Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life, but it can also feel overwhelming. As a wedding photographer who has been part of countless beautiful celebrations, I've learned a few things that can help make your wedding journey smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s my biggest piece of advice for all 2025 brides.

Set a Budget and Create a Vision

One of the most important things you can do early on is to set a budget and create a clear vision for your day. Decide what matters most to you—whether it’s the venue, the dress, the flowers, or the photography—and allocate your budget accordingly. Let your priorities guide your spending, so you don’t find yourself stretched thin over details that don’t truly matter to you. Beyond the financial aspects, remember to savor this special time. You’ll only be a bride once, so embrace every moment, from the engagement to the wedding day. If things start to feel overwhelming, delegate tasks. Use your vendors as resources—they’re there to help, and your support system will carry you through.

Make a Plan and Stick to It

This past year, I’ve seen many Type A brides thrive by creating a detailed plan—and I love it because I’m the same way! When you have a clear plan, you’re more likely to stay on track and avoid last-minute stress. Start by setting out a timeline for everything that needs to be done, and tackle the larger tasks early on. This will give you more breathing room in the final months, so you can fully enjoy the fun events like bachelorette parties and bridal showers, knowing that everything else is taken care of.

Choosing the Right Photographer

When it comes to booking a wedding photographer for 2025, one crucial tip is to ask to see a full gallery from a recent wedding. Remember, your photographer will be capturing the biggest day of your life, and these photos will be your main way of remembering it. Make sure you love their editing style, color choices, and storytelling approach. Instagram feeds are just a small glimpse of what a photographer can do, so it’s essential to see their work in its entirety before making a decision.

Content Creation: To Hire or Not to Hire?

Deciding whether to invest in a day-of content creator or leave it to your photography and videography team is another big decision. It really depends on what you value most. If you love short-form content that feels like a sweet, personal home video, an iPhone clip might be perfect for you. On the other hand, if you want a cinematic, movie-like feel, a videographer can bring that to life beautifully. Both options are amazing, and some photographers, like myself at SDP, even offer content creation services at an hourly rate. Make sure to ask about these options when you inquire!

Finding Your Perfect Photographer Match

Finally, one of the best ways to ensure you’re choosing the right photographer is to have a conversation with them. Schedule a call and see if your personalities click. It’s important that you feel comfortable with your photographer since they’ll be by your side throughout the day. Ask them what they love to capture, and even ask to see photos they’ve taken in their personal life. This can give you insight into what they value in their work and whether your visions align

Planning a wedding can be one the best experiences ever, and with the right approach, you can make it a joyful and memorable experience. Keep these tips in mind as you prepare for your big day, and you’ll be well on your way to creating the wedding of your dreams.

And if you’re looking to find a wedding photographer who just gets it, I’m your girl!

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