Photos by: @**aliciafurtadophotography**

Can you believe it’s already the end of June? Whether you’re newly engaged or halfway through your planning journey, now is the perfect time for a mid-year wedding planning check-in. We’ve broken it down into two paths: one for couples who are just getting started and another for those who already have a few key bookings in place. No matter where you're at, we’re here to help make things feel a little more manageable — and a lot more exciting.

If You’re Just Starting

First things first — congratulations! Being newly engaged is such a special season, and we hope you’re taking the time to soak it all in. Whether you just said "yes" last weekend or a few months ago, here are four gentle but impactful steps to help you ease into the planning journey:

Take a Breath (or a Few).
You don’t need to dive into vendor calls right away. Take time to just enjoy being engaged with your partner. This stage only happens once — celebrate it!
Budget Chat Time.
When you're ready, sit down together and get honest about what kind of budget you’re working with. This applies whether your budget is $30,000 or $300,000. Without clear boundaries in place, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or over-committed early on.
Ask the Big Questions.
What’s most important to each of you during this experience? Is it hands-on planning? A relaxed approach? This will help you determine what level of planner support is right for you. (Psst — we offer complimentary consultations if you're unsure!)
Think About the Vibe.
How do you want your wedding day to feel? For both you and your guests? If you want your guests to remember the ambiance, you may lean more heavily into decor and lighting. If it's incredible food and drink, invest in catering and a fun culinary moment like a chef station or late-night snack bar. If your goal is “We just want everyone to have fun,” let’s explore entertainment ideas that fit your style.

If You’re Feeling Stuck (And Already Have a Few Vendors)

So you’ve got your venue booked and maybe even a few other vendors locked in — but now you’re thinking, “What next?”

You’re not alone. This stage is where many couples begin to feel a bit overwhelmed or disconnected from the process. If you're in that in-between, these questions might help bring some clarity:

What’s stressing you out most right now?
Sometimes just naming your concern — whether it's timelines, guest list drama, or uncertainty around priorities — helps you find the right next step.
Where are we sitting with the budget?
Revisiting the numbers at this point can help you stay on track and reallocate where needed. You might find you have more (or less) flexibility than you thought.
Have we gotten swept up in trends or outside opinions?
Take a step back and ask: What are the real reasons we’re having a wedding? Refocusing on what you want — not what social media or distant cousins expect — can bring back the excitement and clarity.

(And if full planning isn’t right for you, even a few strategic consults or a custom checklist from a pro can be game-changing.)

Let's Connect

Vendors: Planning & Design: @lottie.weddings, Photographer: @aliciafurtadophotography, Venue: @silvertipresort, Video: @jessieraefilms, H&MUA: @barebeauty___, Florist: @littledaisyflorals, Stationary: @paper.panache, Seating Chart: @loveskydesign.weddings, Rentals: @mountaineventrentals, Cake: @prettysweetyyc, DJ & Lighting: @vissertainments, Wedding Favor: @peacecandle.co, Suit: @hueylamsuits, Gown Designer: @callablanchedress, Gown Boutique: @rococobrides

Design Tips (That We Use in Every Lottie Wedding)

Think in Senses.
The best weddings engage all five senses. Ask yourself: what will guests hear, smell, taste, see, and feel?
Balance and Intentionality.
Do you gravitate toward symmetry or prefer more organic, asymmetrical arrangements? Odd-numbered groupings (like 3s or 5s) often create more visual interest.
Stuck on Colours?
Explore the colour wheel! Look for meaningful pairings — like complementary tones, or colours that reflect personal stories (hello, blue and orange for Oilers fans!).

Lottie’s Opinion: Remember why you started this journey.

We love it all — the food, the fashion, the details, the energy. But the part that matters most to us is you two coming together. The ceremony is that moment where you pause the noise of everyday life, stand across from your person, and make a promise. Whether it’s traditional, modern, spiritual, or playful — that exchange is powerful. We’re wired for ceremony. And when you anchor your planning around that truth, it’s easier to remember why you started this journey in the first place.

Let the celebration be full of joy and beauty — but let the heart of it always be about the two of you.

What do you think?

Planning a wedding in Calgary or the Rockies in 2026? Whether you're dreaming of an intimate backyard celebration or a full weekend at a mountain venue, we’re here to help guide the way.

Let’s talk timelines, design, and making the most of this special journey.

Before we meet, think about this: How do you want your guests to remember most?