You’re engaged, Where do you start?

First I would like to congratulate you on your engagement! I know it can be a really overwhelming time so here are some great starting points when it comes to wedding planning.

Collin and Tori’s Lakeside Engagement Session.

Choose your location

One of the first important choices to make is your location. This sets the entire tone for your day, whether that’s something classic and architectural, soft and natural, or a mix of both. In Chicago, you have so many beautiful options, from the city skyline and lakefront to quiet gardens and historic venues. Think about what feels most like you as a couple, because your location is what will bring your photos and your overall experience to life.

Set your budget

Setting your budget is one of the next important steps, and it helps guide all of your decisions moving forward. Think about what matters most to you and where you want to invest.

Every wedding looks a little different, so there’s no right or wrong way to allocate your budget. Having a clear range early on will make planning feel much more manageable and help you make decisions with confidence as everything starts to come together.

Book your venue

Once you have a general budget and idea of location, booking your venue is one of the biggest steps. Your venue often determines your date, guest count, and overall flow of the day. Many venues book out well in advance, especially during peak seasons, so it’s a good idea to start touring and reaching out early. Finding a space that fits both your vision and your priorities will make the rest of the planning process feel much more straightforward.

Hire your key vendors

Once your venue is booked, the next step is hiring your key vendors. These are the people who will help bring your day to life and keep everything running smoothly. This often includes your planner, photographer, and any other vendors that are important to your vision.

Many of these vendors book out well in advance, especially during peak wedding seasons, so it’s a good idea to start reaching out early. Take your time to find people whose work you love and who you feel comfortable with, as they’ll be a big part of your experience throughout the planning process and on your wedding day.

Start your guest list

Starting your guest list early can make a big difference as you continue planning. Your guest count will impact your venue, budget, and overall flow of the day. It doesn’t have to be finalized right away, but having a general idea will help guide your decisions moving forward. Think about the people who matter most to you and who you truly want to share the day with.

Choose your date

Once you have a location, venue, and a general idea of your guest count, choosing your date becomes much easier. Think about the season, the overall feel you want for your day, and what works best for your schedule. Keep in mind that popular dates can book quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons, so having a few flexible options can be helpful as you finalize your plans.