How far in advance?

vettechgirl

I am recently engaged (just yesterday, actually! :-) ), and my 'unofficial' chosen date is June 20, 2012 (definitly June of 2012, though).

I was wondering, how far in advance should one plan certain things (and can you site examples), or how close should you plan things?

For example, is it okay to book your venue 2 years in advance, or should you do that closer to 12-10 months prior? Should you get your dress 1 year or 6 months before the wedding day?

I know this is a difficult question, but any guidance anyone can give is appreciated.

AmoroAgain

I'd say not to do anything too far out (like now) because you have no idea what is going to change in the picture- money, weight, taste, style, blah blah blah. 

Just wait until the year out and then start. 

shellydiane820

I am an "earlier the better" type of girl.  I had a two year engagement as well.

I booked some of the more important things early.  I booked a photographer about a year and a half.  Venues about a year in advace.  A lot of places won't book you 2 years in advace, its too early notice.  It doesn't hurt to look though, and get an idea of what you like.

pooh8402

earlier the better, at least for venues. my first choice venue was booked 17 months in advance, I got married at my second choice.

FutureMrsTR

I would say venue at about 12 months unless you know that it's super popular and you're very set on a particular day (which it doesn't sound like you are).

My dress took 4 months to come in and you only need a month or two for alterations.  Don't buy a dress too soon because styles change with the seasons and you may end up liking something else and then BAM you've bought two dresses.  Waste of money.

Don't ask your wedding party too early either, 6 months out is probably good starting point.  Relationships change and we see a LOT of girls coming on here regretting their decisions.

We booked our DJ 8 months out.  The photographer only 4 months out because we were going to go with an amateur and then decided not to. 

Basically, decide what's most important to you and do those first because the really good people get booked sooner, KWIM?

jnic0319

I would start looking at venues now.  Depending on your location they start booking up 12-18 months in advance.

First set a budget and an approximate guest list number (that will grow most likely so keep that in mind)

Then set out looking for places, if you find one that meets your needs, book it.

I would say 12-14 months for photographer, DJ, videographer (if they are really popular in your area you will need this much time)

Do the dress 8-12 months in advance.  Flowers 3-6 months.

Use the weddingwire.com checklist and budget tool.  It is MUCH better than the knots.

Good luck!

vettechgirl

Thanks for everyone's suggestions! I really appreciate it.

For about  year now I've been researching venues, photographers, etc. I haven't had any meetings with anyone, but I've gotten a list together of reputable ones (and within my $10,000 budget) whom I want to meet with. Really, I've done a lot of leg work (except for dresses. I've purposfully NOT looked at dresses), so now it seems I just need to sit back and ride the leiusre train (at least for now!).

Again, thanks!

Stackeye210

It sounds like you have a great start and really you should just sit and enjoy your engagement for a while. 

Also, Congrats on your engagement.  Very exciting.

vettechgirl

I'm really hoping our officiant won't charge. He's the pastor for my dad's church, and is part of his Christian motorcylce group. Or, that he might be willing to give a discount! LOL!

apnk2005

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_far-advance?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:80bf92b1-96cf-41dd-81ba-223d6328c5c2Post:a31d7541-3e90-428e-a995-12c61a5ac6f2">Re: How far in advance?</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm really hoping our officiant won't charge. He's the pastor for my dad's church, and is part of his Christian motorcylce group. Or, that he might be willing to give a discount! LOL!
Posted by vettechgirl[/QUOTE]

Even if your officiant doesn't charge, you might want to budget in some kind of tip or donation for his church...

georgia_bride09

Just FYI, June 20, 2012 is a Wednesday.

polichik

We will have been engaged for 28 months by the time we get married this September. When we started looking at venues after being engaged for a month (so, still 27 months out), one of our top choices was already booked for our chosen date. One thing to think about is locking an event order in early. Depending on the venue, some will allow you to book a 2012 event at 2010 prices if you sign a contract. Most will specify that prices can increase a certain amount, but you can still save $ if your venue will let you do this. I'd recommend figuring out about how many guests you want and look at accordingly sized venues soon. Besides the venue and possibly photographer, I'd just gather ideas from now until about a year out. The Knot's checklist, although not perfect, can be a good starting-off point to give you a general timeline of things to do. If you'll be ordering a couture dress, it's best to start really looking one year out. Some dresses can take up to 9 months to come in, which is weird.

danieliza1127

Be sure to check out the Knot Checklist.  It gives you a month by month guideline of what you should be doing.  It's up in your top right corner.

grrrace

We booked our venue 17 months in advance and they already had 2 inquiries besides ours for the date we chose and 1 wedding booked for earlier that day.