How to Start Planning a Wedding | Relaxed Advice from a Sussex Wedding Photographer
How to Start Planning a Wedding | Relaxed Advice from a Sussex Wedding Photographer
Just engaged? Here’s where to start planning your wedding. Honest, stress-free advice from Sussex wedding photographer Dale Weeks, based on 400+ weddings.
Just Engaged? Congrats… Now What?
If you’ve just got engaged — huge congratulations! You’re probably still showing off the ring, celebrating with friends and family, and riding that first wave of excitement. And then it hits:
💡 “Oh. We actually have to plan a wedding.”
Exciting? Yes.
Overwhelming? Almost definitely.
Unless you plan events for a living, this will probably be the biggest party you’ve ever organised. And with that comes hundreds of decisions. The good news? I’ve photographed over 400 weddings across Sussex, Kent, and London, from rustic barns to woodland festivals — and I’ve seen exactly what works (and what doesn’t).
Here’s my relaxed, no-stress guide on where to start planning your wedding.
Where to Start Planning a Wedding
Forget Pinterest boards for a moment. The first step is simple:
👉 Sit down with your partner and figure out what you actually want.
Do you picture a huge celebration with everyone you know? Or something more intimate, like a city ceremony followed by pints in your favourite pub? Maybe a woodland party with camping and firepits?
Your wedding should feel like you. Everything else builds from that decision.
When Should You Start Wedding Planning?
Most couples start planning about 12–18 months ahead, but there’s no one right timeline. Some couples plan in two weeks (yes, really) while others take years.
What matters most is getting the big decisions in place early:
- Venue (this sets the vibe and the date)
- Guest list size (intimate or full-scale)
- Budget (boring, but essential)
- Non-negotiables (see below)
Once those are nailed, everything else like the food, flowers, outfits, music… falls into place much more easily.
The Game-Changer: Your Non-Negotiables
Before you drown in “must-haves” from the wedding industry, make a short list of 3–4 things that truly matter to you both.
That could be:
🎪 A festival-style wedding with camping and live music.
🌱 Vegan catering that reflects your values.
📸 Photos that feel real and documentary, not staged.
🍺 Swapping champagne for craft beer.
These “anchors” keep you focused when the planning gets noisy.
Get Inspired, But Don’t Overthink It
Pinterest, Instagram, wedding blogs… go for it. Save everything that catches your eye, even if it feels random. Over time, you’ll start spotting patterns: maybe it’s always rustic barns, or city town halls, or wild festival tents. That’s your taste revealing itself.
Need inspiration? Check out:
Festival Wedding Photography →
Rustic Barn Weddings in Sussex & Kent →
Planning a Wedding in Sussex, Kent, or London
If you’re local to me (Sussex, Kent, or London), you’ve got incredible venues on your doorstep. From Cissbury Barns and Longton Wood in Kent, to Hackney Town Hall or The George in Rye, every couple can find a space that matches their vision.
And wherever you choose, the planning always starts with that same question: what kind of day do we actually want?
The Best Wedding Planning Advice I Can Give You
Make it fun.
Yes, budgets and logistics can feel heavy. Yes, relatives will have opinions. But remember: this is about the two of you. When it gets stressful? Step away. Have a date night. Pour a drink.
Because when the day arrives and you’re surrounded by your people, with moments that feel exactly like you… that’s what it’s all about.
Ready to Plan Without Stress?
One of the best ways to relax into the whole process is to get comfortable in front of the camera. My couple sessions are fun, easygoing, and a brilliant way to capture you both before the wedding.
Find out about couple sessions →
Check my wedding photography prices →
Letty + Aarun
“Captured every moment perfectly.“
“Our wedding photos are more than we could have ever wanted — Dale literally captured every moment. His communication was top notch from the moment we booked, and he completely understood what we were after. So relaxed, blended right in with the day, and worked brilliantly with our videographers. We’ll be forever grateful.”
RUSTIC BARN WEDDINGS
Beams, stone walls, fairy lights and fields. I’ve photographed barn weddings all across Sussex, Kent & beyond, and each one has its own character. Here’s my guide to the best rustic barns.
FESTIVAL WEDDINGS
Outdoor ceremonies, DIY décor, camping fields and all-night parties. Festival weddings are some of my favourites, and this guide is packed with real celebrations to inspire yours.
LONDON WEDDINGS
Candid, colourful photography across London’s most iconic venues ~ from Hackney warehouses to chic town halls. This guide shows you what’s possible for your London Wedding.
READY TO
Looking to have photos like these for your wedding?
I’d love to capture your day with the same relaxed, colourful, documentary style. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a big party, close to home or further afield, I’ll be there for the laughs, the chaos, and the quiet moments in between.