So you are engaged! 

CONGRATULATIONS! 

I remember not being able to stop looking at the ring on my finger and thinking “ is this real? Do I actually get to marry the man of my dreams?” 

I was so excited and wanted everyone to know.  It was bliss!

But then, 

We had to plan the wedding…

I opened my laptop and didn’t know where to begin. I was getting married in Kamloops, BC so there were A LOT of options. 

I am the type of person that shuts down when I see something so overwhelming because my brain is like, nope!

BUT 

It is so important to get the ball rolling right away and as early as possible. To help with the overwhelming feeling take wedding planning in small bites, you don’t have to do it all at once.

Here are my go-to tips on where to start planning your wedding.

Venue

Booking your wedding should be on the tip top of your list! There might be a date that you like but if you venue is already booked it unfortunately won’t happen on the day you want. If you are getting married at a venue that doesn’t require booking, like a family farm or your backyard, then you are home free! You can move onto the next point! If you are looking for some recommendations in Fort St. John I have made a wedding directory where you can view all of FSJ’s services. Check it out HERE!

CATERING AND PHOTOGRAPHER

YUP! Food and photos are your next go-to thing. Being a photographer I book a year to 2 years out! If you are looking for tips on how to find your perfect wedding photographer make sure you visit THIS blog I wrote! Also head to my wedding page on my website to see my work! I would love to sere you and your fiance!! As for catering they are the same. They book up pretty fast as they are the next big need at a wedding! 

INVITATIONS AND OTHER BOOKINGS

Once your venue is booked and you have secured food and someone to capture that best day EVER, next on your list is figuring your guest list and who you want to invite. People need lots of notice so even sending out a save the date and then a formal invitation is one way you could do it! Some other bookings you will want to get locked in are make up artist, hairdresser, flowers and wedding dress!

TIMELINE AND DECORATIONS

Your timeline for the day is really important! I am a huge advocate for planning. It helps your creative team know what to expect and also the rest of your family and friends. Just rolling with the flow might seem to be the more chill way to go but honestly on the day it isn’t! If you are needing a timeline example I would be happy to share mine with you, just head over to the CONTACT PAGE and send me a quick email and I’ll get it to you! Since you have your venue booked you can now start planning your decor! Pinterest board ASSEMBLE!

Figuring out wedding planning can be tough BUT you can do it! Honestly! If you are in a bind, feel free to contact me! I have been in the industry for quite a while and I know a few things! I always want brides to be able to be present in the engagement and enjoy this short season of life and not be overwhelmed <3

Happy Planning Girl!!