The Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide
Cut your wedding planning to-do list into easy to manage bite-size tasks, while getting some tips on wedding photography.
Freshly engaged?
Feeling...overwhelmed?
The wedding planning guide is for you if...
Congrats!
don't stress! i'm here to help.
Planning a wedding in New York City is no small feat, and it's okay to not know where to start. But fear not, I'm here to help.
This thorough wedding guide will streamline your planning and ensure all your i's are dotted and your t's are crossed. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by all the decision-making, allow yourself to enjoy each and every step by breaking down your tasks into more manageable steps.
You've got the planning down, now you're just looking for inspiration and other fun miscellaneous ideas for the big day
You're NOT super gung-ho about planning in general (but you really wanna learn to love it), and you're open to opinions
You're looking forward to planning your wedding day, but you're just not sure where to start
Index
welcome to the wedding planning guide
They're not "just pictures."
Your wedding photos are one of the few elements of your wedding day that last beyond cake cutting. It's important that you find a photographer that understands this sentiment.
You'll be shocked at just how quickly your wedding day comes and goes. One minute you're in your room getting ready, then you blink, and the DJ is playing the last song of the night. This wedding guide will (hopefully) give you all the information and confidence you need to have a smooth-running, stress-free day. Whether you have a wedding planner or not.
Let's get started!
I. CREATING A BUDGET
The first step to wedding planning should be creating your ideal budget. Remember to set reasonable expectations, but first I would recommend writing down EVERY idea you have, no matter how grandiose.
Plan your dream wedding on paper, then prioritize your needs vs. wants, this way you can get all of the essential stuff done first and see if you have room to play.
here are some vendors couples have admittedly spent too much on
questions to ask when inquiring with your vendors
Flowers & decor
Makeup & hair
Attire
Invitations
Catering
Is this vendor a boutique business?
What goes into their pricing?
Do they give each couple their full attention?
Do they only take on a certain amount of events per year?
Is there a travel fee?
II. VENDOR RECOMMENDATIONS
Your wedding vendors should be made up of people you trust; people you know have your best interests at heart, as well as a shared vision for your wedding day.
Don't be afraid to ask all of your questions during initial meetings and consultations.
There is a perfect vendor team for everyone, just waiting for you to pop into their inbox.
$50k-$90k
$5k-$20k
$85-$200/head
$6k-$10k
$6k-$10k
$5k-$10k
$3k-$5k
$5k-$15k
$100-$300/person
Venue (full service)
Planning
Catering
Photography
Videography
Florals
DJ
Band
Beauty
Realistic cost of essential wedding vendors (NYC area)
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Battello
Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Bowery Hotel
Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Bryant Park Grill
Chesterwood
Celestine
Crane Club
Frankies 457 Spuntino
The Foundry
Hempstead House
Larchmont Yacht Club
Metropolitan Club
Museum of Arts and Design
Pioneer Farm
Prospect Park Boat House
Public Hotel
Radio Star
River Cafe
SECOND
The Roundhouse
Troutbeck
Wainwright House
Windham Manor
Weylin 1875
The Wythe
VENUES
Alinato Events
All Sett Up
Ani Wolff
BLB Events
Canvas Weddings
Cheers Now Kiss
Gathered East
Events by Ananis
Events by Sheavonne
Joyful Events by Steph
Matthew Robbins Design
Mavinhouse Events
Modern Rebel
Poppy & Lynn
Simply Styled Events
The Privilege Is Mine
Tracy Taylor Ward Design
Whitney Events
PLANNING
The BB Salon
Beaute Plans
Beautified by Em
Beauty Icon NYC
Bridal Artistry Co.
Catherine Cramer
Curled & Contoured
Deanna Abraham Beauty
Dolled up by Dee
Elle B Makeup Team
Gab's Glam
Jenna Apel
Lemondy NYC
Looks by GiGi
The Luminous Bride
Madeline Eleanor
Predame Beauty
Stacie Ford Beauty Co.
