Hooray, you’re engaged! The proposal was perfect, your ring is shinier than you could’ve imagined…and your to-do list is growing faster than you can keep up with. We know it’s a lot, and planning can be quite overwhelming without a timeline to follow. Thankfully, this is where my obnoxious (but amazing!) planning knack thrive!

If you’re reading this, you probably have “take engagement photos” written somewhere on your lengthy list, but just don’t know when to schedule your session. There are several things to consider when integrating engagement photos into your wedding planning timeline. Here are our top three:

1 – How will you be using your engagement photos?

In our last blog post, we shared why you should take engagement photos, including ways these photos can be used. Timeliness is most important when using engagement photos for Save the Dates, a wedding website, and/or at your wedding.

First and foremost, your photographer needs enough time to take your photos, edit them, and provide you with your gallery. If you plan to print these photos for cards, canvases, and/or framed prints, you must also allow time for this task to be completed and the products sent to you. If you plan to use them on your wedding website, you’ll want the photos uploaded on your site prior to sharing your website link.

Communication with your photographer and/or printing lab is vital. We recommend you asking them how long it takes them to deliver their products to you (including shipping, if applicable). This should help you create your timeline from there.

Tidbit tip: How soon you send Save the Dates and/or share a wedding website is up to you. There’s no right or wrong, we promise. But if you’re wondering what the norm is, Save the Dates are usually sent to guests 4-6 months before a local wedding and 6-8 months before a destination wedding.

2 – What season is best for your physical comfort and ideas?

Feeling comfortable during your engagement session is important. If you feel uncomfortable, it’s likely to show. We don’t want that for you. That’s why we recommend considering the weather (mostly temperature). If your timeline says that you have pictures during the high heat of the summer, your photographer may suggest doing photos just after sunrise.

Also, consider how you envision your engagement photos. Are you wanting to have Fall leaves as your backdrop? The beach at sunset? In a blooming flower field?

3 – What is your photographer’s availability?

Booking your photographer in advance increases the likelihood that he/she will be available during your timeframe and/or during the season that best suites you. You and the photographer may even be able to be more creative with your shoot since there’s more time to plan!

There’s so much going on in your life right now. I’m pretty sure I lost most of my hair through it all. So, we hope this is helpful. If you’re still a little stuck on when you should schedule your engagement photos, go ahead and give your photographer a shout out. It’s their job to help you navigate this! We’re better together anyways.