Wedding Diaries
Welcome to DOP+CO!
We’re a passionate photography team of five, dedicated to capturing the magic of weddings for over twelve years. With experience from intimate elopements in the mountains to grand celebrations with 400+ guests, we've had the privilege of documenting love stories in breathtaking locations—from serene backyards to the stunning Moroccan desert.
Through these incredible experiences, we’ve gathered valuable insights to share with you, our soon-to-be brides and grooms. While there’s no one “right way” to plan your special day, our advice is rooted in years of experience and a deep understanding of what makes a wedding truly unforgettable.Join us as we explore the nuances of wedding planning, from choosing the perfect venue to capturing those candid moments that make your day unique. Let’s make your wedding vision a reality together!
So, let’s get into how to plan your wedding.
STEP 1
research & create a vision
Planning your wedding can be one of the simplest yet most intricate tasks you’ll undertake. Throughout your life, you’ve likely envisioned your special day countless times. Whether it’s a fairytale castle wedding or an elegant celebration in a chic downtown high-rise, every vision holds its charm.Now that the time has come to plan your dream wedding, we encourage you and your partner to sit down and detail exactly what your big day will look like. Consider everything from the wedding theme, color palette, and floral arrangements to the type of venue and the music that will set the mood.Imagine the laughter, love, and those unforgettable moments that will make your wedding day truly special. This is your opportunity to craft a celebration that reflects your unique love story and style. So, let your imagination soar as you embark on this exciting journey of wedding planning!
Here is a
list to break it down some of the key aspects to consider
Who is at your wedding, how many people? Are you thinking of a small intimate
gathering or a large wedding?
Where are you getting married? Church, venue, mountains, beach…
do you have a budget in mind ? do you have a limit on what you can and want to spend ?
What time of year is it? Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring
Step 2
The guest list
Creating a guest list for your wedding can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some important things to keep in mind. The more guests you invite, the less time you'll have to spend with each of them—and even with your spouse. Focus on those who truly matter to you and consider the kind of time you want to share with your loved ones.
Remember, it’s perfectly okay to let go of the obligation to invite certain people. Whether or not you choose to allow plus-ones is entirely up to you! Your wedding day is a celebration of you and your partner, so surround yourselves with those who make you feel loved and supported. Whether your guest list is small and intimate or larger in scale, you have full control over who you want to be part of your big day.Here’s a useful tip we share with our clients when navigating their guest list: ask yourself if you could comfortably spend an intimate evening at home with each potential guest. If the answer is yes, they’re likely a great fit for your final list! Keep in mind that the number of guests will also influence your venue selection and, of course, your overall budget.
Step 3
CREATING A BUDGET
Setting a budget is often considered the least enjoyable part of wedding planning, but it’s a crucial foundation for your big day. Understanding your financial parameters will help you navigate the many decisions ahead. It’s important to set a realistic budget for your new family, as this will guide your next steps and ensure you stay on track.
You might wonder why budget-setting isn’t step number two in the planning process. The answer lies in the significant differences in costs associated with various guest counts. For instance, a wedding with 120 guests will have a very different breakdown of expenses compared to an intimate gathering of just 20. Consider the costs of catering, alcohol, decor, and essential elements like seating, tables, dinnerware, utensils, napkins, and linens—these can add up quickly!
The venue you choose also plays a major role in your budget. For example, a community hall may provide tables, chairs, and dining utensils, keeping costs down. On the other hand, an upscale wedding venue might offer these items as part of their package or charge extra for them. If your guest list is small enough, you might even consider a classic restaurant option, where you only need to cover a food cap fee!
If you're seeking more detailed information and cost breakdowns for your wedding, stay tuned for our upcoming guides! We’re here to help you make informed choices that align with your vision and budget
HEres a brief price breakdown below for
these basic rental items.
