How soon to start

My philosphy is the sooner you start, the less stressed you'll be down the road. However, that is a long time. If you're the kind of person that changes their mind or second guesses your decisions a lot, I would definitely wait awhile to actually start planning.

I definitely agree with PP about second guessing your decisions. You could start getting an idea of what type of venues you like and narrowing those down. That will dictate a lot of your planning. Also work on what type of budget you want so you can save if you haven't already.

My FH and I started with nearly the same amount of time on our engagement. We are a week away now. Initially we started with looking at a DW vs a local one. We researched the rules for different caribbean countries to get married in and then narrowed down choices from there. If you're really wanting to get started you might want to do a VIP guest list so you know the base number of those you want there (parents, siblings, grandparents, etc.) then setting a budget. Look at how long you have until a couple months before the wedding and then what you think you can reasonably save up in that time.

After those I would look at venues to see what you might like

I don't think its ever too soon to start. You can research themes, venues, wedding colors. I agree with Alicia that the sooner your start the better and less stressful you will feel later. My wedding is about 10 months out and I have completed all major items besides a florist and its been great.

But i think getting your ideas together is perfect so when your closer you are assured about what you like.

Thank you very much that is very helpful.

You can always start researching! And with that much time pretty much everything should be available for your date I would think! So maybe if there’s something you’re 100% sure you want you should go ahead and book it so someone else doesn’t snatch it up for your date. Like if the venue you want is super popular you can go ahead and book it before anyone else does, some venues get booked 2 years in advance so it’s definitely not too soon to start looking!

View Quoted Comment Very true grace I'll start looking

I started with probably just about the same amount of time as you! I say the sooner the better! We booked a couple vendors within the first couple months of being engaged and kept going from there. The sooner you start the more options you will have!

Planning can be so tedious, but I think a year is plenty of time. I've gotten almost everything done in about 4 months. I gave myself 8 months total to get it all figured out. I kind of feel like I'm obsessing. I'd hate to plan for two whole years. I'd lose my mind thinking of wedding stuff 24/7. I just want to be done and get to the day so I can enjoy it.

You don't technically have a date until you have a venue. You can research venues now and get quotes for them. You could also decide on your budget now. Then in another year or so, start planning the rest.

If you book now you will probably get the exact date you want for your venue.
We started looking at our venues a year ahead and everything is booked
Most were booked 2 years out.
I would do your venue now and then wait for the year mark for your dress and vendors

You can start on a few of the big decisions now with your partner 1) Set a budget, 2) Estimate your guest list, 3) Search/book a venue.

Tip: if you have a wedding style (rustic or classic) or a theme (Harry Potter or goth) you love, it is easier and cheaper to decorate a venue that fits well with that theme. So you may want to figure out your style/theme before booking a venue.

😊 Happy planning!

Hey Shawna!! Have you made any exciting wedding decisions recently?