I've been just researching reception venues and I've heard about how you have to book so far in advance. I have only been checking their wedding packages for pricing right now, haven't actually gone to visit any or asked about availability. One place I did check said they only had one Saturday night available in May 2012 and that was pending a booking. Like I said, I'd heard about this but was still surprised when they said that!
So I'm wondering how far out everyone booked their wedding/reception venue? Trying to get a handle on realistically how far out we need to plan/book.
Re: How far out did you book wedding/reception venue?
Well, i know most of people book their venue like up to 2 years in advance and go from there with the planning.
In my case, i got engaged in december 2010, and started the plannig in January 2011, by february we looked at venues and found the one at the Meridian Banquets in Rolling Meadows,Il.....and we get married this july 30, 2011! So i booked like 6 months ago, much less that average timing on the rest of the brides.
Good luck and enjoy the planning!
We got engaged late Oct. '10 and decided we wanted to get married this summer, so we booked venues right away in Nov. I'd say a year out would be good to make sure you get the places you want, as well as the major vendors (photographers, Dj, etc.)