How Far in Advance Should You Start Planning Your Wedding?
Planning a wedding is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful because there’s a lot to do. You have to search for and choose from all the wedding reception venues, decide on a menu, find invitations, arrange for flowers, and more. How soon is too soon to start planning and booking wedding reception venues and more? Here’s an easy-to-follow timeline to help you be prepared.
Booking Wedding Venues: One Year Out
According to the Knot, it’s a good idea to book wedding reception venues as soon as possible after the engagement. The goal is to have your venue booked at least nine months before the wedding date. However, a year out is ideal.
There are a couple of reasons why it is important to book your venue as soon as possible. First, you’ll have more date options the earlier you book. Second, it makes paying for the wedding more affordable since the payments will be spread out. Most venues offer payment plans and most will need you to make an initial deposit, along with quarterly or monthly payments.
Booking Other Vendors: One Year Out
From bands and DJs to florists and photographers, booking these vendors a year out is a good idea. Great wedding vendors book up fast and they might not have the date of your wedding six months prior. To get the dream wedding you’ve always wanted, make sure you’re an early planner.
Wedding Attire: Six to Nine Months Out
Once you have the venue and vendor picked out, it’s time to move on to the attire, including the bride’s dress and the groom’s suit. Shop for wedding attire and purchase it about six to nine months before the wedding. This timeframe will give you ample time to try on a ton of different attire at different shops and get them fitted before the big day.
Sending Out Invitations: Six Months Out
Save the date cards can be sent out about six months in advance to tell your guests about the date you’re planning to have the wedding. It will also let them know you’ll be sending out invitations to the wedding soon after. Wedding invitations should be sent out at least eight weeks in advance with an RSVP date one month before the wedding.
Planning a wedding starts with choosing among the wedding reception venues and picking one. Once your venue is booked, you can start moving forward with everything else. Give yourself a year of planning. Get in touch with us today to find your dream wedding reception venue for your special day.