Hold on Venue/planning

I totally get how nerve wracking it is to not have the venue booked but on hold. Similarly to you, the venue FH and I want won’t take reservations for 2019 until November (weird I know). When I asked the venue coordinator if I should contact vendors (they have a list we need to choose from) she said I should wait until we’ve actually booked the place.

So, if they have a preferred vendor list, I’d wait. Otherwise maybe you could contact vendors and see if they would either hold the date for you until you got the venue, or if they are willing and able to be flexible just in case, or wait a couple more months.

As far as family goes, I’d tell them verbally the date and plan, and let them know as soon as you book the venue you’ll let them know so they can buy their tickets before the official invitations are sent.

Hi there Taylor!!! Welcome to WeddingWire!

I agree with pretty much everything Monica said. I personally would wait until you have a more concrete idea of the date. Whether that's you get them to sign a contract or something in writing that says, "Yeah, we're not doing this officially until the winter, but it's pretty much official otherwise," I wouldn't go booking other vendors. I would start my research, narrow it down to a handful of vendors you're interested in, mention that this is the time you're hoping and looking for but nothing's set in stone.

The same would go for your family. Maybe even flat out. "Hey, we love this venue, but they won't open things up until winter. Right now, this is the date we're looking at and we will tell you as soon as we know if it goes differently."

I'm sending good vibes your way!!! What's this venue like?

Just wanted to say, as nerve wracking as it is, it is nice they are having you wait and holding your date. Our venue was supposed to undergo renovations and we booked it thinking they were going to be done (they were not holding dates or waiting to book). Well now it got delayed so we dont know if it will be done. I'm really hoping it is, but I feel taken advantage of. Part of the reason we booked was becuase they were renovating. Luckily the things I dont like are things we can cover up, but that will just cost extra.

I would make sure you have in writing you get first dibs at the date and then I think start planning. If for some reason they come back and tell you you dont get the date you have it in writing.