How long before a wedding should you start planning it?

Question

My boyfriend and I plan on getting married in probably September 2007. When should we start planning and making arrangements? Any steps or guideline that would make it easier? Can you give me a time frame of when to do what? Thanks!

Answer 1

What are you waiting for? Start now! There is several good books on planning the wedding available, and I would give you the name of them, but my daughter-the newlywed has them. Bridal magazines have them also. It's never to early to start. The main thing is the date, the theme, the colors, and where you are planning on having everything...but the most important thing is budget! Get you a notebook, one that you can make copies from is the best, so can give out copies of your different lists.
My good friend told me to make a list of everything that I needed to do, and each time I finished a job mark it off, and that was the best advice, and I am giving you. Weddings are alot of work! Get you some aspirin, running shoes, and some reliable people to help you...you are going to need all of them before it is over with. My daughter's peice of advice is "no, it's my wedding" get want you want because if God's willing it's your only wedding you are going to have. So, have I scared you yet...I hope not because this is going to be your most special day..Make it memorable and beautiful for you and your fiance. Go get that notebook, and sit down with the man you are marrying and decide what you are going to do and how you are going to do it...
I hope you get everything you want, but I truly hope you have a wonderful loving long lasting marriage blessed everyday by God.
God bless us all............

Answer 2

if you want a hotel reception book it now, Hard to get the dates you want after a year. Restraurants a little less timer maybe 9 months ahead is good. A hall about 6 months. If the Church matters to you, see the clergyman a year ahead and learn the requirements and the need for a pre marital counseling . Book the date and give a deposit to hold it. Everything else depends how formal the affair is to be. If bridal gown and maid's dresses have to be ordered and then fit give it at least 6 month, The band can be booked a year ahead be sure your first choice is available that way.
ore time is a luxury to be sure you have a plan and a bakup plan for every element. Hire 2 photgraphers to be sure that you get good pictures and have them both do a vide0 and family picture.
Plan the menu and meet with the cateers as soon as the guest list is decided figure about 80 per cent attendance.

Answer 3

I began planning about 18 months in advance and boy did it pay off! Not only did we get our choice of vendors, but in many cases we got the prior year's rates. All totaled by booking early we saved more than $2,700, which is quite a chunk of change. I personally received a wedding planning book for an engagement gift, however I also use sites such as www.weddingchannel.com . This site actually shows you a to-do list that you can check off, sends you timely emails about what should be done within the next couple of months, has a easy to follow budget planner that you fill in your amounts and things like that to really help you feel comfortable and in-control. Good luck and congratulations!!

Answer 4

you need a year to plan a wedding.5 months before the wedding you should have a dress.but about 6 to 7 months before the wedding you should send out invitations to the wedding. so that people can plan on coming to the wedding.8 months before you're wedding you need to meet with the bakery,photographer,minister,flower shop,and make all you're hair appointment's as well. you also need to get all the dresses for all the people in the wedding too.one month to go get the last of you're fittings done.and make sure that you get the reception hall booked 5 months in advance or maybe earlier. good luck and congrats on getting married.

Answer 5

The earlier the better. Why not start now? That wouldn't be too early at all. Look on the Internet for time guidelines. If you have the cash consult a wedding planner. I regret not doing this. Let them worry about it so you can enjoy it! Congratulations and good luck!

Answer 6

A year, at least. I started planning about 22 months before my wedding. We booked our venue right after we got engaged and the photographer, videographer and DJ were soon to follow. The sooner you start the better chance you have of booking the vendors that you like and getting the venue of your dreams. The Knot and weddingchannel.com are great places to start. Congratulations and good luck!

Answer 7

I started planning my wedding 2 years in advance, and I felt like that was just enough time, since I was working and going to school. If I were you, I'd start planning right away.

Try starting at theknot.com. Its a good resource.

Answer 8

Now. Anytime is a good time to start. You have to make sure you get the important things done ASAP. Like a place to get married, and a place for a reception. People book those years in advance sometimes, so you have to make sure you get it when you want it.

Answer 9

you can begin planning a year in advance. The earlier you start the more time you can allot yourself for DIY (do it yourself) projects and other things like that. with extra time you can avoid to much stress.

check out the website: http://www.theknot.com it has a very helpful to-do list and other fun things to check out.

Congratulations and happy planning!

Answer 10

Usually 9 to 12 months!! If you can afford it hire a Wedding Planner (but don't hire J. Lo)!!!!