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Booked a 2026 Wedding? Here’s What to Focus on This Month

So, you’ve officially booked your 2026 wedding, congratulations! Whether you’re celebrating at a dreamy venue, planning an intimate garden affair, or going all-out with a ballroom celebration, you’ve taken a huge step by locking in your date and space. But what comes next?


Planning a wedding this far in advance gives you the luxury of time, but it can also feel overwhelming. To keep things manageable (and exciting!), here’s what you should focus on this month as you start your wedding journey.


1. Celebrate the Win


Booking your venue and date is one of the biggest milestones of the wedding-planning process. Take a moment to soak it in! Share the news with your family and friends, pop some champagne, and maybe even schedule an engagement shoot to document this sweet season.


Claire Taylor Photography
Claire Taylor Photography

2. Dream Up Your Wedding Vision


With the big pieces in place, now’s the time to dream. Think about the overall vibe you want your wedding to have, romantic and whimsical, sleek and modern, timeless and elegant, or maybe a blend of styles. Create a Pinterest board, scroll through Instagram, or flip through wedding magazines to gather inspiration.

This step isn’t about making every decision right now, it’s about honing in on what feels like you.



3. Prioritize Your Vendors

Even though your wedding may be over a year away, the most in-demand vendors book quickly, especially photographers, planners, and florists. Start making a list of your must-haves:

  • Photographer/videographer

  • Planner or coordinator

  • Florist

  • Entertainment (DJ or live band)


Reach out early to secure your dream team. It’ll give you peace of mind and keep you ahead of the curve.



4. Talk Budget & Guest List


It may not be the most glamorous part of planning, but it’s essential. Sit down with your partner (and anyone contributing financially) to discuss the overall budget. At the same time, begin drafting a preliminary guest list. Knowing your numbers early on will help shape decisions moving forward.


Claire Taylor Photography
Claire Taylor Photography

5. Enjoy the Engagement Season


Don’t rush past this moment by trying to do everything at once. Spread things out! Maybe this month, it’s just booking your venue, sketching your vision, and researching a photographer. Next month, you can move to guest lists or engagement parties.

Remember: planning a wedding is a marathon, not a sprint.



Final Thoughts


Booking your 2026 wedding is a huge first step, now you can shift from “searching” mode to “dreaming and planning” mode. By celebrating, refining your vision, prioritizing vendors, and setting a strong foundation with your budget and guest list, you’ll feel both prepared and excited for the journey ahead.

Here’s to the first of many magical months leading up to your big day!





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