First of all-congratulations 🤍

Being newly engaged is such a short, beautiful season. It’s full of excitement, late-night chats, happy tears, and that quiet moment where you look at each other and think, we’re really doing this.

And then… once the messages slow down and the celebrations fade, reality gently taps you on the shoulder.

When you’re planning your wedding day, it can quickly feel overwhelming. Suddenly you’re making decisions about everything. Whether you decide to hire a wedding planner or take on most of the planning yourselves, there’s no denying it, planning a wedding isn’t a small task.

So let’s slow it down a little. Here are a few grounding, practical tips to help you move forward together, without losing sight of why you’re doing this in the first place.

1. Set your priorities, Together

Before you book anything, sit down with your partner and make a list.

Create two columns each:

• Vendors or elements you won’t compromise on
• Things you’d love to have, but aren’t essential

Then come together and talk through your lists.

Some of the bigger vendors often include:

• Venue
• Wedding attire
• Media (photography, videography, content creator)
• Catering
• Flowers

Some of the more flexible or “nice to have” items might be:

• Invitations & stationery
• Wedding signage (welcome signs, seating charts, menus, place cards)
• Styling details
• Favours

This list will look different for every couple, and that’s exactly the point. There’s no right or wrong, only what matters most to you. Making these decisions together early on sets the tone for the rest of your planning.

And yes, I’ll always gently advocate for photography. Not just because I’m a couples photographer, but because photography is the one vendor that quietly ties everything together, capturing every single decision you made, every detail you poured thought into, and the way your day felt.

2. Start booking your key vendors early

Once your priorities are clear, begin booking your bigger vendors.

Locking these in early gives you something incredibly valuable: clarity.

Your venue shapes the flow of the day. Your photographer helps guide the timeline. Catering influences the atmosphere. Once these pieces are in place, the rest of the planning feels far less abstract, your wedding day starts to take shape in a way that feels real and manageable.

It also reduces stress. Popular vendors book out quickly, especially in Sydney and across NSW, and securing them early gives you peace of mind as you move forward.

3. Keep everything in one shared place

Organisation doesn’t have to be complicated.

Create a shared space where both of you can access everything:

• Google Drive
• A shared Notes folder on your iPhone
• An Excel or Google Sheet

Store contracts, invoices, contact details, inspiration and timelines there. This way, if something slips your mind (which happens, life is busy), you’re not relying on memory or becoming the go-between.

Planning feels lighter when you’re carrying it together.

4. Share your vendors’ details with each other

This is one that often gets overlooked, but makes a huge difference.

Allow your vendors to have each other’s contact details.

From my perspective as a wedding photographer, having access to other vendors-planners, celebrants, coordinators, videographers- helps the day run smoothly without you needing to step in.

Your wedding day isn’t about managing schedules or answering questions. It’s about being present, relaxed, and enjoying each other. Let your team support you.

Planning a wedding is a lot, but it’s also the beginning of something deeply meaningful. Not just a day, but a marriage you continue to choose, nurture, and celebrate through every season, especially after life changes and kids come along.

I hope this found you helpful, grounding, and reassuring as you take your next steps 🤍

And if at any point you want your story captured in a way that feels natural, unforced, and truly you, I’d love to hear from you.

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