Help: Don't know when I should go visit the venue!

ToriJWG · January 2010

We are getting married on May 14, 2011 and just got engaged on Christmas Eve! So as of yesterday I have 16 months till the Big Day! We are getting married in Savannah, Ga we live in Atlanta (4 hour drive). I have looked up and contacted a couple venues to have our ceremony and reception. Also we are on a tight budget so I want to make sure I get a good deal also! My question is when should I go and look at the venues and all? I feel that once I have booked the venue then everything else will be easier. And I dont want to be doing a lot of things at the last minute! Thanks

I <3 Seabass · January 2010

Since you have a specific date in mind I would start looking at venues now, since they may or may not be available depending on how quickly venues book up in your area. If you're willing to be flexible with your date then you could probably hold off on going to look a venues for a little while and just continuing doing research online and over the phone.

JulesMarie25 · January 2010

I would recommend going to see venues if you can. It is helpful to be able to see what the place looks like. You will want to look at all the little things that you wouldn't think about, like what does the entry way look like, are there places outside for pictures and what do the bathrooms look like. Also if you are going to go and you are from far away, see if you can schedule a tasting too. Good luck!

AmoroAgain · January 2010

Holy crap, you're getting married in 15 months. You have MORE than enough time. Chill out, relax, enjoy.

I planned all my stuff in about 7-8 months, and honestly, most of the time I didn't do a single thing.

MyNameIsNot · January 2010

We got married in Atlanta, not Savannah, but I can tell you that in this area, a year out is a good time to book a venue. If you are dead set on a particular date, you probably need to get it booked by this May. Go ahead an schedule a trip to Savannah some time soon to start looking at places. .

Once you get the venue booked, you can relax a while before you have to start worrying about the other vendors.

swim1011 · January 2010

The first thing we did was get the venue, it was about 18 months out. Then we didn't do anything at all until after the year mark (DJ, photographer, etc). Since you have a specific date, I would go when you want. Once you have that taken care of, relax and enjoy being engaged for a while!

Vintagelove4 · November 2012

First set a budget. Then since your a 4hr drive away maybe setting up a weekend to just drive down and visit venues? Getting the ceremony and reception sites are a second step. Good luck!