When should you start planning a wedding?

Question

My fiance and I have been engaged for 6 months, but we do not have a definite date yet...we're waiting until he gets out of the navy next year in march and until we can save up. So, in about 2-3 years at the latest we will be getting married....is it too soon to start planning? And should we have a date?

Wow, we've been together and lived together for over 2 years! Sorry for the confusion. We are getting married, I just don't want to turn into one of those pyschotic brides to be obessesing when our wedding is 2 years away.

Answer 1

At least a year in advance is plenty of time (or whenever you have an idea of your budget). I planned my wedding in 9 months and it was a destination wedding overseas.

If you start planning now, my suggestion:

Get a bunch of wedding magazines and a loose-leaf binder with folders, or clear plastic sheets in it.

Create sections in your binder and start filing stuff away in the sections as you come across things that you think might be relevant to your wedding.

Example of sections:

Budget

Dress
Makeup
Hair
Accessories (Shoes, Hair pieces, jewelry)

Rings

Groom (what he should wear)

Bridesmaids + Flower girl

Photographer (and/or Videographer)

Flowers

Venues for Ceremony

Venues for Reception

Reception Stuff - food, cake, favors

Invites

As you find things on the internet, in magazines, in books from the library, etc, you can pull things that you may be interested in and add it to your book. Then when you know your budget and you've fully explored things you can start making decisions on what you like and what you can afford.

As for picking the date, you don't have to rush that now, but it helps solidify things when you start thinking about whether you are having a spring, summer, winter, or fall wedding. The date may also change depending on whether you can book the places you want.

Most of all, don't stress and remember this stuff is FUN! Best of luck!

Answer 2

Well, it’s not too early to start planning – we’ve all heard about people (or maybe we are those people!) who’ve been planning since they were ten years old. I would suggest setting at least a tentative date, at least within a month or two, so you know when you REALLY need to start planning. Since you are engaged, and if you set a possible date, finding ideas and gathering resources seems like a smart idea, and I don’t think that would make you an obsessed, psychotic bride (although I understand that you don’t want to seem like one!). The more you do ahead of time, the easier it will be when you really start booking vendors and buying a dress and all that, and therefore the less likely it will be that you will ever turn into a psychotic bride. Since you’re waiting to save up money, which is a really good idea, start making a budget now (The Knot has a great budgeting tool). Generally, if you have about a year to plan, that’s a good amount of time to be able to reserve the location and vendors you want and get all the details together without rushing and getting too stressed. The site below has a general timeline (you might need to register with The Knot to see it – but I would highly recommend registering with them, and/or Wedding Channel, because they both have a bunch of great tools, resources, and ideas). Good luck, and congratulations!

Answer 3

The answer to the second part of the question is "Yes" you should pick a date first. It is easier when you are booking the hall, church, photographer etc. ,to have a date. Most people plan a year ahead, of course, this would also depend on what the area you live in is like. Is your favourite hall a popular location for wedding receptions. You need to do some research and see what the time frames are around the places you want to use for your wedding and how much will it cost & is there a deposit. The family can help you, or a friend if that's a possibility. I have also heard about companies who will help you plan your wedding for a fee. I wish you all the best on planning your special day & all the BEST for a GREAT Marriage!

Answer 4

You can certaintly start planning now. The more time you have, the better. This is especially true if you have a certain place in mind for the reception. Chances are, when you do pick a date, the place will have an opening in 2 or 3 years. I had about 11 months to plan my wedding. It hasn't been too bad, but a lot of the reception places were already booked, so we had to pick our date based on which place we chose. In a way, I wish we had wait another year, but it is coming along well. Good luck!!!

Answer 5

Depends on the size of the wedding.I would start at least 6 months before for a medium sized wedding. More or less time for a larger or smaller wedding. I planned mine in one month because my friends and family are close and it was a small wedding with a big casual reception. If you want a nice wedding, you may need to arrange somethings up to a year in advance. Spring and summer seasons are busy and people and places get booked quick.

Answer 6

Count your lucky stars that you have a while to plan. Start planning now by looking a Brides magazines and just getting small ideas.You will need to know at least what season you think you will take the plunge!! Every woman has their "dream" wedding already thought of so watch for sales at local stores for wedding items and start small. Not sure if you have a Hobby Lobby close to you but they always run wedding item like half off. If you are going to do artificial flowers you can start looking at flowers too.

Answer 7

If you are sure and ready, I don't think its ever too soon to start planning the wedding. Doesn't mean you have to get married tomorrow. Me personally, I want a long engagement, in order to get all the planning out of the way. I want to make sure I can have the wedding I deserve. After all Its should be the only one you have.

Answer 8

Start saving now and plan for the wedding 6 months in advance starting with a save the date.

Answer 9

I started when i was 10 :) 2-3 years.. seems like a while, getting ideas is probably good to do between those years. You should start planning the actual year of the wedding.

Answer 10

I don't think it's too soon. Start saving your money now because anything can happen. Try to search the web and visit the-knot.com for cool budget plans that are free so you can have an idea of what you must and must not have. Planning a wedding can get very stressful; the sooner you start-the better!