how late is too late?

I think it depends ONLY on whether the date is taken.

Depends on how popular your date is, and if flexible on your date.

I think you answered your own question; it depends on the availability. Is your venue highly sought after, how popular is your wedding date, are you willing to change your date should the venue be booked when you're ready to make a deposit... these are all questions you should ask yourself?! My wedding is just two weeks after yours and I have yet to make my deposit on my reception venue, however, they forecasted that my date would not be booked and agreed to contact me should someone else inquire about that date so that I'm able to make my deposit at that time or make other arrangements.

I planned my entire wedding in 6 months. It all depends on the date that you pick. I wanted June 11th, so I had to have a 9:30am ceremony but my reception hall was open and I found them 5 months away from my date.

May 5,2012. How do I know if its a popular date?

Ask the venue, and ask other venues. I would think a springtime Saturday (assuming May 5 is a Saturday) is probably pretty popular. Granted the venue may put more pressure on you than necessary, but remember that in addition to the potential popularity of the date, other terms (cost, etc.) are subject to change until it's all solidified in a contract. You run both risks until you lock it in, but it's otherwise not too late as long as you have enough time left to plan the rest of the details.

The venue should be able to tell you if they expect that date to book fast; they're going to know better than anyone else.

Well i think it depends if they have the dates available. My wedding is in January and i put down on my location just this May

1) have you visited the venue? i just ask, cause they will ask your potential dates when you do and let you know if they are available. and if you havent, then go see it before you even consider putting a deposit down on a venue.

Also, if you havent asked, make sure to find out their rules about hanging stuff from the ceilings-I know A number of venues i looked into did NOT allow you to hang stuff from the ceiling.

IMO I would call them about 10 months out to let them know that you are interested but explain that you want to wait a little longer before committing to their reception hall. Most places ,if you are the first person to inquire about it, will let you know after you speak with them that there is someone else interested in the same place on the same date and will call you with a certain time period to respond with a deposit or they will give it to the other couple.

5 5 12 is my birthday! Very good choice in wedding date LOL =] I would actually call the venue to see if there has been anyone interested in the date and if that is the case give them like 100 to hold the date=] Then tell them to expect you in a while with the other cash!!!

If you are already talking to them, and know that the date is available, they should have a tentative hold on it for you. in that event, they would notify you if there are other inquiries for that date. BUT -- if someone walks in ready to sign you could lose it. if that is the date you have to have... and it is available - i would advise going to contract as soon as possible.

I would contact ASAP. I did not think my previous date would be taken, but it was. I had to bump my wedding up a day because I wanted to have it the last weekend in March. Luckily my family/friends are flexible enough to attend a Friday evening wedding.

Maybe you can start making payment on it now... a few hundred dollars a month

Tnx ladies =). Just had a sit down with fh and he mentioned that he will putting in the dp for the reception at the end of the month. The place were looking at allows me to hang lantern plus adding cocktail tables on the balcony( even told me I can put a small nail to hold it if needed. lol). I just got tired looking cuz fh was the one actually looking for the places and working with the event mgrs and just had me check them out.