Saying "I Do" in Nebraska: Planning Your Dream Wedding (From Behind the Lens!)


Hi everyone, I'm Alexa, owner of Lexa's Lens, a Nebraska-based wedding photography business. I've seen a lot of weddings, and I've learned a thing or two about what makes the planning process smooth (and what can make it a little bumpy!). So, whether you've dreamed of your wedding day since you were little or are just starting to wrap your head around it all, I'm here to offer some insights from behind the camera.


Let's break down wedding planning into two main categories, based on the big question: the date!


Category 1: The Date is Set in Stone!

You've got a special date in mind – maybe it's an anniversary, a meaningful number, or just the perfect time of year. This is fantastic! But it also means your venue and vendor availability will be the first priority.


  • Venue First, Then Photographer: With a fixed date, your venue is the cornerstone. Many popular venues in Nebraska book up a year or more in advance, especially for peak seasons (hello, fall!). Once you've secured your dream venue, immediately start looking for your photographer. Like venues, photographers also book far out, and you don't want to miss out on capturing your special day. (Psst… I might know a pretty good one! 😉)
  • Your Dream Team: If you have a specific vision in mind and have a dream team of vendors you'd love to work with (hair & makeup artists, videographers, florists, photo booth rentals, décor rentals, etc.), reach out to them as soon as your date and venue are confirmed. Word-of-mouth referrals are golden here! Don't be afraid to ask your venue or photographer for recommendations. Building a cohesive vendor team can make your wedding day truly magical.
  • Timeline Tip: With a fixed date, your planning timeline is compressed. Be prepared to make decisions quickly, especially in the first few months. Sixteen to eighteen months out is ideal for securing your venue and key vendors.


Category 2: Flexibility is Your Friend!

Maybe you're more focused on the feel of your wedding than a specific date. This gives you a huge advantage!


  • Photographer First, Then Venue (or Vice Versa): With date flexibility, you can often snag your dream photographer or venue even if they're booked solid on popular dates. Sometimes, a Friday or Sunday wedding, or even an off-season date, can open up a world of possibilities and even save you some money! Consider prioritizing which is more important to you – your dream venue or your dream photographer.
  • Enjoy the Process: Being flexible with your date allows you to take your time with the planning process. You can leisurely research vendors, compare prices, and really get to know the people you'll be working with.
  • Timeline Tip: With more flexibility, you can spread out your planning timeline. While you don't need to rush, don't put things off indefinitely! Start your vendor search about 12-14 months out.


General Wedding Planning Tips & Tricks:


  • Budget, Budget, Budget: Set a realistic budget from the start and stick to it. It's easy to get carried away, but staying within your budget will save you stress in the long run.
  • Organization is Key: Use a wedding planning app, spreadsheet, or good old-fashioned binder to keep track of everything. Trust me, it will be a lifesaver!
  • Don't Ghost: It's okay to inquire with multiple vendors, but please, please, don't ghost them. If you decide to go in a different direction, a polite email letting them know is much appreciated. We understand! We're all part of the wedding community and want to help each other out.
  • Prioritize: Decide what's most important to you and your partner. Is it the food? The music? The photography? Focus your budget and energy on those key areas.
  • Delegate: Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. They're usually happy to be involved!
  • Enjoy the Journey: Wedding planning can be stressful, but it should also be fun! Remember what it's all about – celebrating your love with the people you cherish most.


How Vendors Book:


Most wedding vendors, including photographers, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Once you've decided on a vendor, a signed contract and a deposit will typically secure your date. Don't hesitate to ask vendors about their booking process and payment schedules.

I hope these tips help you navigate the exciting world of wedding planning! And if you're looking for a photographer to capture your special day in all its glory, I'd love to chat! You can see more of my work and get in touch through my Pixieset website (link here!). Happy planning!