Tips from a Dothan Wedding Photographer
First of all- congratulations! If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re staring down at your ring every five minutes and smiling until your cheeks hurt. And honestly? Enjoy that feeling. This season goes by fast, and it’s worth soaking in every second.
As a Dothan wedding photographer, I get to walk alongside couples from the early planning days all the way to the moment they say “I do.” Over the years I’ve learned which early steps make wedding planning feel exciting… and which ones tend to make it stressful. So today, I’m sharing the simple, confidence-boosting steps I recommend taking right after you get engaged.
Think of this as your gentle, photographer-approved guide to getting started.
1. Celebrate! (Yes, This Is Step One)
Before you book anything, buy anything, or worry about a timeline, take time to celebrate. Go on a date. Call your people. Share the news. Enjoy being fiancés!
This is such a sweet chapter; don’t rush past it.
2. Talk About Your Vision Together
This doesn’t have to be a full plan. Just sit down and dream a little.
Ask each other things like:
- Do we want a big wedding or something small?
- Indoor or outdoor?
- Local or destination?
- Formal, casual, or somewhere in between?
Having a shared vision early on keeps the rest of the planning grounded and peaceful.
3. Choose a Budget Range
I know, talking about money isn’t glamorous. But setting a realistic budget early helps you prioritize what matters most.
Think about:
- What vendors are most important to you
- How many guests you want to invite (every vendor you contact will want to know a tentative guest count)
- Whether family members are helping financially
A solid budget gives you direction and confidence as you plan.
4. Pick a Venue (This One Comes Early!)
Your venue sets the tone for everything; your date, your style, your vendor availability, and even the flow of your timeline. Dothan has so many beautiful options, from elegant ballrooms to outdoor estates, and they all book up quickly.
Once you choose your venue, everything else begins to fall into place.
5. Hire Your Key Vendors- Starting With Photography
Your photographer, planner, and sometimes your videographer are the vendors that book the fastest. If there’s someone you love, reach out early!
As a Dothan wedding photographer, I always recommend booking photography soon after securing your venue and date. Your photographer will be with you all day, helping guide the timeline, calm nerves, and capture the memories you’ll keep forever. Choose someone whose work and personality you truly connect with.
6. Build a Simple Planning Timeline
This doesn’t need to be detailed yet.
Just sketch out:
- When you want to take engagement photos
- When you need to send save-the-dates
- When to choose vendors like florals, catering, and music
- When dress shopping will begin
A rough timeline keeps everything from sneaking up on you later.
7. Start Gathering Inspiration (But Keep It Fun!)
Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding blogs are amazing tools, but they can also overwhelm you fast. Gather the images that make you feel excited, not stressed.
Save ideas for:
- Colors
- Florals
- Ceremony layout
- Bridal party style
- Photography vibes
This helps you communicate your vision clearly to your vendors.
8. Enjoy the Journey
Wedding planning is a process with lots of moving parts, but it should also be full of joy. Keep reminding yourself what this season is really about- building a life with your favorite person.
Ready to Start Planning Your Wedding in Dothan?
If you’re newly engaged and planning your day, I’d love to help walk you through the photography side of things with ease and excitement. From picking the perfect engagement session location to building a stress-free timeline, I’m here to make the process feel simple and joyful.
Reach out anytime! Contact me here; check out my pricing here!
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