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Planning Your Wedding: a step to step guide with recommendations (for D.M.V. Brides and Grooms)

Planning Your Wedding: a step to step guide with recommendations (for D.M.V. Brides and Grooms)

Peyton Olivia Studios
Wedding, Tips and Tricks


Plan Your Wedding

A step-to-step guide on planning your wedding, with recommendations for brides and grooms in the D.M.V. (Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia).

About to plan a wedding but don’t know where to begin? I hear you. Planning a wedding is hard work. It requires careful organization and all the attention to detail. Trying to do it on your own sound wild, am I right? So, as a once-bride, a long term wedding photographer, and a hell of a good organizer, I got you!

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan your wedding, (with recommendations!) you'll need to book:

  1. Set a Budget:

    • Determine the total amount you're willing to spend on your wedding. Be honest with yourself. I find a lot of new brides go $1,000.00+ over their intended budget.

    • Allocate funds to different aspects such as venue, catering, decor, attire, entertainment, etc.

  2. Create a Guest List:

    • Decide on the number of guests you and your partner wish to invite.

    • Make a comprehensive list of family, friends, and acquaintances.

    • You can even make a list of people you don’t want to invite!

  3. Choose a Theme and Style:

    • Decide on the overall theme and style of your wedding, whether it's modern, classic, romantic, or destination. (Someone please do a maximalist wedding with me!)

    • Consider your personal preferences and the season or location for your wedding.

  4. Select the Venue:

    • Look for wedding venues that match your theme and accommodate your guest count.

    • Consider factors such as aesthetics, capacity, amenities, and location.

    • Venue’s are a large part of your budget. When choosing, pay attention to your other areas of spending when making a decision. 

  5. Hire a Wedding Planner:

    • Engage a professional wedding planner experienced in weddings, specifically your type of wedding (luxury, outdoors, rustic, etc.)

    • They will assist you with vendor selection, logistics, and overall coordination.

  6. Book Vendors:

    • Caterer: Choose a high-end catering service that offers gourmet cuisine and personalized menu options.

    • Florist: Find a reputable florist who can create extravagant floral arrangements and decor.

    • Photographer/Videographer: Hire a talented photographer and videographer to capture your special moments in a style you love! When hiring a photographer, it’s important to keep in budget but it’s also important to love their style. After the cake has been eaten and the dancing has stopped, what’s left? Only the images to remember them by. Make sure your photographer is GOOD- they might honestly be one of the most important vendors of your day.

    • Wedding Attire: You can work with a renowned designer or boutique to create or select wedding attire, or you can shop locally (or online) to find something that suits your budget.

    • Entertainment: Book a live band, DJ, or other entertainment options that suit your wedding style.

    • Wedding Cake: Select a cake designer or bakery known for their artistic creations and exceptional taste! You can ask them for a cake tasting before ordering.

    • Stationery: Find an artist/ designer to create customized invitations and wedding stationery.

    • Lighting and Production: Consider hiring a professional production company for lighting, sound, and special effects.

    • Makeup and Hair Stylist: Book an experienced makeup artist and hairstylist who specialize in the styles you desire.

    • Transportation: Arrange transportation for the wedding party and guests, such as limousines or vintage cars or a shuttle bus (if this is something you want!).

    • Wedding Favors: Choose unique and personalized gifts for your guests. A little Thank You never hurt! These things are always appreciated by your guests and loved ones. 

    • Other vendors: Depending on your specific needs, you may also need to book a decorator, event stylist, dance instructor, or wedding cake designer.

  7. Plan the Details:

    • Work closely with your wedding planner and vendors to design the event timeline. Communication makes dreams happen!

    • Determine the order of events, including the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and any additional activities. Your planner (or even your photographer can help with this!)

    • Discuss and finalize the menu, seating arrangements, decor, lighting, music, and any other special requirements.

  8. Wedding Day Logistics:

    • Confirm all bookings with vendors a few weeks before the wedding.

    • Coordinate with the venue and vendors regarding setup, deliveries, and timings.

    • Ensure all necessary permits or licenses are in place.


If you want the ultimate wedding, without much stress or headaches,
hire professionals!
Remember, hiring experienced professionals is crucial for a wedding to ensure a high level of service and attention to detail.
Your wedding planner can provide valuable guidance throughout the process and help you create a truly memorable event.
Communicate with them your vision and expectations (your vendors can’t read your mind but are here to help!!).

Recommended Vendors:

These are recommended vendors for brides ands grooms planning their weddings in the DMV area (Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia (and surrounding areas)).

