2025 Wedding Planning Tips | Engagement at the Packwoods Bar in Maitland Florida

Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life—but let’s be honest, it can also be a little overwhelming. As a wedding photographer, I’ve been lucky enough to witness hundreds of love stories come to life. I’ve seen what works beautifully—and what couples wish they had thought of sooner.

Here are my top 10 wedding planning tips to help your day run smoothly and feel like you, with a little insight from behind the lens:  

1.  TRUST YOUR VENDORS- trust us to make your vision come true!  Don’t rush when picking your team. If you have a vision, we want to know it and match vibes. 

2. MAKE IT PERSONAL- Pick a venue that is special to the both of you, get creative with the table numbers, handwritten vows, heirloom jewelry etc.

3. LEAVE BUFFER TIME IN YOUR WEDDING DAY TIMELINE- Its always nice to have extra time during the day incase you get behind so we can stay on track with the wedding day events

4. UNPLUGGED CEREMONY- *NO PHONES DURING CEREMONY* – have your officiant announce please no phones especially in aisle seats and that there are professional photographers and/or videographers there to capture the ceremony

5. KEEP LIGHTING IN MIND- You always want to have natural or good lighting for your wedding pictures, outside and inside. If there are carpets or dark ceilings, you might not get the super light and airy photos you wanted.

6. CONSIDER HAVING A FIRST LOOK- Get the early nerves out by seeing each other before the ceremony. You also can get some pictures together while your makeup is fresh or read your private vows

7. BUILD YOUR TIMELINE EARLY- With your photographer and/or wedding planner, make sure you write down if you want a first look, when hair and makeup start and begin, ceremony at sunset, how long family portraits will take, and build your timeline early to get a general idea of the day! 

8. MAKE A MUST-HAVE PHOTO LIST FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER, PINTEREST BOARD AND/OR A FAMILY SHOT LIST- So you don’t miss a thing and so your family photos can go faster and more orginized.

9. HAVE AN EMERGENCY KIT-Band-aids, safety-pins, a tide-pen, chalk for wedding dress works as well, eyelash glue, etc.

10. CHOOSE YOUR HYPE TEAM WISELY AKA “BRIDAL PARTY”- You want the most important, fun, and special people by your side when you say I DO and for fun photos. These people will get you in your Bride feels and help you relax and have the most fun! 

Hope this helps! xx Shaya