Welcoming 2025: A New Year, New Engagements, and Your Wedding Planning Journey
As we step into 2025, it’s not just the start of a new year - it’s also engagement season! The festive period around Christmas and New Year’s is one of the most popular times for proposals. If you’ve recently said “yes” (congratulations!), the next exciting step is beginning your wedding planning journey.
At Just James Weddings, we love nothing more than helping couples capture their most cherished moments. To get you started, here’s a guide to navigating the early stages of wedding planning.
Table of Contents
1. Celebrate the Moment
First things first: take time to savour your engagement! Whether it’s sharing the news with loved ones, posting that gorgeous ring shot, or simply enjoying time together, this is a special chapter to cherish.
Consider throwing a small engagement party or a family dinner to mark the occasion and start dreaming about what your wedding day might look like.
2. Set Your Wedding Vision
Your wedding planning begins with a shared vision. Sit down with your partner and talk about the type of wedding you both imagine.
Here are some key things to discuss:
Style: Classic and formal, rustic and relaxed, or something unique?
Location: Close to home or a destination? Indoors or outdoors?
Timing: Do you want a summer wedding or a cosy winter celebration? Midweek, or weekend?
Needs: Are friends and family coming from a far? What accommodation is either onsite, or nearby?
Having a clear vision will help shape the rest of your planning journey.
3. Start with the Basics
Once you’ve outlined your vision, it’s time to tackle the foundational pieces:
Budget: Discuss how much you’re willing to spend and prioritise where you’d like to allocate funds (e.g., venue, catering, photography).
Guest List: Draft a rough list to estimate numbers—it’ll influence your venue choice and budget.
Venue: Popular venues fill up quickly, so start your search early and book tours to find the perfect spot.
These early steps set the tone for the rest of your planning.
4. Find Your Dream Team
Weddings are a team effort, and finding the right vendors is key to making your day unforgettable.
Photographer: As your wedding photographer, I’ll ensure your memories are beautifully preserved. Choose someone whose style matches your vision and personality.
Other Vendors: From florists to caterers, select professionals you trust and enjoy working with. Their expertise will make your day run smoothly. Booking with us, you’ll receive a document giving you all the recommended suppliers you’ll need for your big day.
At Just James Weddings, I specialise in capturing heartfelt moments, from intimate candid’s to stunning portraits, ensuring you can relive your day for years to come.
5. Enjoy the Process
Wedding planning doesn’t have to be stressful. Take time to enjoy the process—whether it’s savouring a cake-tasting session, exploring venue options, or planning fun details with your partner.
Schedule breaks from planning too, and keep your relationship at the heart of it all.
6. Here's to 2025!
As we welcome 2025, it’s a time to celebrate love, joy, and new beginnings. Whether your wedding is just around the corner or further into the future, embrace every moment of your planning journey.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer to capture the magic of your special day, I’d love to hear from you. Here’s to a year filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. If you want to see more of my work, be sure to check out my portfolio and if you want a start with looking for venues, here are a heap of venues I have worked at and loved.
Cheers to your engagement and the journey ahead!
