what to do?

Losullivan

So I just got engaged 3 days ago am not planning on getting married until the summer of 2013. 

Both the ceremony and reception sites I was hoping to use are already booked for the dates and times that we wanted.  

I just didn't realize how crazy early you need to book things. 

So lesson to others: book your locations before you are even engaged...

VarunaTT

That is some pretty awful advice.  

Here's some better advice:  pick a different date or venue.

You're welcome.

6fsn

What if the yet-to-be named groom wouldn't want that venue?  It might be easier to change your expectatiosn.

StephBeanWed61502

That's one venue, on one date.  Don't extrapolate that experience into "I should've booked a venue before I was engaged."  We had one of our top-choice venues tell us they were booked on the day we wanted... we checked out about ten others that were available, and even the venue that was booked had an opening within a month of the date we were looking for.  Be a little flexible.  There's no reason you shouldn't be able to find a venue in the summer of 2013.

RaptorSLH

Depends on the venue.

Depends on the date.

Depends how flexible you are.

We had to book about 16 months out to get our dream date and venue, (which is also giving us plenty of time to plan.)  Then again, we picked a popular location in peak local event season.  My sister got her location about 8 months out, and I know another local bride planning in 5.  She'll have to work around availability, but it can be done.

mrsconn23

Why did you set your heart on a date and time before having a place?

At this point, you can either find another venue for the the date and time you want to get married or find another date/time at the venue you want.   Or find another date and time and venue. 

Summer is the wedding season and places (especially the popular ones) book up early.  I planned a wedding for early November and had many venue choices and availbility to choose from.

DG1

Interesting. I got my first-choice everything in 4 months of planning.

mbody

"What to do?"

You can either change your date if you want that venue. Or you can choose another venue if you really want that date. If you're more flexible, you tend not to be disapointed with little bumps (b/c that is really what this is) in the road.