Tart Me Up
Two 01 Hair
Vjosa MUA
BEAUTY
A Lily Among Thorns
Ahna Han
Buds of Brooklyn
Fern Botanica
Floral Fantasies by Sara
Floraland Weddings & Events
Hana Floral
Hanato NYC
Ivie Joy Floral Design
Olivia Howard Designs
Starbright NYC
Stefan Floral Decor
Stems Brooklyn
Stemtations
Verde Flowers
FLORALS
Abigail Kirch
Baked NYC
Bakeworks NJ
Cici's Cakery
Dino BBQ
Frankies 457
Empire Cake
Everything Lulu
Fig & Pig
Jillicious Foods
La Tulipe Desserts
Luckybird Bakery
Nine Cakes
Sweet Peace
Wild Flour
CATERING & CAKE
After Hours Ent.
Alex & Amir DJ-Orchestras
Around Town Ent.
Atomic Funk Project
CafÉ Wha?
Dalton Events
DJ Dina Regine
DJ Sam French
Élan Artists
Hank Lane
June Events
J Tucker & the Krewe
Nontraditional Wedding DJs
On The Move Events
Silver Arrow Band
ENTERTAINMENT
A More Perfect Union
Honeybreak Officiants
Once Upon A Vow
Rev Annie NYC
Rev D NYC
Zach Fredman
OFFICIANT
III. PLANNING TIMELINE
12 months to go
11 months to go
10 months to go
Determine your budget, make your guest list, hire a planner, select venue & caterer
Choose colors & theme, determine formality, hire priority vendors (photo/video, entertainment, florist, etc)
One year - 10 months out
Shop for dress/suit, book hotel room blocks, take engagement photos, browse invitations
9 months to go
8 months to go
7 months to go
Buy outfits, send save the dates
Register for gifts, choose wedding party outfits, meet with florists
Plan rehearsal dinner venue, order rentals, book musicians for ceremony, book officiant
9 - 7 months out
6 months to go
5 months to go
4 months to go
Book transportation, plan honeymoon
Choose your cake, pick out wedding bands
Final tasting with caterer, hair & makeup trial
6-4 months out
3 months to go
2 months to go
1 month to go
Order invitation suites, create & plan menu, start writing vows, plan ceremony, meet with officiant, start any DIY items
Send invites, first dress fitting, pick up marriage license, buy wedding party gifts, floral mock-ups, create wedding song playlists
Make sure vendors are paid up to date, create seating chart, venue walk-through, prepare cash tip envelopes, break in heels
3 months - 1 month out
1 week to go
1 day to go
Final dress fitting, pack for honeymoon, give final headcount, finalize vows
Pack small bag of personal/emergency items, pack the car, have dress steamed
1 week - 1 day out
An engagement photoshoot is a great opportunity for you to showcase your relationship and personalities. It’s also a wonderful way to practice in front of the camera in a less formal setting. Your engagement photos should be fun, but picking engagement photo outfits can feel overwhelming. You’ll likely use these photos for save the dates, a wedding website, and countless instagram posts, so you’re going to want to look and feel your best.
From cozy fall and winter outfits, to spring and summer-friendly t-shirts and dresses, read on for all my recommendations and tips.
IV. ENGAGEMENT SESSION
What to Wear
Engagement Outfit Tips
1. Use the location as inspiration
Each couple likely has a place or two that is sentimental and special for them. With each location comes different engagement photo outfit pieces that will complement it. If you’re planning on taking your photos at the beach, you should opt for something that can get wet and sandy.
2. Have an outfit change
A second outfit is great if you're planning on photographing in two different locations. I would at the very least recommend carrying a 2nd pair of comfy shoes, just in case.
3. Accessorize
Whether it’s heirloom jewelry or a versatile new bag/clutch, accessories are a great way to mix up your look. They’re easy enough to slip on and off, so you can opt to have them or not during your photos. It also makes for some great variety/detail photos.
4. Complementary, not matching, outfits
When you and your partner are trying to decide what to wear, your goal shouldn’t be to match. Instead, you should try to complement each other’s outfits. Play with layering, similar textures, and complementary colors (red/magenta & green, yellow & purple, or orange & blue).
5. Take off your apple watch/fitbit
Thank me later.
prepping for your engagement session
location
There is no right or wrong answer to WHERE your engagement photos should be taken. It is tough to choose, especially in New York where there are so many unique spots.
Do you have a favorite spot to go to with your partner?
Is there a location that's especially sentimental or essential to the development of your relationship?
If you don't have any particular places in mind, I'll find a spot for you. A place to make some new memories.