20 guest
120 guest
Chair rental 5.00/chair = $600
8 person table 17.50/table =$332.50
White polymer basic table cloth 19.50 =$370.50
Napkin 1.50/napkin = $180
Dinner fork/ .33 = $39.60
Dinner knife .33 =39.60
Teaspoon .33 =39.60
Wine glass .75 =$90
Water goblet .53 =63.60
Dinner plate .85 =$102
Dessert plate .94 =$112.80
Salt shaker /1.00 =$19
Pepper shaker /1.00 =$19
Total: $2, 008.2
Chair rental 5.00/chair = $100
8 person table 17.50/table =$52.50
White polymer basic table cloth 19.50=$58.50
Napkin 1.50/napkin = $30
Dinner fork/ .33 = $6.60
Dinner knife .33 =6.60
Teaspoon .33 =6.60
Wine glass .75 =$15
Water goblet .53 =10.60
Dinner plate .85 =$17
Dessert plate .94 =$18.80
Salt shaker /1.00 =$3
Pepper shaker /1.00 =$3
Total: $328.20
Step 4
Vendor search
First and foremost, the most crucial vendor you will select is your wedding venue. After all, you can’t have a wedding without a place to host it! This part of the planning process can be exciting and allows you to think outside the box. With your vision for the big day already curated, you have a clear direction for finding your perfect venue.
Consider exploring various options, such as all-in-one wedding venues, community halls, dedicated ceremony spaces, and even restaurants. Once you’ve chosen your venue and secured a date, it’s time to start building your vendor list.
While we may be a bit biased, we believe that your next priority should be your wedding photographer. Photographers can book up to two years in advance, so if you have your heart set on a specific one, it’s wise to check their availability before finalizing your venue. This way, you can ensure there’s an open weekend that works for both! Stay tuned for our next volume of Wedding Diaries, where we’ll dive into how to choose the perfect wedding photographer.
Next up is food! If you’re hiring a caterer, take the time to explore your options, read reviews, and reach out to those that pique your interest. Remember, there are still many more vendors to hire for your wedding, and we’ll list them all below.
Our best advice? Do your homework on each vendor! Read reviews, look at their work, and ensure you genuinely love what they offer. If you find yourself feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to wedding vendors you’ve already hired; they often have fantastic recommendations based on their industry experience!
Vendor list
- Hair
- Makeup
- Wedding Attire
- Jeweler
- Rentals
- DJ or Live entertainment
- Catering
- Photography (not to be biased but….. we are really great)
- Videography (in case you didn’t know, we offer that too!)
- Bartending
- Wedding Planner/Coordinator
- Florist
- Baker/ Wedding Cake Designer
- Ceremony Officiant
- Transportation Company
Step 5
Pulling The trigger
choose your wedding date! it's time to bring your vision to life! If you've contacted potential vendors during any of the previous steps, you may have a narrowed-down the selection based on their availability. Alternatively, if you've picked a date that feels right for you and your partner, it's time to start booking those essential vendors.
To ensure your dream wedding unfolds seamlessly, prioritize booking these five key vendors first. These professionals tend to fill their schedules quickly, so securing them well in advance is vital for a successful event. Remember, if you hire a wedding planner, they can assist you in coordinating all your vendor bookings, making the process much smoother.
If you're considering a small, intimate wedding or an elopement, be sure to check out our sister company, Doaw. They specialize in tailored planning services to meet all your unique needs! Start your wedding planning journey today and turn your dream celebration into reality!
-Venue
-Photographer/videographer
-Caterer
-Dj/band
-Wedding Planner (if having one)
step 6
Say yes to the dress!
When it comes to wedding planning, one of the most exciting steps is finding the perfect bridal gown. Bridal stores typically recommend starting your dress shopping at least nine months in advance. This timeline is crucial, as many dresses can take six months or more to arrive from the manufacturer.Starting early not only gives you ample time to explore different styles and designers but also allows for any necessary alterations. In future issues of Wedding Diaries, we’ll dive deeper into how to choose the right dress for your unique style and body type, ensuring you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.
Stay tuned for expert tips and advice to help you navigate the wonderful world of bridal fashion!
