I am so excited about my engagement that wedding plans are flying everywhere. Our wedding isn't going take place until Sept. 09', but I am already constantly day dreaming of the day. I have secretly already bought the BM dresses because they were such a steal. We haven't even booked a venue yet, and we haven't told our friends and families either. So, am I just getting way ahead of myself? When is it too early to start planning?
Yikes! I am kind of worried about this too, because, same as you, my wedding is in Sept. 2009, and in some ways it seems so far away (like having to tell people, "I'm getting married in September- Oh, no, not this Septemeber- NEXT!") and in some ways I look at all the things that will need to get done and absolutely panic! Don't get me wrong, I was totally down with the long engagement (we got engaged June 2007) because I wanted to save money, buy a house, and find a job, but Tulips, I feel you- I'm wedding obsessed! I figure at least I'll be able to have things the way I want, as opposed to having to settle for what's available at the last minute. Here's what I've done so far- LOTS of research, we booked our venue (for both ceremony and reception), and I've narrowed down my wedding dress choices and will proably buy one later this month. Other than that, I've formed a general vision for the rest of the wedding (colors, bridal party, atmosphere) but am trying to remain flexible because there are just some things I cannot do yet (and I want everything to coordinate!). I feel like I've heard that a year and a half isn't too early, so two years, eh, big deal! But my finance gets kind of antsy when he sees me on weddingbee and thinks I am thinking about things way too far in advance! Sorry this is so long, but I'm going nuts and am also interested in what other brides have to say!
Well a lot depends on where you are located. I live in Westchester County, NY and am planning on getting married labor day weekend in 2009. Therefore, I've been doing TONS of stuff in preparation for the wedding. Although I did get a few "wow you are booking really early" statements, almost everyone didn't blink when I said September 2009. In fact, my makeup person was already booking into 2010 and my venue was booked on my original date in October 2009 (over two years in advance!!!). In the order I booked them in, I booked my: venue, DJ, photographer, makeup person, and we're currently working on the officiant, hair dresser, and videographer. I'm going to start trying on dresses in March to get an idea of what I like, but I don't plan on ordering until the summer. Additionally, I am waiting until the summer for the florist since they can do more than one wedding in a day. I've made contact with my day-of-coordinator, but she is booking 2009 this summer, so she's calling me when she starts that process. Additionally, most hotel blocks seemed to say about a year in advance, so I'm booking those this summer too. So (after that very long message) I would have to say that it's never too soon. Worst case scenario, you get some people who will tell you it's too early and will have two options. First, you could move on to people who will book now, OR you could wait for the original vendors to start the process. But I would definitely book the venue(s) for the ceremony/reception now because that is the most important thing!
It's never too early! Even just to do research, it may be helpful to start early. And if you're in a small city like me (well, somewhat small- Buffalo, NY), there aren't that many choices for a venue (for what you want- I needed to be downtown, but had only 90 people). So, as long as you're comfortable in your choices, plan and book early. If you get the big things out of the way, you'll have fun with all the details closer to the date.
This is of course coming from the girl who is getting married on 12-11-10 and has already booked the venue and photographer and bought the dress
no...i dont think it is too early for you to begin to plan.....there is ton of research you can do, and think of the amazing head start you get with any DIY projects you might be planning to do. (TIP: dont let this let you be lazy. if you start now, you might actually COMPLETE a project or 2)
the only thing that might not work in your case is your bm dresses. i only say this bc your bms may fluctuate in size, yanno? and then you'd be out of the cash that you originally spent bc, since you want things to coordinate, you would have to find new dresses for them all.
but i understand your excitement. i honestly started doing major, major research, loooong before my actual engagement, . so it will be like, i've been wedding planning for 2 years by the time my november wedding date actually rolls around.
I think the earlier the better if you want to get good prices on vendors and venues. Remember their rates raise all the time, so if you book now you're usually grandfathered into the old rates.
The only thing that might be too early geting others to do are travel plans. usually specials don't come out until a lot closer to the event.
I agree with everyone else, and think that it's definitely never too early. I got engaged last October and we're getting married in May 2009. We booked our venue almost immediately (Nov 2006) and at that time, they were already booked for half of May and most of June and July 2009. I totally think it depends on where you're getting married (our wedding is in Newport, RI), but it's always good to at least start collecting ideas.
I would agree with getmarried in that bridesmaid sizes can fluctuate a lot in that time - same with your wedding dress. STYLES CHANGE AND SO DO OPINIONS! I bought my first wedding dress as soon as I got engaged, and now I am a two dress bride - this happens to most "two dress brides" - they bought the first waaaayyyy too early. So be very careful about that - your opinion of the "one' can change drastically over the course of a year and a half, ESPECIALLY if you do a lot of online research (you see new styles more often)
As for travelling, Mr beefcake and I booked our honeymoon 10 months in advance - and because of that we got TWO WEEKS at a 4 star hotel in Waikiki, flights included, for $1200 EACH. No kidding. So travel deals can definitely be had by booking early (but flights will usually not go up until around 10 months prior to the date, so you can't do it now)
I'd start seriously considering Photographers- if you have an absolute favorite, sometimes they book up a year in advance.
same with location- maybe get an idea on locations and their availability- if you live in a city with limited great locations- they too may book far in advance.
