My boyfriend and I just got engaged and have decided to get married early Summer 2009. Even though it's still a couple of years away, I would like to start estimating the cost of the wedding, and checking out locations. How long should I wait before I start planning the wedding? My parents had a very small simple wedding, and I want a small, but nice wedding w/ our closest relatives and friends, which will end up being around 100-125 people.
2007-01-26 10:59:22 · 17 answers · asked by Nissy 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
You may have some difficulty finding vendors ready to book for 2009 at this time. One reason is that their prices will assuredly be higher in 2009 than they are now and they may not be willing to give up that increased income. Many venues refuse to book weddings more than a year out because they'd much rather book the more lucrative corporate events. However, there is no reason why you can't research which vendors/venues you want. You can even talk to those you select about booking them and see what they say. You may be able to get pricing from them, now, even though they won't book yet, so at least you can estimate what everything will cost. Then add 15 percent to the figures to get a more realistic idea of 2009 fees. You have the enviable position of plenty of time to research what services you want and what venues would work best for you. Make your list of chosen vendors and then book them as soon as they'll let you. Don't order your dress, however, until 8-12 months from your date. Styles change and your tastes may, too.
2007-01-26 15:17:55 · answer #1 · answered by Yo' Mama 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By starting early, you can definitely save money. On the other hand, you can also burn out/drive your friends, relatives and STB-husband crazy. Even presidential campaigns have a limit.
I'd chat with someone in the know to see how competitive your area is for bookings. Some places you need to start 2 years ahead; others are a lot more easygoing. If there's a venue you MUST have, consider booking it soon (or at least call up and see how fast they're booking).
Best idea is to take some of the great books mentioned here, start getting your feet wet, use the extra time to grab some competitive spots, and then relax for a while. Unless you truly love wedding planning. Many people pull the whole thing off in less than six months.
2007-01-26 19:22:10 · answer #2 · answered by mrrmaid 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's not really a small wedding from where I come from, but that's just my preference.
We got engaged in April, and planned the wedding for the summer of the following year. We tossed ideas back and forth between the families, but didn't get anything nailed down until Jan of the wedding year. We were pushing time to shore up all the details. Cake, the aisle runner for the ceremony, table arrangements, etc. We had a 75 person reception, but we planned for around 105. It came out great.
Just do yourself a favor: Don't stress too much. The most important thing to plan is the BRIDAL GOWN! That's what will get photographed the most, and it will remind you of how beautiful you looked. BY THE WAY!!!! Do not skimp on the photographer. You want GOOD pictures of your day.
2007-01-26 19:12:14 · answer #3 · answered by anon 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can start scouting out locations now. In many areas, places require a booking a year or more in advance. Usually, they will only require a deposit and not the entire amount upfront.
Since you have a lot of time, start collecting books and magazines on weddings. Your single best investment in wedding literature will be a book called Bridal Bargains by Denise and Alan Fields (it can be found on Amazon or any major bookstore chain). This book is full of valuable wedding advice that will tell you how to save money on weddings without having a wedding that looks cheap.
Attend bridal shows in your area to get ideas, and start poking around online. Theknot.com is an excellent place to start. They galleries featuring real weddings, wedding cakes, flowers, and plenty of other stuff. If you register they have a very helpful budgeting feature that'll help you get a better idea of how much this wedding will cost and what's important to you (as in, where you want to spend money or cut costs.)
Just start putting your toe in the water now and see what's out there. You'll be surprised how quickly and easily it goes from there.
2007-01-26 19:16:31 · answer #4 · answered by jazzgirlpdx 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Find a location now. I got engaged last sept and want to get married next summer 2007. Every place I called was almost booked up. Some people book years in advance. it takes a long time to go see the places in person and decide which you like best. First step is to find the reception site or book it with the church first if you are planning a church wedding. The church date that is available will be your wedding reception date.
The best places book first so you want to be first in line!
2007-01-26 20:02:23 · answer #5 · answered by Educated 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hey, my fiancé and I are also looking at summer of 2009. Usually it is suggested to start planning about a year in advance, but it all depends on venues and such...some places book up super fast, and require an advanced deposite and booking. So, I would suggest maybe discussing with your fiancé where you want the wedding and do a bit of investigating into the popularity of the venue and the deposit requirements then go from there. If you need a planning outline, go to http://www.wedalert.com/content/planning/calendar.asp and it has a calendar broken down for a year of when you should do what tasks.
Good luck and congrats!
2007-01-28 08:54:29 · answer #6 · answered by Cami M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I planned my wedding in 3 weeks. It was amazing, everything was exactly how I wanted it. I know people are going to tell you to plan ahead, but I think that if you plan too far ahead, things are going to be forgotten and reservations lost and all that kind of stuff. If you are inviting out of town guests, I would give them at least a year to be able to make plans for travelling. But as for actual planning and booking if your having professional photographers and things like that, 9-12 months in advance should be more than sufficient. Although, if you're going to get into all that limo,photographer,caterer stuff you should seriously consider working with a wedding planner. Let them deal with the stress so your wedding day will be perfect. Best of luck to you.
2007-01-26 19:12:26 · answer #7 · answered by jpiglet86 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some places require you to book a wedding with a deposit a year and sometimes more before it takes place. You have to figure out where you want to get married...you can book your church well in advance...as for the reception...it is good to start looking to where you want to have it...for your 100-125 guests......I wouldn't be jumping on all of this right this second.......Enjoy your engagement period*~, but don't leave it too long~ Best WIsheS*
2007-01-26 19:07:37 · answer #8 · answered by friskymisty01 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Start now - - why not! Then you can be excited for like 2years!!
Start getting things and paying things off or putting money away now, by the time your big day comes along you'll be completely ready with no money worries hanging over your head - which is a big problem for newly weds. You'll also have plenty of time to figure out what you REALLY want on your big day.
By the way - Congratulations!!
Hope your day is something special.
Good Luck.
2007-01-26 19:13:27 · answer #9 · answered by Moz 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Start now if you want. You could alway pick out the place now, so it won't be a question later. And start looking for a wedding dress and the colors you want in your wedding. Be careful on getting your dress fitted to early, because you never know what size you may be.
2007-01-26 19:12:17 · answer #10 · answered by beauty1026 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