when to start planning?

[Deleted User]

My wedding date is august 09,2014. I want my wedding in vegas, but not elopement. I plan on inviting family and friends. But is it too early to start calling venues and getting things in order?

kikirst33

If you have a specifid venue in mind that you want to have the wedding/reception or a special photographer you want then I would start your planning now.  The band I wanted for my reception books about 1 1/2 years out.    You've got time to plan so there really isn't any hurry but if you start now then you'll have some of the items out of the way.

Maybone

I would not book anything until you have a ceremony location, reception venue and a date set in stone. You really can't book anything else without these. It's never too early to look around. You can do any planning and work you want. Start buying things now if you are FOR SURE on the colors/styles and such. You don't want to buy anything now if you think you might not love it in 2 years though. 

As for any vendors you need, start booking those once you have a venue locked down. You don't want to book a band/photographer/flowers/etc. if your date or location might change. As PP said, some vendors and places book up well in advance, especially in popular cities and during popular months.

I have a 9/2013 date. We just booked are locations this weekend.  I have been planning and thinking for awhile, and have a few things like DIY invitations purchased already. Just do what you are comfortable with. Keep in mind pricing are subject to change, and if the venues and vendors aren't well established they might not be there in a few years. Happy planning!

HobokensFury

Around here it is very common for venues to book over 2 years out.  So you can start looking now if you want.

[Deleted User]

Will venues change the guest list as people start RSVPing? I dont want to have to pay for 150 people if only 75 are coming.

NikNik2013

I am an OOT bride also, and having my wedding in New Orleans. I booked my venue 13 months out. Good thing we wanted a Sat afternoon wedding, because Fri night, and Sat nightt were already booked. I would look online and find out what is going on in the city before picking a date. This will make a huge difference with hotel blocks and transportation. You don't want to try to book stuff with conventions/concerts/sports in the area. This is how we started, and it worked well for us. Also, we are having to use 2 transportation companies even booking 11 months out.