Dear Nandini
My Fiance and I recently got engaged and while I am excited to start planning, we both have very busy work lives and commitments. When should we aim to begin the planning process?
Dear Newly Engaged,
First and foremost, Congratulations! Planning the wedding is one of the most exciting times you will spend together as a couple. When to start is the single most common question that we were asked this year at the Wedding Show this year, so you are not alone in wondering what the answer may be. After you only get married once!
More and more brides are giving themselves time to both plan in advance and save to be able to afford their special day. With costs rising in a difficult economy, your choice often times lies between a longer planning period giving you as a couple the flexibility of carefully establishing a timeline to save for a strategically budgeted day or a shorter timeline where you are either working with a smaller budget or savings. Essentially, the answer definetly isn’t a single month, but a strategic timeframe that maximizes your choices and minimizes stress.
The standard and most recommended length of time to plan a wedding is 12 to 18 months. However, you can successfully plan a wedding in as little as 6 months if you are flexible and decisive. The key is to understand what tasks absolutely must be done early.
The Ideal Timeline: 12-18 Months
Planning for this length of time gives you maximum leverage over the three most challenging aspects of wedding planning:
* Vendor Availability: You get first choice of the most sought-after venues, photographers, and planners.
* Budget Management: You have more time to save money and spread out major expenses, easing financial pressure.
* Less Rushing: You avoid the stress of rush orders (like for a wedding gown) and last-minute compromises.
Here is a quick look at the core tasks and when they need to be addressed:
*Timeline * Key Focus Area * Critical Tasks *
*18 – 14 Months Out -The Foundation; Set the budget, finalize the draft guest list, book your venue, and hire a wedding planner (if using).
*12 – 10 Months Out -The Essentials; Book major vendors like the photographer, videographer, and caterer. Begin wedding dress shopping (many designers need 9-12 months).
*8 – 6 Months Out – The Guests ; Send out Save-the-Dates. Book accommodation blocks for guests and begin planning the honeymoon.
*5 – 3 Months Out -The Details; Mail formal invitations. Finalize the menu and book the rehearsal dinner location.
* 1 Month – Day Of- The Finish Line | Get your marriage license. Finalize the seating chart and vendor payments.
Flexibility is the Real Secret
While 12-18 months is ideal, your timeline should be customized based on a few factors:
- The Type of Wedding You Want
* Large/Peak Season (Spring/Fall Saturdays): Start 18+ months out. You are competing with hundreds of other couples for limited, premium spots.
* Destination Wedding: Start 18+ months out. You need extra time for travel logistics, site visits, and guests’ planning.
* Smaller/Off-Peak (Weekday/Winter): 6-10 months is very doable. Venues and vendors are more flexible and often offer lower pricing.
- How Decisive You Are
If you and your partner are very decisive and can agree on a venue, a photographer, and a budget quickly, you can compress the timeline. The people who struggle with a short timeline are those who need weeks to choose between two shades of white!
- Your Personal Priority
If a specific element is your absolute, non-negotiable priority—be it a famous band, a particular photographer, or an iconic venue—you should start planning with that vendor’s availability as your first step, which may push your timeline out to 2 years.
Your Immediate Next Step Regardless of when your wedding date is, the first three steps are non-negotiable and need to be done right now to give you a clear starting point:
Discuss the Vision: Sit down with your partner and define your top three priorities (e.g., great food, amazing photos, small guest list).
Set the Budget: Establish a firm, realistic number and figure out who is contributing how much. This number dictates all future decisions.
Set the Date/Season: Decide on a timeframe. You don’t need the exact date yet, but knowing you want “Fall 2026” allows you to start contacting venues.
Would you like a detailed checklist for those first three foundational steps to officially kick off your planning?
Remember that there is no right or wrong. Doin a small or large wedding is your personal preference and choice. Enjoy the planning and remember to always make it yours!
Your Wedding Expert
xoxo Nandini
For TastersHUB Catering & Events
“I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there’s a life after that, I’ll love you then.” – Catherine the Great
