style, season, and comfort
  • Don’t forget shoes, accessories, and veil
  • Grooms & wedding party attire should be planned around this timeline too


Book Remaining Vendors

  • Makeup & Hair Artist
  • Cake Designer
  • Transportation


Engagement Photos & Save-the-Dates

  • Schedule an engagement session (perfect for getting comfortable in front of the camera!)
  • Send save-the-dates, especially for destination weddings


6-9 Months Before: The Fun Stuff!

Wedding Website & Invitations

  • Include RSVP options, venue info, and FAQs
  • Order invitations early to allow time for addressing and mailing


Plan the Ceremony & Reception Details

  • Meet with celebrant to discuss vows & ceremony structure
  • Finalise music playlists for key moments
  • Plan seating chart and table decor


Book Accommodations for Guests

  • Reserve room blocks at nearby hotels or Airbnbs
  • Provide guests with transportation details if needed


3-6 Months Before: Finalising Details

Photographic Timeline

  • Meet with Photographer to discuss photographic timeline and structure of the day to create a seamless wedding day timeline


Finalise Attire & Accessories

  • Gown alterations
  • Break in your wedding shoes (Pro Tip!)


Menu Tastings & Cake Design

  • Confirm dietary needs with caterer
  • Choose your signature drinks & dessert options


Plan the Honeymoon


  • Book flights, hotels, and activities
  • Renew passports if necessary


1-3 Months Before: The Final Stretch!

Send Invitations & Track RSVPs

  • Mail out invitations
  • Collect meal choices & final headcount


Plan Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties

  • Assign someone to organise a stress-free celebration


Marriage License & Legalities

  • Apply for your marriage license
  • Confirm name change paperwork if applicable


Create a Wedding Day Emergency Kit

  • Bandaids, fashion tape, safety pins, pain relievers, tissues, and more!

Wedding Day Timeline & Tips

Morning of the Wedding: Getting Ready

  • Start early! Give yourself plenty of time for hair & makeup.
  • Eat a good breakfast. You’ll need the energy!
  • Gather all flat-lay details (rings, invitations, shoes, perfume, vows) for your photographer.
  • Have a relaxing playlist & enjoy the moment with your wedding party.
  • Keep the clutter to a minimum.


Ceremony: The Big Moment

  • Keep tissues handy for those happy tears!
  • Walk slowly down the aisle—soak it all in!
  • Let the emotions flow—your photographer will capture every moment.
  • Hold hands or points of contact during the ceremony.


Post-Ceremony: Aisle exit & Family Photos

  • Plan a ‘Just Married’ Aisle Exit for a joyful, candid moment! Keep smiling!!
  • Ensure a helper organises family members for group shots quickly.


Wedding Party & Bridal Photos: Time to Shine

  • Plan for at least 30-60 minutes for portraits.
  • Make it fun—pack confetti cannons, smoke bombs or champagne.
  • Don't forget to pack snacks and beverages.
  • Golden hour = MAGIC, so I might steal you away for a few extra sunset shots!


Reception: Let’s Party!

  • Have an entrance plan (fun dance? Dramatic walk-in?)
  • Keep speeches short and heartfelt.
  • Do a photo dash with all your guest with your photographer.
  • Enjoy the dance floor—this is your moment!


Final Send-Off & Goodbyes

  • Plan a grand exit (sparklers, bubbles, or even just a group cheer!)
  • Take a moment to breathe & soak it all in before the night ends.


Final Thoughts

Planning your wedding is a journey, but remember—the most important part is marrying the love of your life.


If you’re looking for a photographer who captures every sweet moment in a relaxed, candid, and natural way, let’s chat! I’d love to document your love story in a way that feels real and beautiful.


Happy planning! xx

Emma Reynolds | Black Ochre Photography


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