Planning your Wedding in Oregon

THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF MY WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE FOR OREGON COUPLES

PLANNING YOUR WEDDING IN OREGON

Quick Tips from A Wedding Photographer in oregon

IDEAS TO INCORPORATE INTO YOUR WEDDING PLANNING

  • GET READY TOGETHER: Couples don’t realize how much time they don’t get to spend together on their wedding day. Getting ready together is a meaningful way to start the day – it also allows you both more one on one time without others pulling you in different directions. If a first look is important to you, there are still ways to incorporate this in as well. Getting ready together steals the show for me as a photographer, as it calms my clients, and allows them to lean into each other before the ceremony. It’s also a great choice for those that may have anxiety.
  • FIRST TOUCH WITH A NOTE: Not comfortable getting ready together, or seeing each other before the ceremony? Consider a first touch, while reading a thoughtful note to your partner. You don’t have to see each other, but can still be “together”. These moments have the potential to be very intimate and emotional and I love when couples choose to do this when they want to wait to see each other until the ceremony.
  • SKIP THE WEDDING PARTY GROUP SHOTS: While a group of your peers in a line is a classic photo, a lot of times this whole part of the day brings on a lot of stress for the couple. Your wedding party may not be completely in line with what you want, and on days where alcohol is involved, the chances of someone stealing the show due to being intoxicated are high. Another option is to get your wedding party together as a group to play a game, to give a few toasts, or have a dance off. Everyone has a different wedding party, and different relationships. Consider how you view yours, and how you interact with them. If you’re interested in having genuine moments with them on your wedding day, it’s okay to do things differently, and I always love when couples change up tradition and take matters into their own hands. Besides, this is a day about YOU. Those in your wedding are there to celebrate you, too.
  • DESSERT DOESN’T NEED TO BE A WHOLE MOMENT: Somehow, cutting the cake and feeding it to each other became a wedding tradition. If dessert doesn’t hold any meaning in your relationship, why use up precious time on your wedding day doing something just because others have in the past? I love dessert and love the idea of offering it if that feels good to you! I just like to remind my couples that making a whole moment out of dessert doesn’t have to be a thing if it doesn’t feel meaningful. Other ideas: open dessert bar, cake pops, cupcakes, and dessert cups are all easy ways to allow guests to indulge in something sweet without them watching you. “cut the cake”.
  • WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU BOTH LOVE?: Music, art, cooking.. there are so many things you may share with your partner. Consider blending one (or more) of these things you both love into your wedding day! A few examples; your favorite food truck, having your guests sign a vinyl as your guest book, kareoke with your parent(s) instead of a first dance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Most couples in Oregon start booking their major wedding vendors—like the venue, photographer, and planner—9 to 12 months in advance. Popular dates (especially summer Saturdays) go fast, so earlier is always better if you have specific vendors in mind.

The average wedding budget in Oregon tends to fall between $25,000–$60,000, but it varies widely depending on guest count, venue, and vendor choices. Smaller weddings and elopements can be done for much less, while larger or luxury events often exceed $60,000.

For Oregon weddings, it’s typical to send save-the-dates 6–8 months before the wedding and invitations about 6–10 weeks out. If you have guests traveling from out of state or abroad, send earlier when possible.

Start by browsing portfolios to see which photography styles you’re drawn to. Once you find someone whose work speaks to you, reach out to learn about their packages. I like to share my work outside of my portfolio so couples can see my work in different scenarios – cloudy days, hot sunny days, indoors, etc. Editing changes for every lighting scenario so it’s good to view many options. Many photographers, including myself, offer different options to suit various budgets. Typically, it’s helpful to reach out and inquire and let them know of your budget, so they can respond with a helpful quote.

Yes! A experienced wedding photographer will help you build a timeline that ensures all the moments you want photographed are accounted for. I always assist couples in building photo-friendly timelines that work with the flow of their day. When the have coordinators, I work with them to assure we are all on the same page and have the time necessary to document their day and the multitude of moments they want captured.

While every photographer is different, I know that a large portion of photographers (myself included) do offer payment plans. Typically, you will pay a non-refundable retainer to book the date. After that, payments can be divided monthly, or quarterly, whatever works best for the business and client.

The 30/5 minute rule for weddings is a simple but important guideline to allocate ample time. It suggests that tasks that typically take 5 minutes in regular life, may take 30 minutes on a wedding day. As a wedding photographer – I fully support this rule. Not only does it take away the rushed feeling, but allows for genuine moments that arise during the day, such as hugs from friends and family, selfies with guests that pop in, or late wedding party members. This principle is crucial for wedding planning to account for unexpected delays and to ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day. When travel happens on the wedding day, I apply this same 30/5 minute rule.

Planning Your Wedding with Kati & Co
Couple walking on logs at Hoyt Arboretum and Forest Park

Insight from an oregon wedding photographer: Think about your surroundings

When it comes to where you get married; whether indoor our out there are lots of details to consider when you’re planning. Below is a short list of things to think about when planning.

OUTDOOR WEDDINGS & ELOPEMENTS

  • Lighting: Where the sun rises, falls, and sits during mid day. Where the light hits you will greatly influence photos and how things look in photos. Example: If parts of the sun is hitting one partners face, but not the other.
  • View: Buildings and trees etc in close and far proximity. If you’re eloping and prefer to have a view behind you it’s important to think about where you’re going to stand in reference to the backdrop, and what other parts of the scene may come into play.
  • Grounds: How it will affect walking for you and your guests. Example; grass is pretty but extremely hard to walk in with heels.

INDOOR WEDDINGS & ELOPEMENTS

  • Lighting: Type of overhead lighting, and how much of it is in the spaces you plan to incorporate. Daylight is always going to appear more flattering, so rooms with lots of windows is something to consider when booking getting ready airbnbs, hotels or ceremony spaces.
  • Decor: The less you have to move around the space, the easier it will be to focus on ‘you’. Example: Art on the walls, wallpaper, linen colors will all have an affect on the vibe of your day. How does it feel when you’re in the space? Does it align with your vision?
While there is a lot involved in planning YOUR WEDDING, I hope this two-part guide offers some assistance for you as you begin the fun adventure of creating a wedding day that suits you.

I’d love to chat about your day and how I can help. If you have questions or would like to chat about your plans, your vision or customize a package, please get in touch.

LET’S CHAT