How soon after getting engaged should you plan a wedding?
You’ve said yes. The ring is on. Champagne has been popped. And now, the million-pound question:
When do we actually start planning this wedding?
Some couples dive in immediately, booking venues within days. Others take their time, stretching out the engagement for years. The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there are key things to consider if you want the perfect balance between excitement, preparation, and actually enjoying the process.
Here’s how to time it right.
1. First, Take a Breath (Seriously.)
Before you do anything, take a moment to just be engaged. Enjoy it. There’s no rush—unless you’re on a tight timeline, you don’t need to start booking suppliers this week.
💡 Ideal timeframe: Give yourselves at least a few weeks to a couple of months to celebrate before making any big decisions.
2. Decide on Your Timeline
Every couple has a different vision for how long they want to be engaged. Some common timeframes:
⏳ Fast-track (3-6 months) – Ideal for elopements, small weddings, or couples who want to just get it done without the long wait. You’ll need to be decisive and flexible with your venue and suppliers.
📅 The sweet spot (12-18 months) – This is the most common engagement length, giving you time to book in-demand venues and photographers while keeping stress levels low.
🕰 Long engagement (2+ years) – Perfect for those who want to take their time, plan stress-free, or save up for a dream wedding.
💡 Best advice: If you’re aiming for a summer wedding at a sought-after venue in Kent or London, you’ll want to book key suppliers 12-18 months in advance.
3. Lock in the Big Three (Venue, Photographer, Planner)
The first things to book? The venue, the photographer, and—if needed—a planner.
🏛 Venue – The best locations (especially in Kent, London, and the South East) book up fast, sometimes 2 years in advance for peak dates.
📸 Photographer – If you’re looking for someone with a strong editorial eye and fashion-forward style (like yours truly), you don’t want to leave this too late.
📝 Planner (optional) – If you’re going for a high-end or logistically complex wedding, a planner can be a game-changer.
💡 When to book:
If your dream venue and photographer are available, secure them ASAP.
If your wedding is in less than 12 months, be ready to compromise on dates or go for a weekday wedding.
4. Get a Rough Guest Count & Budget
Before you go deep into planning, get a realistic idea of:
💰 Your budget – Are you going all out, or keeping it intimate?
📋 Guest count – Big wedding or small, this will dictate everything from venue size to catering.
💡 Pro tip: If you’re working with a £20-30K budget, an elegant but intimate wedding with a strong focus on photography and style will get you more impact than stretching that budget over 150+ guests.
5. Don’t Wait Too Long for Key Suppliers
After the venue and photographer, book these next:
🎶 Entertainment (band/DJ) – The best ones go fast.
🍰 Caterer (if not included in venue) – Because food matters.
🎀 Dress & Suit – Some designers require 6+ months for made-to-measure.
🌿 Florist & Decor – If flowers and styling are a priority, don’t leave it late.
💡 When to book: Aim to have your key suppliers locked in at least 6-12 months before the wedding.
6. Don’t Get Caught Up in ‘Wedding Rush’ Hype
One of the biggest mistakes couples make? Rushing into planning because of outside pressure.
❌ "You must book everything immediately, or you’ll miss out!"
❌ "You have to send invites a year in advance!"
❌ "You need to follow this planning checklist exactly!"
💡 Reality: If you stay flexible with your date, style, and suppliers, you can plan a stunning wedding without the stress.
The Bottom Line
There’s no perfect timeline—just the one that works for you. Whether you’re planning a whirlwind elopement or taking your time with a chic, editorial-inspired wedding in the South East, the key is to book what matters most first, and enjoy the rest of the process.
And if you’re looking for wedding photography that’s bold, stylish, and anything but beige—you know where to find me.
