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THE BLOG

Wedding planning guides

Expert advice, real wedding stories, and creative ideas.

THE BLOG

Wedding planning guides

Expert advice, real wedding stories, and creative ideas.

THE BLOG

Wedding planning guides

Expert advice, real wedding stories, and creative ideas.

Patrick MeehanMar 12 · 4 min read

Planning

Wedding Timeline for a 5PM Ceremony (A Realistic Wedding Day Schedule)

If your ceremony begins at 5:00 PM, you’re working with one of the most popular wedding schedules. It allows plenty of time for getting ready, portraits in natural light, and a relaxed reception afterward. But the difference between a stressful wedding day and a smooth one often comes down to the timeline.

Patrick MeehanMar 12 · 3 min read

Photography

How Many Hours of Wedding Photography Do You Really Need?

The answer depends on the timeline of your day and which moments you want captured. Some weddings only need a few hours of coverage, while others benefit from a photographer documenting the entire day. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide what’s right for your wedding.

Patrick MeehanMar 12 · 3 min read

Planning

The First 10 Things to Do After Getting Engaged

Wedding planning can feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Taking the first few steps in the right order makes the entire process much smoother. Here are the first 10 things we recommend couples do after getting engaged.

Patrick MeehanMar 11 · 4 min read

Planning

What Vendors Do You Need for a Wedding? A Simple Guide for Couples

When you first start planning a wedding, it can feel like the vendor list never ends. Photographers, DJs, florists, coordinators, caterers… it’s easy to wonder: “Which vendors do we actually need?” The truth is that every wedding is different, but most weddings include a small group of core vendors that make the day run smoothly. Here’s a simple breakdown of the essential wedding vendors couples typically book first.

Patrick MeehanMar 10 · 3 min read

Planning

Do I Need a Wedding Coordinator If My Venue Has One?

Planning a wedding comes with a lot of decisions. One question we hear all the time is: "If my venue provides a coordinator… do I still need my own wedding coordinator?” Short answer: usually yes. Venue coordinators are incredibly helpful, but their role is very different from a coordinator whose job is to look out for you . Understanding the difference can make the difference between a wedding day that runs smoothly and one where small issues quietly pile up behind the scene

Patrick MeehanFeb 16 · 5 min read

Planning

How to Choose Your Family for Wedding Portraits (and organize them without stress)

Not sure who to include in your wedding family portraits or how to organize them? This guide walks you through exactly who to choose, how to structure groupings, and the easiest way to keep everything efficient and stress-free. Learn how to prioritize meaningful relationships, avoid common delays, and create a family photo list that ensures you get the photos that matter most, without taking time away from your wedding day.

Patrick MeehanJul 22, 2025 · 3 min read

Planning

Who You Should (and should not) Invite to Your Wedding Rehearsal

Planning your wedding rehearsal? You’re not alone in wondering who’s supposed to be there. It’s not quite the full guest list, but it’s definitely more than just the two of you and your officiant. We’ve coordinated a lot of rehearsals, and trust us—having the right people there makes the whole wedding day smoother. Here’s a breakdown of who should be at your rehearsal, and who can sit it out.

Patrick MeehanJul 10, 2025 · 3 min read

Videography

How Much Does a Wedding Videographer Cost in Raleigh? (2026 Guide)

Wondering how much wedding videography costs in Raleigh? This guide breaks down pricing, packages, and what makes a cinematic wedding film worth the investment. Plus, why Total Weddings always includes two videographers to capture every angle.

Patrick MeehanJul 1, 2025 · 5 min read

Planning

How to Plan a Wedding in 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide

Planning your wedding doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the process into simple, stress-free steps—from setting a budget and choosing your dream venue to building a vendor team you can trust. Whether you’re DIY-ing your big day or leaning on the pros, these tips will help you stay organized and actually enjoy the journey to “I do.”

Patrick MeehanDec 28, 2024 · 2 min read

Planning

The Hidden Costs of Asking a Family Member to Be Your Coordinator

Many venues require couples to hire day-of coordinators for their wedding, and honestly, when we were planning our big day, I also wondered, Why do we even need one? It wasn’t long before I realized how invaluable our coordinator was—not just on the wedding day but throughout the months leading up to it.