Tips For Planning An Amazing Wedding Day
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming. We’ve created a comprehensive guide to assist brides-to-be. It includes tips, insights into current trends, and advice for working with wedding vendors. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, this guide will help make your 2026 wedding unforgettable.

Step 1: Set Your Wedding Vision and Budget
Your wedding day should reflect your personality and love story. Start by defining your wedding vision—think about the style, colors, and atmosphere you want to create. Consider creating a vision board with inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, or Instagram to keep your ideas cohesive.
Once you’ve envisioned your dream day, set a realistic budget. Factor in all potential expenses, including the venue, catering, attire, photography, and entertainment. Decide what matters most to you. It could be a stunning venue, exquisite photography, or show-stopping florals. Then, assign your budget accordingly. Don’t forget to leave room for unexpected costs.

Step 2: Build Your Dream Vendor Team
Your wedding vendors play a key role in bringing your vision to life. Here’s how to find and collaborate with the right professionals:
- Wedding Planner: A planner can save you time and stress by handling the logistics and keeping everything on track. Look for someone with experience in your wedding style and venue. Schedule an initial consultation to ensure their personality and approach align with yours.
- Photographer: Choose a photographer whose style aligns with your vision. Review portfolios and ensure they capture authentic, timeless moments. Book early, as top photographers often fill their calendars quickly.
- Venue: Consider factors like location, capacity, and ambiance. Venues with versatile indoor and outdoor spaces are a great option for 2026 weddings. They offer flexibility in case of weather changes.
- Florist: florals can transform your wedding space. Discuss your color palette, favorite blooms, and the overall vibe you want to achieve. A skilled florist will provide creative suggestions tailored to your venue and theme.
- Caterer: Great food leaves a lasting impression. Choose menus that accommodate a variety of dietary preferences. Consider incorporating locally sourced ingredients for a fresh, personalized touch.

Step 3: Stay Ahead of 2026 Wedding Trends
Staying up-to-date with wedding trends can inspire unique touches for your celebration. Here are a few trends expected to dominate in 2026:
- Sustainable Weddings: Eco-friendly options like locally-sourced flowers, reusable decor, and digital invitations are becoming increasingly popular. Couples are also opting for venues with green certifications.
- Bold Color Palettes: Say goodbye to neutral tones and embrace vibrant, eye-catching colors. Deep jewel tones and unexpected combinations like lavender and mustard are set to shine.
- Interactive Guest Experiences: From live entertainment to custom cocktail bars, couples are prioritizing guest engagement. Think DIY dessert stations, interactive photo booths, or live painting during the reception.
- Non-Traditional Attire: Many brides are opting for colorful gowns or sleek jumpsuits to express their individuality. Grooms are also embracing bold patterns and unique fabrics.
Step 4: Create a Detailed Timeline
A detailed wedding timeline will ensure everything runs smoothly. Start with a general timeline for the months leading up to the wedding. Then, create a more specific schedule for the big day. Include time for getting ready, photos, the ceremony, and the reception. Work closely with your planner and vendors to ensure everyone is on the same page.
What is a First Look, and Why Consider It?
A “first look” is when the bride and groom decide to see each other before the ceremony. They also take some bridal portraits. Many couples find this moment incredibly special and choose to incorporate it into their day. Here’s why it might be right for you:
- Private Emotional Moment: It allows you to share an intimate, emotional moment together before the excitement of the ceremony.
- Vows and Reflections: Use this time to exchange personal vows or simply take a moment to reflect before the festivities.
- Save Time Later: By completing bridal party, family, and couple portraits earlier in the day, you’ll save time. This gives you more time to enjoy your cocktail hour. You’ll also have more time to celebrate with guests.

What to Expect on Your Wedding Day
Your wedding day will likely follow a structured timeline. Here’s an example of how a typical day might unfold:
- Morning: The day begins with hair and makeup for the bridal party while the photographer captures candid preparation moments. It’s best to schedule extra time here, as hair and makeup often take longer than expected and can cause delays. If you have a large wedding party, consider having the bride in the middle of the lineup instead of last. This makes sure you are ready for photos even if things run behind. It still leaves time for a quick touch-up at the end to keep your look fresh.
- Midday: Once everyone is ready, it’s time for the first look or pre-ceremony portraits. This is a special moment to capture intimate photos with your partner. Usually, this time includes individual bridal portraits and groom portraits. It also involves photos with the wedding party to ensure a comprehensive set of memories.
- Afternoon: Guests arrive and take their seats for the ceremony. After exchanging vows, while your guests enjoy cocktail hour, it’s time for group photos with family and the wedding party. Following these, it’s the perfect moment for the bride and groom to take photos. They can take advantage of the golden light before sunset for stunning, romantic portraits.
- Evening: The reception kicks off with dinner, speeches, and toasts. To keep the evening flowing smoothly, start the first dance right after the grand entrance. This helps set the tone for the evening and gets everyone excited to celebrate. Then, it’s time to hit the dance floor and enjoy the night with your guests.
- Night: The evening concludes with a memorable send-off, whether it’s sparklers, fireworks, or a vintage getaway car.

Tips for a Seamless Timeline
- Pad Your Timeline: Build in extra time for each segment of the day. Hair and makeup can run late. Traffic can cause delays. Moments like getting into your dress or coordinating the bridal party may take longer than expected. Gather all your getting-ready details in one place for your photographer. Include your wedding dress, shoes, jewelry, wedding rings, invitations, and any other special items you want photographed. Having these items organized helps tell the full story of your day and ensures nothing gets overlooked.
- Choose a Well-Lit Getting Ready Spot: Natural light works best for beautiful photos. Aim to find a room with lots of natural light to enhance your preparation pictures.
- Minimize Clutter: Designate a spot for bags, details, and other items so they stay out of the photos. This small step keeps the space organized, helping your photos look perfect and stress-free. Hair and makeup might run late. Traffic can cause delays. Moments like getting into your dress or coordinating the bridal party may take longer than expected. These buffers will help prevent stress and keep the day on track.
- Plan Around the Light: The best time for wedding photography is during the last two hours of daylight. This period is often referred to as the golden hour. Plan your timeline so your ceremony leads directly into this period. Allow ample time for family photos. Capture stunning portraits of the bride and groom in soft, flattering light. This thoughtful scheduling adds both beauty and relaxation to your wedding day experience. If you want more information about planning the ceremony for the best light, click here.

Step 5: Enjoy the Process
Remember, wedding planning is about celebrating your love story. Take time to enjoy the journey, celebrate milestones, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Schedule date nights with your partner where wedding talk is off-limits to stay connected and stress-free. Surround yourself with a supportive team and focus on what truly matters—making memories with your partner and loved ones.

Let Us Help Capture Your 2026 Wedding
At Jason Burns Photography, we specialize in timeless, authentic wedding photography that captures every beautiful moment of your special day. We have 17 years of experience. Our passion for storytelling ensures your wedding photos are as unforgettable as your celebration. Visit our website to learn more or book a consultation.
Planning your wedding is an incredible adventure. With the right guidance and support, your 2026 celebration will be nothing short of magical.