PHASE ONE | Foundation
Laying the groundwork for your dream day — vision, priorities, and core bookings.
Where it all begins
12-14 months before wedding
This planning phase sets the tone for everything that follows. Together, we define your aesthetic direction, budget parameters, and secure the vendors that anchor your day. Think of it as the blueprint that every other decision builds upon.
Your action steps
-
Before diving into details, take time to identify what truly matters most to you. Are you dreaming of an unforgettable guest experience? A breathtaking design moment? A seamless flow of events? Pinpointing your priorities early ensures every decision supports your vision and values.
VISION GUIDE
-
Money conversations aren’t glamorous—but they’re essential. Decide who’s contributing, what each person is comfortable spending, and how flexible your total budget will be. From there, we’ll break your budget into categories that reflect your priorities.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
https://pike-goose-tlta.squarespace.com/new-page-37
-
Your guest count determines almost everything—venue size, catering costs, and even décor needs. Draft a preliminary list with “must-haves” and “maybes.” From there, identify a realistic range (for example, 100–150 guests) to guide your venue search.
-
The venue is your design canvas. Whether you’re drawn to a modern loft, lush garden, or historic ballroom, the space will influence your timeline, logistics, and budget. Schedule tours, compare inclusions, and consider how each location supports your overall aesthetic.
-
Your core vendor team will shape the experience and tone of your day. Prioritize booking the vendors most in demand first—typically your venue, photographer, caterer, and entertainment. Once secured, we’ll begin assembling the creative team that fits your style and budget.
-
An engagement session is a relaxed way to connect with your photographer before the big day. Use this as a trial run for camera comfort, styling, and lighting preferences. These images often set the tone for your save-the-dates or wedding website.
-
With your venue and vision in place, we can start shaping the look and feel of your event. Gather inspiration—from architecture, art, travel, or fashion—and focus on color stories, materials, and textures that reflect you as a couple.
STYLE GUIDES
https://pike-goose-tlta.squarespace.com/new-page-73