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How to Plan a Wedding Step by Step – Wedding Planning Guide for Newly Engaged Couples

Getting engaged is one of the most exciting moments of your life. One minute you’re staring at your ring in disbelief, the next you’re realizing… wait, we’re actually planning a wedding. Take a deep breath. Wedding planning doesn’t have to be stressful, overwhelming, or chaotic. With the right plan, the right mindset, and the right vendors, it can be joyful, intentional, and unforgettable.

This guide is your full wedding planning roadmap, from the moment you say “YES!” all the way to walking down the aisle. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement, a chic city wedding, or a full-scale celebration with everyone you love, this post will help you plan with confidence.

Step 1: Soak It In First (Yes, This Matters)

Before you jump into spreadsheets and Pinterest boards, give yourself time to celebrate the engagement. This season goes fast.

  • Celebrate with family and friends

  • Take engagement photos

  • Announce your engagement your way (social media, private calls, or both)

  • Start envisioning what you actually want—not what everyone else expects

Your wedding should reflect your love story, not trends or pressure.

Step 2: Decide What Kind of Wedding You’re Planning

Before choosing colors or venues, get clear on the type of wedding you want.

Ask yourselves:

  • Do we want a big wedding or something intimate?

  • Are we thinking traditional, modern, destination, or elopement?

  • Indoor, outdoor, or a mix?

  • Local or travel wedding?

This clarity will guide every decision that follows.

Step 3: Set a Realistic Wedding Budget

Your budget is your foundation. Once you know your number, everything becomes easier.

Key Budget Categories:

  • Venue

  • Photography & videography

  • Catering & bar

  • Attire (wedding dress, suit, alterations)

  • Florals & décor

  • Music & entertainment

  • Planner or coordinator

  • Rentals

  • Stationery & invitations

  • Hair & makeup

  • Marriage license & officiant

  • Travel & accommodations

  • Honeymoon

Pro Tip: Prioritize what matters most to you. For many couples, photography is at the top, because when the day is over, your photos are what you’ll have forever.

Step 4: Create a Wedding Timeline

A timeline keeps you organized and stress-free.

12–18 Months Before:

  • Set budget

  • Choose wedding date(s)

  • Book venue

  • Hire wedding photographer

  • Start guest list

9–12 Months Before:

  • Book planner or coordinator

  • Book caterer, DJ/band, florist

  • Dress shopping begins

  • Plan engagement shoot

6–9 Months Before:

  • Send save-the-dates

  • Finalize décor vision

  • Book hair & makeup

  • Book rentals

3–6 Months Before:

  • Send invitations

  • Order wedding bands

  • Final dress fitting

  • Finalize timeline with vendors

1–2 Months Before:

  • Confirm vendors

  • Create seating chart

  • Final payments

  • Marriage license

Wedding Week:

  • Relax

  • Hydrate

  • Trust your vendors

  • Enjoy every moment

Step 5: Book Your Venue Early

Your venue determines:

  • Your wedding date

  • Guest count

  • Overall aesthetic

  • Logistics and flow

Whether it’s a luxury venue in Atlanta, a backyard wedding, or a destination location, book early, especially for popular dates.

How to Plan Your Dream Wedding

Step 6: Hire Your Wedding Photographer (This Is a Big One)

Your photographer does more than take pictures. They:

  • Capture your love story

  • Preserve emotional moments

  • Help guide the timeline

  • Document details you may forget

When choosing a photographer, look beyond pretty photos. Ask:

  • Do we feel comfortable with them?

  • Do they understand our vision?

  • Can they guide us if we’re nervous in front of the camera?

  • Do they capture real emotion, not just poses?

This is where CK Wedding Photography comes in.

We specialize in:

  • Romantic, timeless wedding photography

  • Authentic moments + beautiful details

  • Couples who want to feel comfortable and confident

  • Atlanta weddings + destination travel

And yes ALL of our wedding packages include FREE engagement photos.

BOOK US HERE

Step 7: Plan Your Engagement Session

Engagement photos are more than cute pictures.

They help you:

  • Get comfortable in front of the camera

  • Build trust with your photographer

  • Use photos for save-the-dates, wedding websites, and décor

Choose outfits that feel like you, pick a meaningful location, and treat it like a fun date.

Step 8: Choose Your Wedding Style & Vision

This is where Pinterest comes in, but with intention.

Decide on:

  • Color palette

  • Overall vibe (romantic, modern, classic, boho, luxury)

  • Floral style

  • Lighting (candles, chandeliers, string lights)

  • Tablescapes

Create a mood board, not a million ideas.

Step 9: Build Your Dream Vendor Team

Your vendors set the tone for your experience.

Key vendors include:

  • Photographer

  • Videographer

  • Planner or coordinator

  • Caterer

  • Florist

  • DJ or band

  • Hair & makeup

  • Officiant

 Choose vendors who feel like partners, not just service providers.

Step 10: Say Yes to the Dress (and the Suit!)

Start shopping early. Alterations take time.

  • Bring trusted people

  • Be open-minded

  • Stay within budget

  • Remember comfort matters

Your outfit should make you feel confident, beautiful, and like yourself.

Step 11: Finalize the Guest Experience

Think beyond just the ceremony.

Consider:

  • Welcome signs

  • Guest favors

  • Seating comfort

  • Food & drink flow

  • Music energy

  • Timeline pacing

A great wedding feels effortless for guests—but it’s carefully planned behind the scenes.

Step 12: Create a Solid Wedding Day Timeline

A smooth timeline means:

  • Less stress

  • Better photos

  • More time to enjoy your day

Your photographer will help build a timeline that allows space for:

  • Getting ready moments

  • First looks

  • Family portraits

  • Golden hour photos

  • Reception fun

This is why hiring experienced photographers matters.

Step 13: Take Care of Yourselves

Wedding planning is exciting, but life still exists.

  • Rest

  • Eat well

  • Communicate openly

  • Protect your peace

  • Don’t compare your wedding to others

The goal is a beautiful marriage, not just a beautiful day.

Step 14: The Wedding Day, Be Present

On your wedding day:

  • Trust your vendors

  • Let go of control

  • Stay present

  • Laugh

  • Cry

  • Dance

  • Soak it all in

You’ll never experience this day again, but your photos will bring you back to it forever.

How to Plan Your Dream Wedding

Why Couples Choose CK Wedding Photography

At CK Wedding Photography, we believe your wedding photos should feel like you.

We’re known for:

  • Capturing real emotions

  • Making couples feel comfortable and confident

  • Timeless, elegant imagery

  • Storytelling from start to finish

📍 Based in Atlanta, Georgia
✈️ Available for travel
💍 FREE engagement session included with every wedding package

Whether you’re planning:

  • An intimate elopement

  • A classic Atlanta wedding

  • A luxury destination celebration

We’re here to capture every moment, every detail, every emotion. 

BOOK US HERE

Ready to Start Planning?

Your love story deserves to be documented beautifully.

✨ Now booking 2026 & 2027 weddings
✨ Atlanta-based & destination-friendly
✨ FREE engagement photos with every package

Click HERE Contact CK Wedding Photography today to book your wedding photographer and secure your date.

Let’s create timeless memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

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