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Stress-Free Wedding Planning: The Only Guide You Need If You Are Getting Married Without A Wedding Planner

Here is my ultimate step-by-step guide to DIY-ing your wedding planning without losing your mind.


Bride and Groom Being showered by confetti walking down the isle after getting married

So, you’re engaged (or at least you know it’s coming—don’t worry, your secret is safe with me). First of all, congrats!!! You’re about to enter your bridal era, and I’m here to make sure that planning this thing doesn’t turn into a full-on stress spiral with the best advice a wedding photographer can give.


DIY-ing your wedding planning??? Totally doable—if you follow the right steps. Otherwise, things can get chaotic real fast. But don’t worry, bestie, I got you. Let’s break it down into simple, bite-sized steps so you can plan your wedding like a pro (without feeling like you need a wedding planner certification by the end of it).


STEP 01: GET ENGAGED (DUH)

Okay, okay, this one’s obvious, but let’s be real—most modern couples kinda know when the proposal is coming. So whether you’re newly engaged or just mentally preparing for that sparkly new rock, this step counts.


STEP 02: SET YOUR BUDGET 💸

This is where things get real. Before you start dreaming up your Pinterest-perfect day, you need to be honest with yourselves.


  • How much are you actually comfortable spending?

  • Where is the money coming from?

  • What are your non-negotiables?


Pro tip: Open a Google Doc (or, if you’re fancy, a spreadsheet) and write it all down. A real, solid number—not just a vague we’ll figure it out. Because spoiler alert: you will have to figure it out.


STEP 03: YOUR GUEST LIST 📋

Your guest count directly impacts your budget, so this needs to be tackled early.

A wedding for 100 people vs. 400??? BIG difference (especially when you start multiplying those extra meals, chairs, and drinks—oof).


Sit down with your partner, list out everyone you really want there, and try to get a realistic headcount before you do anything else.


STEP 04: BOOK YOUR VENUE 💒

Now that you know your budget and guest count, it’s time to lock in your venue. And this is a major domino in the planning process:


  • Once you book your venue → you get your date.

  • Once you have your date → you can book the rest of your vendors!


See??? Things are falling into place already. Look at you go!!! I believe in you!!!


STEP 05: BOOK ALL YOUR VENDORS 💐

Here’s where things can get overwhelming if you let them. But don’t worry, I have a system for this too.


  1. Make a list of what’s most important to you – What are you willing to splurge on? What can you live without? Get clear on your priorities with your partner.

  2. Start with vendors that CAN’T be duplicated. This is crucial. Some vendors (like rental companies) can serve multiple weddings in a day, but others? Not so much.


Here’s who you need to lock down ASAP:

  • Your wedding planner (if you're hiring one)

  • Photographer (Hint hint - This is where you send me a DM)

  • Videographer

  • DJ or band

  • Hair + makeup artist

  • Florist (this usually comes later, after you’ve nailed down your overall design)

  • Catering (because no one wants to be hangry at your wedding, trust me)


BONUS STEP(S): Timeline Magic ✨

Once you’ve locked in all the major players, the rest will start to naturally fall into place.


  • Send out Save-the-Dates within a year of your wedding.

  • Mail your invitations about 3-4 months before the big day.

  • Then??? Start counting down the days until the best party of your life. 🥂


Final Thoughts??? You Got This!!!

Planning a wedding doesn’t have to be a logistical nightmare. Follow these steps, stay somewhat organized, and above all, enjoy the process. Because at the end of the day, this is about celebrating your love—not about stressing over chair covers.


Now, go forth and plan like the wedding pro I know you are. And if you’re still on the hunt for a wedding photographer who gets your vibe (ahem hi 👋), you know where to find me!!!



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Quinn Walsh Photography
Ontario, Canada-Wide, + Destination Wedding Photographer

Cambridge, ON
(226) 220-1693
quinn.walsh.photography@gmail.com
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