V. wedding ATTIRE
Mr. Ned
Needle & Thread London
Elizabeth Dye
Eton Shirts
Meshki
Anthropologie
Retrofete
Elie Saab
Vera Wang
ASOS
Never Fully Dressed
ASTR The Label
Reformation
Marcella NYC
Amsale
It may seem like there is a "right" or "wrong" way to dress on your wedding day. Let me be the first to say: there isn't.
I'm going to reassure you that there are truly no rules for how to look on your wedding day. Dress however you like. It's your day.
Wear a jumpsuit, a pantsuit. Suspenders. A ballgown, a two-piece dress. Any color you want, any style you want. Heels, sneakers, boots, anything.
Here are some great places to find outfits:
VI.
For Brides & All Who Identify
Try to nail down your getting ready space in advance. Although I'll be prepared for any lighting situation, it helps a lot if it is well lit, has plenty of windows, and has some space to move around freely. Also, I'll make sure any clutter or in-the-way furniture is moved so as to not be eye sores in the photos!
Some things to have ready for your photographer to document: the rings, bouquets, invitation suite, shoes, accessories, etc.
For Grooms & All Who Identify
If you're not getting your hair and makeup done, it may seem like you have much more time to get ready. This is a farce. Carve out some extra time, just in case. Some things to consider:
How to tie a bowtie/tie, finding your matching socks, making sure hair flyaways are tucked away, lax time for games, cigars, portraits, general tomfoolery.
Make sure to have all your details in order for your photographer. I like to capture: buttoning the shirt, tying the tie, putting the jacket on, lacing shoes, etc.
VII. FIRST LOOK
A first look is some time set aside after getting ready before the ceremony where the spouses-to-be get to see each other in their full wedding getup for the first time.
Some also choose to do a first look with a parent, or their wedding party. It can get very emotional (I have cried at all of them).
I always recommend a first look because it allows for a LOT of flexibility in your wedding day timeline. How, you ask?
When you have a first look, this not only gives you the opportunity for solo portraits, but also gives you the opportunity to take all the wedding party and family photos ahead of time. If you're not staying separated the entire time pre-ceremony, it's easy to get everyone together and knock out all the photos so you can enjoy cocktail hour later.
It's all relative, though, as the whole day is dependent on two things: the ceremony time, and the sunset time. Figure those two things out and the rest falls right into place.
a good timeline is everything when it comes to photos.
VIII.
At almost every wedding I have shot and helped with the timeline (maybe 90%), we have been ahead of schedule. This is because I account for about 15-20 minutes extra during each segment of the day. Since I know pretty much exactly how long certain photos will take, I am able to accurately predict the timing for each portion of the day.
For example, let's say the ceremony starts at 4:00 PM, and you want to take formal family photos before it begins. A good time to start photos would be around 2:30 PM. In the timeline, I'll have the photo time carved out between 2:30 - 3:30 PM, giving you 30 minutes to wind down pre-ceremony even if we use the full amount of time. In reality, it will probably only take about 30-45 minutes for these photos ESPECIALLY if everyone is on time!
Another thing to account for: the sunset. We all love golden hour portraits, as this type of light provides super flattering and dynamic shadows and tones. Each time of day presents its own set of unique challenges, though, and I welcome them all.
Getting ready photos
First look
Family photos
Ceremony
Cocktail hour
Golden hour portraits
Reception begins
Dinner / dancing
Cake cutting
More dancing / fun
Exit
1:00
2:30
3:30
5:00
5:30
6:00
6:30
7:30
8:30
9:00
9:30 / 10:00
how a timeline changes is based on how many hours you have booked.
IX. The Ceremony
let's get MARRIED
If your ceremony is outdoors, think about how the light will fall on you during that time. Scout out the area when the lighting is similar -- we usually do this a week before the wedding. If your ceremony is at high noon the sun will be directly above you, casting a harsh shadow under your eyes and nose; you also may be squinting. Keep this in mind!
Some other tips and general info: make sure your officiant scoots away after instructing you to kiss. This ensures a nice, clean final image of your first kiss as newlyweds.
X. family portraits
I've been lucky enough to be able to crank this part out in 40 minutes or less, but it's best to set aside at LEAST one hour for this part. Here are the ways to ensure it runs smoothly:
Have a concise, clear list of your family members/VIPs and their combinations. Have this ready at least 3 weeks prior to your wedding day.
