First of all, congratulations on your engagement! That's so exciting! Before you dive headfirst into planning your wedding, take a deep breath and enjoy the moment and being engaged to your person!
Now... here are some things to consider when you are beginning to plan your wedding.
Consider when you would like to be married. Are you set on a Fall or Spring wedding? Do you want winter elegance? Or perhaps the late sunsets and heat of summer?
Consider your guest list. How many are you inviting? How many do you think will attend? Particularly if you are doing a destination wedding or your guests have to fly in to wherever you are are getting married.
Consider your personal style. Are you a classic, modern couple? Is a Western, barn wedding more your style? Do you want a big Cathedral wedding or a small woodsy elopement? Really consider who and what you want at your wedding. It doesn't have to be the traditional wedding. What matters is that you do you and that your wedding is true to you both as a couple. Your wedding day is simply the start to a beautiful marriage.
What is your budget? Your budget could be small, or it could be a luxury wedding budget. Knowing how much you want to spend and sticking to it is what matters during budgeting.
Next... Here are the vendors that you need to book first after your engagement.
Wedding Planner (if you are hiring one!) : A planner can help you narrow down your budget. They can help with venue tours and recommendations on venues and other vendors that would best fit your budget and your style.
Wedding Venue : More popular venues book out over a year in advance especially during the busy seasons of Fall and Spring. You can potentially save some money by booking your venue in an "off season" if you don't mind the heat of summer or dead of winter. It's also sometimes cheaper to book your venue for a Monday through Thursday rather than a weekend.
Wedding Photographer and Videographer : Mariah is currently booked out approximately 10-12 months in advance. If you would like Wynkoop Photography to capture your wedding day in 2024 going forward now is the time to reach out! Click the "Let's Chat" button below. Mariah currently doesn't offer videography but will have some recommendations for you!
Florist : If you have an elaborate floral design for your wedding (centerpieces, arches, bouquets, aisle pieces, installments in the ceiling, banisters, etc.), book your florist quickly. The really great ones are
booked far in advance.
Other vendors that may book up quickly.
DJ - Cold sparklers, Marquee Signs, Fog Machine (depending on the DJ)
Hair and Makeup Artist
Desserts - Cakes, Pies, Doughnuts
Catering
Day of Coordinator (if you didn't hire a full planner)
Invitation Suites and Signs
Rental Companies - Chairs, tables, linens, Marquee signs
Balloon Arches
Photobooth Company
Getaway Car/Horse and Carriage
Transportation (if necessary)
If there is a particular vendor that you absolutely want at your wedding, it's better to reach out sooner rather than later in your wedding planning process. If you would love me (Mariah) to photograph your wedding day, I'd love to hear from you so click the button below! *Other vendor recommendations for Tulsa and Oklahoma weddings coming soon*
Mariah is the owner and photographer behind Wynkoop Photography. She lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her husband, toddler son and Goldendoodle. Though she is based in northeastern Oklahoma, she travels all over the state and the US capturing your love story wherever it takes you. She is an avid traveler with weddings in Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and Colorado coming up and would love to photograph your wedding wherever it may be. Click the blue button above to reach out!