  1. Set a Budget:

    1. The Knot Wedding Budget Calculator

  2. Create a Guest List:

    1. Zola (This is a great site for also making your wedding website and registry!)

  3. Choose a Planner:

    1. The Wedding Project

    2. East Made Co.

    3. Farm and Fields

    4. Will and Rose Events

  4. Choose a Theme and Style:

    1. Something Vintage (DMV)

    2. Design League (Design a wedding from start to finish)

    3. Pinterest (create a mood board on your own)

  5. Select the Venue:

    1. Maryland

      1. Ceresville Mansion

      2. Tenth Ward Distillery

      3. The Tearoom (great for elopements and small weddings!)

      4. Attaboy Barrel House

      5. Fine Art Museum of Hagerstown

      6. Springfield Barn

      7. Rawlings Conservatory

      8. Oxon Hill Manor

      9. Union Mills Public House

    2. Virginia

      1. 2941 Restaurant

      2. Rose Hill Manor

      3. Blue Mountain Lodge

      4. Rixey Manor

      5. Top of the Town (basically DC!)

      6. Vaughan House (great for elopements!)

    3. Washington D.C.

      1. The Sun Room

      2. Culture House

      3. Gallery on OH

      4. Long View Gallery

      5. The Showroom

      6. Crystal View

      7. The St. Regis

  6. Caterer:

    1. Catering by Uptown

    2. Silk

    3. Groovin' Gournmets

  7. Florist:

    1. Pomona Floral (Baltimore)

    2. Steelcut Flower Co. (Baltimore)

    3. Twinbrook Floral Design (Virginia)

  8. Photographer/Videographer:

    1. Peyton Olivia Photography (HELLO! )

  9. Wedding Attire:

    1. K&B Bridal (Hagerstown, MD)

    2. TLC Bridal Boutique (Frederick, MD)

    3. Brides for Haiti (Frederick, MD)

    4. Posh Bridal (Frederick, MD)

    5. Couture Bridal (Gaithersburg, MD)

    6. Zakaa Couture (Ashburn, Virginia)

    7. Soliloquy Bridal (Herndon, VA)

    8. House of Bella Chic (Woodbridge, VA)

    9. Lovely Bride (Washington D.C.)

    10. Modern Trousseau (Washington D.C.)

    11. Green and Blue Studio (Washington D.C.)

    12. Grace Loves Lace (Washington D.C.)

  10. Entertainment:

    1. DJ Curley Sue (DMV)

    2. The DC DJ’s (DMV)

    3. The Dapper DJ’s (Frederick, MD)

    4. Video Express/ Photo booth (DMV)

    5. Steele Image Photo booth (Pikesville, MD)

    6. Little Retro Photo Booth (Leesburg, VA)

  11. Wedding Cake:

    1. Fluffy Thoughts Cakes (DMV)

    2. Sweet and Savory (Frederick, MD)

    3. Sage Cakery (Frederick, MD)

    4. Honey Bee Pastries (Leesburg, VA)

    5. Wholly Sweet Bake Shop (DMV)

  12. Stationery:

    1. The Organized Bride (Frederick, MD)

    2. Rock Paper Scissors (Virginia)

    3. MLC Designs (Baltimore, MD)

    4. Calligraphette Co. (Washington D.C.)

  13. Lighting and Production:

    1. The Light Source Co. (DMV)

    2. DSL Sounds (DMV)

    3. Lotus Productions (DMV)

  14. Makeup and Hair Stylist:

    1. SR Studio (Boonsboro, MD)

    2. Beauty by Hunter Anne (Hagerstown, MD)

    3. Foils and Fades by Chelsea (Frederick, MD)

  15. Transportation:

    1. Concours Vintage Limousine (Centreville, MD)

    2. King Street Trolley (Alexandria, VA)

    3. Vintage Limos (Gaithersburg, MD)

    4. Exotic Car Rentals (Washington, D.C.)

    5. On The Town Limousines (DMV)

  16. Wedding Favors:

    1. Poetry Booth by A.C. (Manassas, VA)

    2. Sally Forth Supply (Frederick, MD)

    3. Beauty and the Bath (Washington D.C.)

    4. Deanna’s Delights (Laurel, MD)

When looking for your wedding photographer, look no further! I'm a professional wedding photographer with over a decade of experience. I don’t just capture photographs; I capture stories. Behind each image lies a beautiful tale of love, confidence, and growth. With my elegant and creative approach, I promise to capture your story as beautiful and as truthfully as I can. Trust me for the best quality, hospitality, and photography services when it comes to your wedding day. Let’s create your unforgettable narrative together!

Peyton Olivia Photography Nominated as a Top Wedding Pro by Sass Magazine, Frederick, Maryland

Peyton Olivia Photography Nominated as a Top Wedding Pro by Sass Magazine, Frederick, Maryland

Archive: Bridal Boudoir with Erika in the Boudoir Room

Archive: Bridal Boudoir with Erika in the Boudoir Room