Congratulations! If you’re reading this, you’re probably recently engaged! So exciting and amazing and wonderful and then it hits…where do I start?! I’m going to preface this with I am not a planner, I’ve just been in the industry for a very long time and this is what, in my opinion, couples need to do to get started.

1. Figure out your budget

I knowwwww, this is not the fun part, but you need to figure this out as soon as you can. What’s your max budget over all. Then break it down for each category: Venue, planner, photography, dress, etc. When doing this sit with your partner and prioritize what’s most important to you.

• If you are foodies and that is super important to you – go all in on the food and keep your guest count low.
• Did you find a venue you’re obsessed with and it’s super expensive? Keep your guest count low or get creative. Some venues don’t have a minimum. Some are less expensive for non prime days (think a Thursday or a Sunday). It never hurts to ask and the more you’re able to openly communicate with potential vendors, the better.
• Things I don’t think you should skimp on:
  • Photography – not just because that’s what I do LOL, but because after the reception is over and you put your gown away, all you have of the day is your spouse, your memories and your photos. If you go cheap on this, you will likely regret it.
  • Hair + makeup – ladies, all I wish for you is to feel your best on your wedding day. You deserve to feel like your most incredible self and true professionals will come through and you’ll feel like a celebrity. Not to mention as Michiganders, we live in a very wild climate where we deal with crazy wind, humidity, extreme heat, extreme cold, etc: you want your look to hold up through all of that and I see the ones that do and the ones that don’t. Let me know if you need referrals

2. Find your venues + set a date

This is key before you start reaching out to other vendors. A lot of times, I have couples reach out for pricing but they don’t have a date yet and then when they circle back with their date, I’m already booked. Alternatively, If there are vendors you absolutely cannot have your day without, find out a few date options from your venue(s) and as that vendor which of those dates they’re free. This happens quite a bit with couples contacting me.

2.1. Extra side tip: If you have the budget, hire a planner. Are you super busy with work or grad school? Are you not the best at organization? Are you just someone who never thought much about planning a wedding and would rather have someone walk you through it and do all the things? Look into a planner. There are all different levels, but minimally I’d find a month of coordinator. They help with making sure you have everything you need, and help with the logistics leading up to a day of

3. Research, contact + meet with vendors

The key here is research. A lot. Read the reviews, check the FB bride groups (there’s even one called Michigan Displeased Brides where brides share incidences where they were scammed or they had major issues with vendors), ask your friends who they had great experiences with and who they didn’t. Pick your top few and hop on a call to see if you vibe with them. Vibe checks are particularly important with photographers, planners and djs since you will be interacting with them most on your wedding day.

3.1. Communicate:

Is there a vendor you’re obsessed with but is out of your budget? If I’ve learned anything in my life it that it never hurts to ask. Is a photographer’s base package of 8 hours over your budget? Ask them to quote you for 6 or 7. Remember quality over quantity. Not to mention if we really vibe with you, we don’t want to lose you over $200.

4. Ok now go on a date! Remember why you’re doing all of this – you get to marry your favorite person in the world. You did all the things, now take a deep breath, give each other a high 5 and celebrate each other.

Oh! One more bonus tip:

If you’re looking at a planner/coordinator and aren’t sure you need one because there’s a coordinator at your venue. Venue coordinators and Event coordinators are not the same thing. Let me say it one more time for the people in the back: Venue coordinators and event coordinators are NOT the same.

The job of a venue coordinator is to coordinate and advocate for the venue. They handle their staff, handle timing if they have onsite catering, assist you with the bridal/groom suites, etc. Event coordinators are hired by you and handle anything you need. At least the good ones do. Help with vendor logistics, set up signs/decor, move decor pieces from ceremony to reception. They handle any issue you have with vendors, usually have a sewing kit on hand, tissues or a snack. They keep the flow of the day going and make sure everything goes off perfectly and on time. I’ve seen couples be disappointed thinking venue coordinators do everything an event coordinator does, so please make sure you understand the difference.

How to start wedding planning

Check out more wedding planning tips:

Detroit Elopement Ideas from a Detroit Wedding Photographer

5 Tips for perfect wedding reception photos