Picture this: You’re knee-deep in wedding planning, your Pinterest board is overflowing, your browser history is full of “How much does a wedding cost?” and “Do I really need a seating chart?”—and suddenly, you realize you’ve lost hours of your life in a wedding-planning black hole.

Sound familiar?

As a wedding photographer, I see couples go through the same struggles over and over again. And while I’m technically here to take beautiful, storytelling photos of your day, I’m also here to help make sure your wedding is stress-free, runs smoothly, and feels completely, unapologetically YOU.

So, let’s cut through the noise and answer the top 10 most Googled wedding questions—with real, practical advice that actually helps (and yes, some hot takes from someone who’s witnessed a lot of “I do’s” up close).

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1️⃣ What Wedding Dress (or Suit) Suits Me?

Here’s the thing—there’s no one dress or suit that “suits” you. It’s all about what makes you feel incredible, comfortable, and like the best version of yourself. But if you’re looking for some guidance, here’s what works best for different styles:

✨ Dresses:
✔ A-Line & Ball Gown → Flattering on everyone (and gives that fairytale feel).
✔ Mermaid & Fit-and-Flare → Made for curves, drama, and some serious confidence.
✔ Sheath & Slip Dresses → Minimal, modern, and effortlessly chic.
✔ Short & Tea-Length → Perfect for elopements or a playful, non-traditional vibe, even dress #2 for the reception.

🎩 Suits:
✔ Classic Black Tux → Timeless, elegant, and James Bond-approved.
✔ Modern Slim Fit Suit → Clean, sharp, and trendy.
✔ Textured or Colored Suit → A bold statement (velvet? Deep green? Yes, please!).
✔ Casual & Cool → No tie, rolled sleeves—who says you have to be formal?

🔥 Photographer’s Take: Want your wedding attire to look next-level in photos? Texture is your best friend. Lace, satin, wool, tweed—anything that catches light differently will add so much depth to your photos.

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2️⃣ When Should We Send Wedding Invitations?

There’s a fine line between giving your guests enough time and accidentally making them forget about your wedding because you sent invites too early.

💌 Here’s the sweet spot:
✔ Save-the-Dates: 6-12 months before (especially if you have lots of out-of-town guests).
✔ Formal Invitations: 8-12 weeks before.
✔ RSVP Deadline: 3-4 weeks before (you’ll need those final headcounts).

🔥 Photographer’s Take: If you’re planning an intimate wedding or elopement, you might not even need save-the-dates. Instead, send a beautiful “We Eloped!” announcement with epic photos after the fact.

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3️⃣ How Much Does a Wedding Actually Cost?

This question is dangerous because the internet will give you wildly different numbers—from budget $5,000 weddings to $100K+ luxury affairs.

💸 Real Talk:
✔ Traditional Wedding: $30,000 – $50,000
✔ Small & Intimate Wedding: $10,000 – $20,000
✔ Elopement: $5,000 – $15,000

🔎 Where Your Money Goes:
✔ Venue & Catering: Takes up 50%+ of most wedding budgets.
✔ Photography & Videography: An investment in the memories—because in 20 years, you won’t care about the chair covers, but you will care about your photos.
✔ Florals, Décor, & Attire: The Pinterest-worthy stuff.

🔥 Photographer’s Take: Prioritize what actually lasts beyond the wedding day. Your florals will wilt. Your dress will go into storage. Your photos? Those are forever.

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4️⃣ Who Pays for the Wedding?

Old-school tradition says the bride’s family pays—but welcome to 2024, where every couple does things their own way.

💡 Modern Breakdown:
✔ Couple: Often covers venue, attire, and photography.
✔ Bride’s Family: Might contribute to reception costs.
✔ Groom’s Family: May handle the rehearsal dinner.

🔥 Photographer’s Take: No matter who’s paying, make sure the decisions still feel like YOU. If you’re footing the bill, spend your money where it matters. If family is contributing, set expectations upfront so you’re not obligated to invite your great-aunt’s neighbor’s cousin.

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5️⃣ What’s the Best Month to Get Married?

If you’re getting married in Colorado, here’s what you need to know: Find in depth seasonal wedding info HERE

🏔 Summer (June – August): Best for outdoor mountain weddings, but expect afternoon thunderstorms!
🍂 Fall (September – October): GORGEOUS golden aspen trees and crisp air (aka peak elopement season).
❄️ Winter (November – February): Dreamy snowy ceremonies, but logistics can be tricky (hello, icy mountain roads!).
🌷 Spring (March – May): Stunning wildflowers but unpredictable weather.

🔥 Photographer’s Take: Golden hour in the fall is UNMATCHED. If you love warm tones, September-October is your dream time.

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6️⃣ Do We Need a Wedding Planner?

If you want to actually enjoy your wedding day and not be stuck answering questions like “Where should we put the cake?”—then yes, a planner is 100% worth it.

💡 Options:
✔ Full Planner: Handles everything from start to finish.
✔ Day-Of Coordinator: Keeps the timeline running smoothly so you don’t have to.

🔥 Photographer’s Take: A good planner = stress-free, beautifully organized day = better photos because you’re not running around putting out fires.

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7️⃣ Should We Do a First Look?

YES.

Okay, you don’t have to, but here’s why first looks are a game-changer:
✔ More time for portraits = more stunning images.
✔ Less stress = more time to actually enjoy your wedding.
✔ Your real, raw emotions are captured without 100+ people staring.

🔥 Photographer’s Take: First looks give you time to just be together. It’s often the only quiet moment couples get all day.

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Final Thoughts: Your Wedding, Your Rules

The internet will tell you a lot of things about planning a wedding—but at the end of the day, it’s about what makes you happy.

🎉 Skip the traditions that don’t fit.
🎉 Spend money where it matters (cough photography cough).
🎉 Make it a day you’ll actually enjoy.

📍 Need a photographer who’s more than just a vendor—someone who actually helps you through this process?Let’s chat! Contact me here to get started! 💛