Congratulations on your engagement! This is one of the most exciting times in your life, filled with love, joy, and anticipation. But as the excitement settles, you might start to feel a bit overwhelmed by the many tasks of planning your dream wedding. I’ve created this guide to help ease the stress of getting started with wedding planning!

Couple embracing on the beach on the oregon coast, celebrating their engagement — *Couples engagement session at the beach during sunset on the oregon coast - shot on Portra 400 film*

As someone who is married, has been a bridesmaid, a wedding guest, and a full-time wedding professional for 4+ years, I have a very diverse and well-rounded perspective in the world of weddings. Trust me when I say - I’m here to help you enjoy this special chapter of life!

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Couples Beach Engagement Session on the Oregon Coast

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of finding and getting started with a wedding planner, calculating your wedding budget, and understanding the true value of hiring a planner. I’ll also share a "Getting Started: 5-Step Plan" to help you get organized and start the planning process with ease!

Hiring a professional Wedding Planner

Wedding planners do more than schedule appointments and negotiate contracts. They are your trusted partner, your creative collaborator, your logistical mastermind and wedding day miracle worker. Hiring a professional wedding planner is IMPERATIVE to you enjoying your wedding day as well as the months leading up to it.

Wedding planners have extensive experience and industry knowledge. They know the best venues, trusted vendors, and creative solutions to potential challenges.
Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially with busy schedules. A planner takes on the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on what matters most — celebrating your love. Most of the time, they are putting out fires (literally and figuratively) without you even knowing.
It’s very easy to get carried away with budget when planning a wedding - Planners help you allocate your budget wisely, ensuring you get the best value for your investment. They likely have a network of vendors they work closely with that is willing to make your budget work - just for who your planner is. THIS IS AN UNDERRATED PERK TO HIRING A PLANNER!
From finding the right florist to finalizing catering, wedding planners save you countless hours of research and meetings. On average, planners spend anywhere between 50-200 to plan a wedding, with full-service planners potentially dedicating closer to 400-500 hours per client depending on the complexity of the wedding. Just let that sink in.
You really can’t put a price on how valuable it is to fully enjoy your wedding day. On your wedding day, your planner ensures everything runs smoothly, so you can relax and enjoy all the magic moments that will unfold on your wedding day.

Couples engagement photoshoot on the oregon coast, photo of diamond ring on gold band.

How to Calculate Your Wedding Budget

One of the first steps in wedding planning is determining your budget. According to recent data, the average cost of a wedding in 2025 is approximately $35,000. However, this can vary widely depending on location, guest count, and priorities.

Couple holding hands on the beach during sunset with the ocean in the background — *Couples engagement session at the beach on the Oregon coast during sunset - shot on Portra 400 film*

5 Steps to Calculate Your Wedding Budget:

Set a Total Budget Discuss finances with your partner and family to determine the total amount you’re comfortable spending.
Allocate by Percentage Divide your budget into categories. Here’s a typical breakdown:

Venue and Catering: 40%
Photography and Videography: 15%
Decor and Florals: 10%
Attire: 10%
Entertainment: 10%
Planner: 8%
Miscellaneous: 7%

Factor in Guest Count The more guests you invite, the higher your costs will be. Decide on an approximate guest count early on.
Prioritize Your Must-Haves Identify what’s most important to you (e.g., a specific venue, luxury photography, gourmet catering) and allocate more funds accordingly.
Leave Room for Extras Set aside 5-10% of your budget for unexpected expenses or last-minute upgrades.

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Couples Engagement Session on the Oregon Coast

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Timeline for Booking Wedding Vendors and Milestones

Booking your vendors in the right order ensures you secure the best professionals for your big day. Here’s the ideal timeline:

Wedding Planner (12-18 months before): Your planner will help guide the rest of the process.
Venue (12-18 months before): Venues book up quickly, so prioritize this early.
Photographer/Videographer (9-12 months before): Secure your dream team to capture your day.
Caterer (9-12 months before): Often tied to the venue, so book early.
Florist (8-10 months before): For personalized designs, earlier is better.
Entertainment (8-10 months before): Book bands or DJs to match your style.
Stationery Designer (6-8 months before): Invitations and save-the-dates need lead time.
Hair and Makeup Artists (6-8 months before): Popular artists book up quickly.
Wedding Cake (6-8 months before): Ensure your favorite baker is available.
Rentals/Decor (4-6 months before): Include any specialty items not provided by the venue.

Couples engagement session on the beach during sunset on the oregon coast, couple walking towards camera from the ocean — *Couples engagement session at the beach on the Oregon coast during sunset - shot on Portra 400 film*

When to Buy Wedding Attire

Wedding Dress: Begin shopping 9-12 months before your wedding. Allow time for alterations, which can take several months.
Suits/Tuxedos: Start shopping 4-6 months before the wedding, especially for custom designs.

When to Mail Save-the-Dates and Invitations

Save-the-Dates: Mail these 6-8 months before the wedding, especially for destination weddings.
Invitations: Send invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding.

**How to Enjoy the Planning Process**

Planning a wedding should be a joyful experience. Here are tips to make the journey more enjoyable:
**Celebrate Milestones**: Toast to securing your venue, finding your dress, or finalizing your guest list.
**Take Breaks**: Plan non-wedding-related date nights to recharge and stay connected.
**Involve Your Partner**: Share tasks and decision-making to make the process collaborative.
**Trust Your Vendors**: Once you’ve hired professionals, trust them to do their jobs.
**Stay Organized**: Use planning tools or apps to keep everything on track.
**Remember the Purpose**: Focus on the love and commitment you’re celebrating rather than striving for perfection.

Getting Started: 5-Step Plan to Hiring a Wedding Planner

Couple hugging and kissing after proposal - she said yes! Proposal on the beach on the oregon coast during sunset.

Before you begin searching for a planner, take time to envision your wedding day. Consider:
- Style: Modern, rustic, classic, or bohemian?
- Venue: Indoor or outdoor? Local or destination?
- Size: Intimate gathering or grand celebration?
Look for planners who specialize in weddings that align with your style and budget. Read reviews, browse portfolios, and ask for recommendations.
Meet with 2-3 planners to discuss your vision, budget, and expectations. Use this time to gauge their professionalism, creativity, and compatibility with your personality.
After consultations, most planners will provide a proposal outlining their services and fees. Compare these proposals to find the best fit.
Once you’ve chosen your planner, review the contract carefully before signing. Ensure all services and terms are clearly outlined.

My Wedding Planner Recommendations

This year I made it a requirement that any couple who books me to photograph their wedding must have a wedding planner. I’ve seen firsthand, one too many times the significance it has when one is not present. The most important thing to me, as a wedding professional, is that YOU FULLY ENJOY YOUR WEDDING DAY. It’s my responsibility to make sure you are set up for success diving into this special chapter of life - it all starts with hiring a planner.

Arizona Weddings: Dashing Event Co | Copper Blossom Events | Revel Weddings | Bloom and Blueprint

Oregon Weddings: Kelsey Timberlake | Caitlin McDonald Events | Krystle Clear Events | Your Perfect Bridesmaid

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