Step 7
fill in the blanks
Now it’s time to complete your vendor lineup! In Step 5, we discussed the five main vendors you should book as soon as possible, as they tend to fill up quickly. The next group of vendors is equally important, with a bit more flexibility in their availability. Here are the key vendors to consider next in your wedding planning:
- hair & makeup
- florist
-Suit rentals
- Baker
- Bartender
- event rentals (napkins, table covers, chairs etc)
-Transportation (if needed)
-Offciant
By addressing these essential vendors, you’ll be well on your way to planning a beautiful and memorable wedding day!
step 8
book your Engagement shoot
An engagement shoot is a wonderful way to celebrate your upcoming wedding and capture your love story in a beautiful way. Not only does it allow you to create stunning images, but it also helps you get comfortable in front of the camera before your big day.
Step 9
The 9 month checklist
As you approach the final months leading up to your wedding, it’s essential to stay organized and focused. Here’s a detailed checklist to ensure you’ve covered all the crucial tasks in your wedding planning:
-Order and send out your save-the-date cards.
- Design and Order Invitations
-Finalize Vendor Bookings, ensure that all your key vendors are booked, including:
~Photographer: Confirm the timeline and discuss any specific shots you want.
~Caterer: Finalize the menu and discuss logistics for the day.
~Florist: Confirm floral arrangements and delivery times.
~Entertainment
-Confirm Hair and Makeup Appointments
-Coordinate with Your Officiant
-Create a Catering Timeline
ensure that all essential tasks are completed well in advance of your big day. Staying organized and proactive will help you enjoy a stress-free lead-up to your wedding celebration!
STep 10
-Order Invitations
- Finalize Decor
-Check in with Vendors
-Plan Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties
-Organize the Bridal Shower
- Schedule a Date Night with Your Partner
Amidst the wedding planning, it’s easy to overlook what truly matters. Schedule a special date night with your partner to reconnect and enjoy quality time together. This evening is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect before becoming husband and wife.
6 month checklist
With your wedding day just six months away, it’s time to embrace the excitement! Theres not much to do if you stay organized and it will make the journey more enjoyable. Here’s a brief checklist of important tasks to tackle, ensuring everything runs smoothly over the last few months of wedding planning
By focusing on these key tasks six months before your wedding, you’ll stay organized and create meaningful experiences together. Enjoy this exciting journey and let the love shine through as you prepare for your special day!
Step 11
3 month checkin
Three months before your wedding is the perfect time to finalize key details and ensure everything runs smoothly. Start by confirming vendor contracts—check in with your photographer, caterer, florist, and other essential wedding service providers to ensure everything is on track. Finalize your guest list and send out wedding invitations early to give your guests plenty of time to RSVP. Schedule bridal dress fittings to make sure your wedding attire fits perfectly. Don’t forget to create a detailed wedding day timeline and share it with your vendors and bridal party. In addition, if you’re using a wedding website or planning a custom website for your special day, make sure to review and update the site with all your final event details, registry information, and guest accommodations.
Step 12
The final steps / 3 weeks before
For more detailed information on every step of your wedding planning journey, be sure to stay updated with our Wedding Diaries series! We’ll guide you through each stage, from the first "yes" to the final celebration.
Three weeks before your wedding is crunch time! By now, most of the big details should be in place, but it’s time to double-check everything. Confirm final numbers with your caterer, florist, and any other vendors, ensuring that everyone is on the same page for timing and logistics. Touch base with your wedding coordinator, if you have one, to finalize the schedule and make any last-minute adjustments. Review your wedding website to ensure all event details, directions, and RSVP info are up to date. If you haven’t already, prepare and distribute a wedding day timeline to your bridal party and vendors. Now’s also the time to start thinking about small but important details like transportation, welcome bags, and any final beauty treatments. Make sure your wedding attire is ready for pick-up and schedule a final fitting. Above all, try to stay relaxed and focused—your dream wedding is almost here!
Until next time, happy planning!