Planning your wedding day can be one of the most exciting and stressful experiences of your life. From finding the perfect dress to choosing the right venue, every decision feels like it could make or break your big day. One of the biggest questions that couples often struggle with is when to start planning their wedding. Is it better to start early and have time to plan all the details or wait until closer to the date when you have a better idea of what you want? In this blog post, we’ll answer the question of how many months before a wedding you should start planning and give you a breakdown of what needs to be done during each stage of planning.
12-18 Months Before the Wedding
The first stage of wedding planning should begin around 12-18 months prior to the wedding date. During this stage, you will want to focus on the bigger picture items such as your budget, guest list, and venue. Here’s a breakdown of what you should focus on during this stage:
Budget
Before you start planning anything, it’s important to establish a budget for your wedding. This will determine how much you can spend on each aspect of your big day. Start by figuring out how much you and your partner can contribute to the wedding and then consider any contributions you may receive from family members. Once you have a total budget, you can divide the funds among the different elements of your wedding.
Guest List
Your guest list will have a big impact on the size and style of your wedding, so start working on it early. Begin by making a list of all the people you want to invite, then categorize them into different groups (family, friends, coworkers, etc.). You can then use this list to estimate how many guests you will have and find a venue that can accommodate that number.
Venue
Once you have your budget and guest list in place, it’s time to start looking for a venue. Consider the style of wedding you want and search for venues that match that aesthetic. You’ll also want to consider the location, size, and availability of the venue. Make sure to schedule tours and ask plenty of questions before you book anything.
9-12 Months Before the Wedding
At the 9-12 month mark, you should start to focus on the smaller details of your wedding. Here’s what you should be working on during this stage:
Vendors
Research and book your vendors during this time. This includes your photographer, videographer, wedding planner, florist, caterer, and anyone else you want to hire for your big day. Make sure to read reviews, ask for referrals, and compare prices to find the best vendors for your budget.
Wedding Attire
Start shopping for your wedding attire during this time. This includes your wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, groom’s tuxedo, and groomsmen suits. Keep in mind that some dresses may take several months to arrive, so don’t wait too long to start shopping.
Save the Dates
Send out Save the Dates to your guests during this time. Make sure to include the date, location, and any other important information they may need to know. This gives your guests plenty of time to prepare and plan for your big day.
6-9 Months Before the Wedding
As the big day approaches, it’s time to start finalizing the details. Here’s what you should be working on during the 6-9 month mark:
Wedding Decor
Start planning your wedding decor during this time. This includes your centerpieces, table settings, lighting, and any other decorative elements you want to include. Make sure to choose items that match your wedding theme and colors.
Wedding Cake
Choose and book your wedding cake during this time. Schedule tastings and consultations with your potential bakers to find the perfect flavor and design for your big day.
Wedding Favors
Decide what type of wedding favors you want to give your guests and start planning them during this time. This could be something personalized or something that matches your wedding theme.
3-6 Months Before the Wedding
As the wedding day approaches, it’s time to start finalizing all the details. Here’s what you should be working on during the 3-6 month mark:
Finalize Your Guest List
Finalize your guest list during this time. Make sure you have accurate counts for each person and that everyone is accounted for when planning your seating arrangement.
Wedding Rehearsal
Schedule your wedding rehearsal during this time. This is a chance to practice the ceremony and make sure everyone knows their role.
Final Payments and Confirmations
Confirm all your vendors and make final payments during this time. This will ensure everyone knows what to expect on the day of your wedding and that there are no misunderstandings.
Conclusion
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but starting early can help alleviate some of the stress. By breaking down your planning into stages, you can focus on one task at a time and make sure everything is taken care of before the big day. Remember, every wedding is different, so don’t be afraid to personalize your planning to match your unique vision.
FAQ
How far in advance should I start wedding planning?
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and the timeline for planning can vary depending on different factors such as the size of the wedding, the wedding date, the venue, and the number of guests. However, wedding experts suggest that about one year is a good timeframe to start planning a wedding.
According to Nicole-Natassha Goulding, an award-winning wedding planner, one year in advance is enough time to plan the standard, local wedding. This timeframe provides couples with ample time to research and pick a suitable venue, book vendors like caterers, florists, photographers, and musicians, find a wedding dress, and plan for other details.
Starting the planning process earlier also gives couples a chance to budget and save for the wedding adequately. It also provides more room for negotiation with vendors, who may be willing to give discounts to early bookers.
However, if you are looking to have a destination wedding or getting married during a peak season, it is advisable to start planning earlier than one year. Destination weddings may require more logistics and coordination, such as booking flights and accommodations for guests, and researching the legal requirements for getting married in the chosen destination. For peak season weddings, vendors tend to book up faster, so starting the planning process early can give couples an advantage.
While the timeline for planning a wedding can vary based on different factors, starting one year in advance allows couples ample time to plan, budget, research, and book vendors. It can also alleviate the stress of rushed planning and provide a better chance for the couple to have their dream wedding.
What time of year is cheapest to plan a wedding?
Planning a wedding can be an exciting, yet expensive, endeavor. One significant factor that can impact the cost of a wedding is the time of year it is held. Generally, getting married during peak wedding season, which is typically from May through October, can be significantly more expensive than getting married during off-season months.
In the United States, off-season wedding months can vary by region, but the low priced months typically include January, February, July, and November. During these months, venues and vendors are often less busy and more willing to negotiate prices to fill their calendar. In addition, because wedding demand is lower during these months, it can be less stressful to secure a date and venue that suits your preferences.
However, it is important to note that there are some downsides to having a wedding during the off-season. One is the possibility of inclement weather, which can impact outdoor wedding ceremonies or receptions. Additionally, depending on the location, some vendors and venues may have reduced hours or services during the off-season.
Another factor to consider is the day of the week the wedding will be held. Saturdays are traditionally the most expensive day, while weekdays and Sundays are often less expensive. This can also be a consideration when choosing a wedding date.
The time of year you choose to have your wedding will depend on factors such as your personal preferences, budget, and availability of vendors and venues. However, if you are looking to save money, it is worth considering having your wedding during the off-season.
What is the gap between engagement and marriage?
The gap between engagement and marriage can vary greatly depending on the preferences of the couple. While some couples choose to get married shortly after becoming engaged, others may wait months or even years before exchanging vows. According to The Knot’s 2021 Real Weddings Study, the average engagement length for U.S. couples was 16 months, which is up from 13 months in 2019.
There are several factors that may influence a couple’s decision to have a longer or shorter engagement period. For example, cultural or religious traditions may dictate a certain period of time for engagement before marriage. Additionally, financial considerations may also play a role, as longer engagements may allow couples to save more money in preparation for their big day.
Furthermore, couples may also choose to have a longer engagement in order to better plan and prepare for their wedding day. Planning a wedding can often be stressful and time-consuming, so having a longer engagement may give couples more time to research vendors, compare prices, and make decisions about their ceremony and reception. Additionally, some couples may have a specific date or venue in mind that may require a longer engagement period due to availability.
Regardless of the length of the engagement period, it is important for couples to communicate openly and regularly about their expectations and goals for their wedding day and future marriage. the length of the engagement should be a decision made by both partners in order to ensure that they are both comfortable and happy with their choice.