Navigating Your Wedding Journey: Top 3 Tips for Brides in 2024

Planning a wedding is an exciting journey filled with anticipation and joy, but it can also be super overwhelming!! As a 2024 bride and wedding photographer, I’ve experienced the joy of being engaged from the perspective of both client and vendor. I made some mistakes along the way and want to share some tips so that YOU can enjoy your engagement and wedding planning. From researching vendors to prioritizing tasks and nurturing personal growth, here are my top three wedding tips for brides in 2024.

Tip 1: Research and Prepare Questions Before Meeting with Vendors
Choosing the right vendors can significantly impact the success of your wedding day. Whether it’s the florist, photographer, or caterer, each vendor plays a crucial role in bringing your vision to life. To make the most of your vendor meetings, take the time to research potential candidates and prepare a list of questions in advance.

Start by browsing online reviews and portfolios to gauge the quality of their work and level of professionalism. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, reach out to schedule meetings or consultations. Use this opportunity to ask specific questions about their experience, pricing, and availability. Don’t hesitate to inquire about customization options or request samples to ensure they align with your vision.

I have found that certain vendors, caterers and venues especially, can take a few business days to respond. It’s completely understandable on their end! They have so many emails to respond to and so much work goes into every wedding package. I would have saved myself a LOT of time by thoroughly researching their services and preparing my questions before meetings, rather than back and forth emails as questions popped up.

Tip 2: Make a To-Do List in Order of Priority
With so many tasks to juggle during the wedding planning process, organization is key to staying on track and minimizing stress. One strategy that significantly decreases the overwhelm is to create a comprehensive to-do list and prioritize tasks based on their importance and timeline. Book those big vendors (venue, photographer, caterer, DJ) as soon as you can.

Start by outlining major milestones such as booking the venue, selecting a wedding date, and securing key vendors. Once these foundational elements are in place, break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps and assign deadlines to each. Consider using digital planning tools or apps to keep your to-do list accessible and easily editable.

As you work through your checklist, don’t forget to celebrate your progress along the way. Crossing items off your list not only provides a sense of accomplishment but also keeps you motivated to tackle the next task with enthusiasm.

Tip 3: Finish Your Engagement Season Strong!
Amidst the whirlwind of wedding planning, it’s important to savor the final moments of your engagement season and cherish the relationships that matter most. Take the time to nurture friendships and maintain connections with loved ones who have supported you throughout your journey.

Gather your girlfriends for bonding activities such as bridal showers, bachelorette parties, or simply a girls’ night in. You are preparing to enter a beautiful new season of marriage. Celebrate and grow in friendship with your mentors and girlfriends.

Take stock of your goals and aspirations as you prepare to embark on this new chapter as a wife. Invest in self-development and self-reflection, reading, praying, and meditating on the vows you are about to make to your husband. Remember that your wedding is just the beginning of a beautiful journey.

As brides prepare to say “I do” in 2024, these tips serve as a few things I wish someone had told me when beginning the wedding planning journey. By researching vendors, prioritizing tasks, and embracing the final moments of their engagement season, brides can create a celebration that reflects their unique love story and sets the stage for a lifetime of love and faithfulness.