Planning your wedding? The 5 Must-Know Tips for 2026 and 2027 Brides & Grooms

Jan 11

Planning your 2026 or 2027 wedding? Discover 5 key tips to make the process joyful, intentional, and stress-free, from Felipe + Jess of fjoriginals, Memphis wedding videographers serving couples throughout the Southeast.

5 min read

Planning your wedding can feel exciting, overwhelming, and sometimes a little confusing. There’s so much advice out there, and every couple’s journey is different. We wanted to share 5 key things we think every bride and groom should know as you plan your 2026 or 2027 wedding. Think of this as guidance from two people who get to witness love stories unfold every weekend.

1. Dream Big, Start Small

It’s easy to get lost in big ideas, Pinterest boards, dream venues, elaborate floral designs, but the best weddings start with the foundation. Take 30 minutes a day to chat with your partner about the wedding: your budget, your date, the city/state/county you want to celebrate in, the overall vibe, guest count, bridal party, how things are coming along, what things are stress factors, and where you want to be and when. Start with the “end in mind” and narrow your focus step by step. Once that’s clear, you’ll have a roadmap for your vendors and details. Small steps now make a huge difference later!

2. Lean on Your Wedding Planning Team (and Think in Threes)

If you have a wedding planner or coordinator, lean on them, they’re experts at guiding couples through this process. A helpful framework is to think in “threes,” focusing on the most important elements first, then layering in details:

First Chapters

The Guides: Planner, Coordinator, or Assistant

These are the people who steer you through the planning journey and keep everything running smoothly on your big day.

The Places & Spaces: Venue for rehearsal dinner, night before, ceremony, reception, afterparty, and brunch

This is where your wedding story unfolds. Your venue frames all your memories and sets the stage for the moments that matter most.

The Storytellers: Photographer and Videographer

These vendors document and preserve your memories for a lifetime, capturing the joy, love, and energy of your wedding day in both images and film.

Look, Feel, & Taste

Personal Care & Attire: Wellness plan leading up to the day, hair and makeup, dress, suits, and outfits for the wedding party

These vendors and plans help you feel confident, comfortable, and your absolute best on the big day.

Florist: Boutonnieres, bridal party flowers, ceremony décor, reception arrangements, and venue florals

Florals set the tone, bring color and texture, and add a natural elegance that complements your venue and style.

Caterer: Food, beverages, cake, and late-night bites

From your first cocktail to the last dessert, these vendors ensure your guests are nourished, happy, and impressed.

Flow and Function:

Rentals: Tables, chairs, linens, décor essentials, and lighting

These are the practical pieces that make your vision come together and your day run smoothly.

Flow Experience: Transportation, timing, and schedule coordination, including your exit

From guest arrival to the send-off, these details keep your day seamless and stress-free.

Officiant/Celebrant: The person guiding your ceremony

They make your vows and promises meaningful, personal, and memorable for everyone present.

Signature Elements

Ambiance & Entertainment: DJ, violinist, band, lighting, photo booth, live painter, or performers

These vendors set the energy, mood, and overall experience, making your wedding feel alive and celebratory.

Design & Details: Invitation designer, signage, reception setups, cocktail hour setups, place settings, processional touches

The visual and organizational elements that create cohesion, polish, and style throughout your wedding day.

Personal Touches: Unique personalizations, favors, interactive experiences, and storytelling elements

These finishing touches reflect your personality, your story as a couple, and make the day truly unforgettable for your guests.

3. Take Your Time and Enjoy the Process

Planning a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s easy to rush to check boxes, but don’t forget to pause and savor the process. Every conversation with a vendor, every tasting, and every decision is part of a story you’ll remember forever. Enjoy the little moments along the way, they’re just as important as the big day itself.

4. Ask a Lot of Questions

This is the first wedding you’re planning together, and that means there’s a lot to learn. Every vendor you work with has advice, lessons learned, and stories to share. If you’re unsure what to ask, just start by asking them: “What questions do couples typically ask?” or “What guidance do you wish every couple knew?” Most vendors love serving as mini-consultants, they’re here to help you have the best experience possible, and their insight is invaluable.

5. This Day is About You (and Your Partner)

At the end of the day, your wedding is yours. Friends, family, and vendors all bring opinions, but the only perspective that matters is yours and your fiancé’s. Think about the story you want to tell: what special moments, personal details, or shared traditions do you want everyone to know about? Many people in attendance may not have met each other, and this is likely the first, and possibly the last, time your full circle comes together. Make it personal, make it joyful, and make it you.

In the end, it’s your love story that matters most. Your wedding is a collection of moments that reflect you, your partner, and the journey you’re starting together. Dream big, plan smart, and enjoy every single second, it’s worth it.

If we can be of any help along the way, whether it’s planning tips, vendor guidance, or capturing your story on your big day don’t hesitate to reach out.

We’re Felipe + Jess, a married filmmaking team and Memphis & Southeast wedding videographers, crafting emotion-driven, convivial, and elegant films that become family treasures, preserving moments you’ll relive forever.

We serve couples across Memphis, Nashville, Huntsville, Chattanooga, Birmingham, Oxford, Jackson, Atlanta, Fayetteville, Little Rock, and the wider Southeast region, bringing every wedding story to life with care, creativity, and a focus on genuine connection. We’d love to connect and help make your wedding experience as joyful and stress-free as possible.

Are you ready?

LETS CONNECT.

We can’t wait to hear from you! We want to bring your vision to life and capture all of the precious moments on your special day. Please take a few minutes to fill out this form so we can chat as soon as possible!

FJ Originals proudly welcomes everyone, regardless of background.

Once we receive your email we’ll be in contact within 24 hours to setup a phone call to discuss how we can best capture your wedding day!