3 year engagement - When can i start planning?

I changed my mind a lot in the beginning, so our 19 month engagement the first 3-4 months of planning was mostly research. I made lists upon lists looking at different options, of course we settled on something completely different than what I initially imagined. I’d say don’t get to set on anything, because you may find something you like better later.
If you don’t think you’ll change your mind, you could start watching for deals on any diy stuff you want to do.

I would suggest as long as you have somewhere to put things that you start purchasing, go for it! I had a whole extra bedroom in my home I turned into my wedding craft room. It is better as well because you buy things little by little instead of larger purchases closer to your wedding which doesn't hurt your pocket as much. I loved planning so if you are excited go for it! I also got a wedding planner from Erin Conden that has step by step info and you can customize it to have from the regular one year or up to two years. You may enjoy that as well!

I would pick colors and look at decor and dress styles now. You could book the venue at the 2 year mark. Book other vendors closer to the one year mark. The first thing I did was buy my dress and make my decor. But I am a very decisive person.

Congratulations on your engagement!! I recommend starting to research everything and look at venues and gather ideas now, but I wouldn't actually book anything unless you're within two years of your wedding date. I haven't used the Wedding Wire checklist, but I know The Knot has a pretty good checklist for when each thing should be considered based on your wedding date. Happy planning!

I got engaged late December 2018. It was supposed to be a two year engagement. But we decided to change our date to July 2022. I had already booked almost everything by March 2020 for July 2021. But bc of the virus and the uncertainty of next year we changed it.



Some venues will allow you to book years in advance others only book the year before. I would suggest to just research the places you like and that you want to visit or send an email requesting prices so that you can see which one falls in your budget.

It's great that you booked your venue. As someone who is planning a wedding during COVID I would say lock down all your vendors ASAP. I would hold off on your dress and decor because you will probably change your mind a lot.

Start your planning now look for a venue ASAP some venues are booked up to 2 years in advance so you want to get in as soon as possible.