Make sure everyone is on time (or early) and in the pre-determined location. If you have a planner or on-site attendant, they should be in charge of this.
Take the wedding party photos during the getting ready/first look portion of the day in order to save time.
XI. WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS
After prep, you can bring both sides of the wedding party together during your first look and finish the morning/afternoon with a group photo.
Easy peasy!
XII. couple portraits
This portion of the day usually happens around golden hour - the hour right before the sun is fully down. It gives us beautiful golden light, highlighted skin, dynamic shadows, all that good stuff.
If your venue is super spacious, it's best to explore all of that space and take advantage of all our time.
If you'd rather utilize the scenery at a nearby park or if you have a special place in mind, it's very important to account for that (travel time) in the timeline. Don't want anyone missing too much cocktail hour or reception time!
If you don't want to be pressed for time, we can book a separate session just for this part of the day. Like an engagement session, but in full wedding day attire.
XIII. dinner time
hosting THE BEST DINNER PARTY OF YOUR LIFE
Don't go too crazy here (remember: catering is something couples have admitted spending too much $$ on), but keep in mind that this is your chance to have the dinner party of your dreams. Wow your friends and family with a meal they'll never forget, set at a table with thoughtful details and designs.
There's only so much you can take home and save, though. To quote a deeply flawed favorite character of mine, Don Draper: make it simple, but significant.
Arrange for a curated playlist to play while everyone is enjoying their food. I say a playlist and not your already hired musical talent because, well, they have to eat too! Which reminds me: don't. forget. to. feed. your. vendors. Chances are, the last thing we ate was a granola bar or a forkful of hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour.
XIV. reception
party
let's
Here are some fun, miscellaneous things to consider, as well as some important reminders for your reception.
1. You don't have to do the bouquet/garter toss. Don't get pressured into it.
2. Think about the mood you want to set with the music (especially if you're having videography services as well). Are we thinking lots of disco or dance music that echoes Studio 54? Or are you more into jazz? Pop?
3. Pick up some cheap fujifilm FLASH cameras from Walgreens/CVS and leave them on the tables for your guests. Your friends and family can snap photos throughout the night from their perspective, and we'll happily develop the film for you and create some memorable print boxes or an album.
4. Section off a portion of your cocktail hour or reception for games like billiards, cornhole, foosball, etc.
5. Some things that make for GREAT images: smashing piñatas, going swimming, sparklers, etc.
JUST HAVE FUN.
XV. the send off
Send offs are not mandatory, of course. However, if you'd really like it documented BUT you only have your photographer until the first hour of your reception, fake it!
Consider it a test run - but keep it between the wedding party if you don't want everyone thinking the reception is over LOL.
Have someone make a toast and everyone hold their glasses high, throw some rice or lots of itty bitty confetti, get some sparklers, make a grand exit down the stairs, or even jump in the pool/ocean if it's warm enough.
Like I said before: there are no rules.
XVI. after the wedding
Some photographers may wait until the immediate memories of the wedding day fade in order to send the finished photos (1-3 months).
That's nice and all, but I do things a little differently. The entirety of my weekday schedule is (mostly) dedicated to editing. You'll have a small gallery of 30-50 sneak peek images within 12-24 hours, and the full gallery within - or less than - 2-4 weeks.
how to download your gallery
how to print your photos
I use a platform called Pic-Time to send all of my galleries.
The platform enables you to "heart" images you love, so you can quickly access your favorite shots. You are also able to download everything in its original size, watermark-free.
I am always on standby if you need help, plus the customer support on the platform itself is excellent if you have questions!
There is quite an extensive store attached to the gallery that your images live in. In the store, you can choose from a variety of printed products. Including, but not limited to:
Prints (framed, matted, etc.)
Calendars
Fine art albums
Lay-flat albums
Heirloom glass print boxes
+ more
XVII. wedding albums
Don't let your photos stay trapped behind the screen.
An album lets you show off the quality of your images and becomes a tangible heirloom that can be passed down.
With choices from 8x11 glossy-cover magazines, to fine art velvet and suede cover albums, there's a little something for everyone.
Oh, and the gallery platform will even design it for you based on your favorite images. I usually design them all myself, though.
thank you.
I hope this guide gave you a bit of insight of what your wedding day will be like, as well as what it will be like to work with me
You're the reason I get to do what I love, and I can't thank you enough for putting your trust in me to capture this day for you.
