Your Essential Wedding Planning Checklist

First off—congratulations on your engagement! 🎉 This is such an exciting season, but it can also feel overwhelming when you’re staring down the big question: “Now what? Where do I even start?” Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a checklist of the first five things you should do after getting engaged to keep you on track and stress-free.

1. DECIDE WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU (AND SET YOUR BUDGET)

Before you start looking at venues, vendors, or Pinterest boards, the very first step is to decide what truly matters most to you on your wedding day. Is it the venue? The photography? The florals? The guest experience?Once you’ve determined your top priorities, set a realistic wedding budget. This helps you avoid wasting time touring venues or meeting with vendors who are out of reach, while also giving you clarity on where it’s okay to save.

2. CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING DATE (OR AT LEAST A SEASON)

Most vendors won’t be able to book you until you’ve locked in a wedding date. That doesn’t mean you need an exact day just yet—but you should have a general timeline in mind. For example, are you dreaming of a romantic spring wedding? Or maybe a cozy fall celebration in September?

Having at least a season chosen makes it easier to move forward with securing vendors.

3. BOOK YOUR VENUE (THEY FILL UP FAST!)

Your wedding venue is one of the very first things you need to book, since it sets the tone for the rest of your day and often fills up quickly. Touring venues gives you the chance to picture your day and see if it aligns with your vision and budget.

If you’re planning a DFW wedding, here are a few gorgeous venues to kickstart your search:

- The Barn at Paradise Place

- Azle Deer Cove

- The Big White Barn

- Hidden Acres

Remember—if the venue is your number one priority, don’t waste time touring places that don’t match your vision.

4. SECURE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER (AND VIDEOGRAPHER)

After the venue, one of the most important vendors you’ll book is your wedding photographer—and videographer, if that’s part of your vision. Photos are one of the only tangible keepsakes you’ll have long after the day is over, so finding the right fit matters.
I always meet with my couples before their engagement session or wedding day to make sure we’re a great match. This gives you peace of mind, ensures you’re comfortable, and helps avoid the risk of booking someone you can’t connect with. (Trust me, being able to laugh and feel natural with your photographer makes ALL the difference in your photos!)

5. SAY YES TO THE DRESS 

Finding your wedding dress is another step you don’t want to put off. Depending on where you shop, dresses can take months to arrive and then need additional time for alterations.You may need to try on several styles before finding the one, so give yourself plenty of time to shop. If you’re looking for a quicker turnaround in DFW, small boutiques like Only You Bridal in Colleyville often have faster options.

THE REST CAN WAIT A LITTLE LONGER

Once those five big things are checked off your list, the rest of the details—like caterers, bridal party outfits, florals, décor, and your grand exit—can come together as your date gets closer.

READY TO START PLANNING YOUR DREAM WEDDING?

Your engagement season should be full of excitement, not stress. If you’re looking for a DFW wedding photographer who will walk with you every step of the way, capture your love story beautifully, and help make this process easier—let’s chat!

Contact me today to start planning your engagement session and wedding photography experience.

You're Engaged! Now What?