When you get engaged, one of the first things you’ll need to do (after celebrating with family and friends, of course) is to choose a wedding date. Deciding on whether you want a long engagement or a short one can play a big role in how your wedding planning timeline unfolds. For example, an 18-month engagement offers a lot of breathing room, while a six-month timeline requires a bit more focus and speed.
But how much time does wedding planning really take? Let’s dive into the details and find out!
Here’s a table summarizing how long wedding planning typically takes and when you should start:
| Wedding Planning Step | Details |
|---|---|
| How Long Does Wedding Planning Take? | On average, wedding planning takes about 1 year. This is enough time to book vendors, secure a venue, find a dress, and finalize details. |
| Factors that Affect Planning Time | Venue popularity, seasonality, and the type of wedding you’re planning can influence the timeline. |
| When Should You Start Planning? | Wait at least 30 days after getting engaged to dive into wedding planning. Use this time to enjoy your engagement and decide on big-picture details like your vision, budget, and date. |
When Should You Start Planning Your Wedding?
While it might be tempting to dive straight into wedding planning the moment you get engaged, Goulding suggests waiting at least 30 days before jumping into the details. “Take time to enjoy your engagement!” she advises. During this first month, focus on big-picture decisions like your wedding vision, budget, and date before reaching out to vendors.
What to Do First When Wedding Planning
Not all wedding planning tasks are created equal. Some things need to be done much earlier than others. Here’s a breakdown of what to tackle first:
1. Book Your Venue
Securing your venue is one of the most time-consuming tasks. “Finding the right venue can be a lengthy process,” says Goulding. “From visits to pricing, you’ll need plenty of time to make this decision.” Booking early ensures you get your preferred date and location before someone else does.
2. Find Your Wedding Dress
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Dress shopping should start early—ideally, a year before your wedding. Many designers need 6-8 months to create and ship your gown, not to mention the time required for alterations. Don’t leave this until the last minute, or you might end up paying rush fees or settling for an off-the-rack option.
3. Hire Your Vendors
For specific vendors like photographers, florists, caterers, and entertainers, it’s best to book them as close to a year in advance as possible. Popular vendors can book up quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons.
4. Send Save-the-Dates
Once you have your venue and date locked in, it’s time to send out save-the-dates. This allows your guests (especially those coming from out of town) to mark their calendars and start making travel plans. Be sure to also reserve hotel blocks early.
5. Choose Your Wedding Party
Ask your bridal party early to give them time to plan events like the bachelorette party and find their outfits. It’s a big ask, so give them plenty of time to prepare.
6. Plan Your Honeymoon
If you’re planning to leave for your honeymoon right after the wedding, start researching flights and accommodations about six months ahead to score the best deals.
Staying on Track with Your Wedding Planning
Planning a wedding on a one-year timeline can get overwhelming. One of the best ways to stay on track is to hire a wedding planner or coordinator who can help keep things organized. If you’re doing it yourself, tools like wedding planning checklists, magazines, or apps like ClickUp or Asana can keep everything on schedule.
Creating a wedding binder or Excel spreadsheet is another great idea. Break your planning tasks down by month to stay organized and ensure nothing is overlooked.
How Long Does It Take to Plan a Destination Wedding?
Destination weddings are a whole different ball game. Experts recommend that destination weddings take about 12 to 18 months to plan due to the logistics involved. This longer timeline accounts for things like language barriers, multiple site visits, and working with overseas vendors. Guests also need more time to book travel and time off from work.
If you’re planning a destination wedding, Goulding strongly suggests hiring a specialist planner. “This should be your first step,” she says. “Then, focus on choosing the location, as it can affect everything from your wedding date to the legalities of the ceremony.”
FAQs
Q: Can I plan a wedding in 6 months?
A: Yes, but it will require a lot of focus. You’ll need to book vendors and secure your venue quickly, so consider reaching out to venues and vendors immediately after you get engaged.
Q: When should I start shopping for my wedding dress?
A: Start shopping at least 12 months before your wedding to ensure your dress is made, altered, and ready on time. Delaying this could result in paying rush fees.
Q: What’s the first thing I should do after getting engaged?
A: After enjoying the engagement moment, discuss your wedding vision, set a budget, and pick a date before reaching out to vendors.
Q: How do I stay organized during wedding planning?
A: Use apps like ClickUp or Asana, or a simple wedding binder with an organized checklist to stay on top of your tasks. Hiring a planner is also a great way to ensure you’re on track.
Q: How long does it take to plan a destination wedding?
A: Destination weddings typically take 12-18 months due to travel arrangements, vendor coordination, and site visits. Hiring a destination wedding planner is a must for smooth planning.
Conclusion
Wedding planning can seem like a daunting task, but with a clear timeline, a set budget, and organized planning, you can make the journey as enjoyable as the big day itself. Whether you have a year or just six months to plan, staying organized and focusing on one task at a time will ensure everything falls into place. With expert advice and careful consideration, you’ll be ready to say “I do” to a wedding that’s everything you’ve dreamed of!