Wedding timeline

kmforet

Just got engaged last weekend and trying to figure this whole thing out!  It seems like most people on here have super long engagements - like years.  We've already been dating for a long time, and now we're anxious to get hitched.  Neither one of us is too particular about time of year, and would even be happy to save some money by getting married out of season.  So my question is: can you plan a nice - not extravagent, but lovely - wedding in 5 or 6 months?  Or am I insane?

skurtz04

You can plan a wedding in that short amount of time. Getting married out of season saves so much money. my H and saved about $5000 by having it in April and on a Friday.

audrewuh

Totally do able. FI and I are having a year long engagement so we can save, but that's our story, doesn't have to be yours. 

naomikb

Definitely.

You just have to know your area - what kind of reception hall are you looking for?  How soon do they book up?  You may have to modify your plans (fewer guests, less traditional venue, different city, use your second choice photographer) but it can certainly be done.

"Off season" varies by venue and location though.  Here we didn't get discount rates until  mid-November and they ended at the end of February.  It was significant (10-25%) savings though.

Summer2011Bride

Sure, it can be done. Although our engagement was 9 months I was going to Grad school and working full-time while planning, so I was definitely short on extra time to do wedding stuff and I was able to plan a nice wedding for 150 guests.

In addition to the season, sometimes the weekend you get married (a friend got married July 2 last year and was able to save a ton because it was a holiday weekend) or the day of the week can cut costs (like a Friday night or Sunday afternoon wedding instead).

ETA: Also consider off-the-beaten-path venues. In my city there are a few hotel/banquet facilities that are so popular for weddings, they can jack up their costs. However, there are a couple of lovely museums and a library that have nice areas for wedding receptions but cost a lot less because they aren't "typical" wedding venues. Also look for any restaurant or hotel that is just opening, as they will want the business and probably have lower costs.

kmforet

Thanks everyone!  Unfortunately here in NY things have a tendency to be over-the-top when it comes to, well, everything, but weddings in particular.  Hopefully I can find something off the beaten path, as it were, that can be booked on short notice and won't break the bank.

missteacherlady

I just got engaged, and we are getting married November 3.  Some people thought we were crazy, but we are getting everything together in time.  Just be prepared for some vendors to act like you are crazy...and then move on to another one.  For example, I needed my dress altered and a couple of places were appalled that I needed it by November 3, but I found someone who could do it in two weeks with no extra charges.  People also told us there was no way we could get a venue that soon, but, guess what?  We did....and with a discount because November is not a popular wedding month.  Of course, your location could be completely different, but just sharing my experience because I am annoyed by people who seem to think I need a 2 year engagement!