I am getting married in June 2009 and have my venue, vendors including the dress(I couldn't resist and got it at a trunk sale) photographer(who already did our engagement shoot), florist(already picked the flowers),caterer(already did the tasting), baker(chose the cake), dj and officiant(my best friend since 5th grade). I have even gotten down to paying for the string quartet and chocolate fountain. I am getting great deals (We got engaged in 2007 and I locked in those prices), and our pick of vendors and veues (ours often book 1.5-2 years in advance). Also, I feel like paying for it little by little takes the pressure off and helps me to keep an eye on the budget (as well as giving me time to hunt for bargains if necessary) I am still taking time to research shuttle busses and picking out the invites. Also, if you buy items for your wedding (toasting flutes, bubbles, non-perishable favors) at the end of this summer, you will often be able to find them at 50% off. Happy planning!
Sweetie I started when I was 5! No worries. You will find though that you'll hit a spot where you can't plan anymore for a bit. Like me right now, I can't do anything else until after the tasting because I have to know the food choices to finalized the invites/RSVPs - and obviously I can't print and assemble them until I have it finalized.
Things like that.
Just remember - you may chage your mind on things so be careful. I bought a wedding dress too soon, then changed my mind and had to get another...and my invites I designed look totally different then what I expected them too when I started, after playing around with them for several weeks.
Congrats! And enjoy the ride, it goes fast - I didn't believe it until I ended up half way through and had no clue how I got there...lol
I'm going to go against the other posters here just a little... definitely book the venue/photographer now if you can- that's great. BUT- I wish I had listened when people told me to slow down and to not make decisions so far out. I chose a lot of things early (about a year out) and I wish I had waited a little longer. Do lots of research, but keep your options open!
ErinMarieMack, you're further ahead than we are and we're getting married THIS August! :) But I would also agree that venues are the most important. When we got our reception site, they were booking into 2010.
yall are making me nervous! I thought I was planning ahead of time, we'll be getting engaged within the next 4 months (it's supposed to be a surprise beyond that) and haven't decided between either April or September 09. Now I'm thinking I need to hurry up and pick a date and book the venue.
Gee, I don't feel so crazy anymore. I may really have to get to it actually. I should really book a venue soon then, but I the rest can really wait I guess. I really hope I don't change my mind on the BM dresses. They are quite simple and elegant, and on the earthy side to go with my beach theme, so I should be okay there. Someone said I was jinxing myself by planning so early, so that got me worried too. Thanks for all your comments, now I feel much better and reassured.
It's never too early to start planning for your wedding. Many girls I know have been planning their wedding for years...and they're not even engaged yet! lol. Anyways, I would suggest on looking for your ceremony/reception location. Depending on their popularity, they may book 1-2 years in advance. My wedding isn't going to take place until May '09 and we began looking for locations in January of this year. We found two great locations and they both offered us their 2008 prices. It was such a great deal. Maybe venues will offer you the same thing if you meet with them this year.
I was engaged in July '07 and feel that a long engagement gives you time to do your proper research and you can really think about your ideas and plans. Besides, time flies by fast and it's best to use your time as best as you can.
I am so excited about my engagement that wedding plans are flying everywhere. Our wedding isn't going take place until Sept. 09', but I am already constantly day dreaming of the day. I have secretly already bought the BM dresses because they were such a steal. We haven't even booked a venue yet, and we haven't told our friends and families either. So, am I just getting way ahead of myself? When is it too early to start planning?
posted by Tulips 16 posts 8 months agoYikes! I am kind of worried about this too, because, same as you, my wedding is in Sept. 2009, and in some ways it seems so far away (like having to tell people, "I'm getting married in September- Oh, no, not this Septemeber- NEXT!") and in some ways I look at all the things that will need to get done and absolutely panic! Don't get me wrong, I was totally down with the long engagement (we got engaged June 2007) because I wanted to save money, buy a house, and find a job, but Tulips, I feel you- I'm wedding obsessed! I figure at least I'll be able to have things the way I want, as opposed to having to settle for what's available at the last minute. Here's what I've done so far- LOTS of research, we booked our venue (for both ceremony and reception), and I've narrowed down my wedding dress choices and will proably buy one later this month. Other than that, I've formed a general vision for the rest of the wedding (colors, bridal party, atmosphere) but am trying to remain flexible because there are just some things I cannot do yet (and I want everything to coordinate!). I feel like I've heard that a year and a half isn't too early, so two years, eh, big deal! But my finance gets kind of antsy when he sees me on weddingbee and thinks I am thinking about things way too far in advance! Sorry this is so long, but I'm going nuts and am also interested in what other brides have to say!
posted by Katie 61 posts 8 months agoWell a lot depends on where you are located. I live in Westchester County, NY and am planning on getting married labor day weekend in 2009. Therefore, I've been doing TONS of stuff in preparation for the wedding. Although I did get a few "wow you are booking really early" statements, almost everyone didn't blink when I said September 2009. In fact, my makeup person was already booking into 2010 and my venue was booked on my original date in October 2009 (over two years in advance!!!). In the order I booked them in, I booked my: venue, DJ, photographer, makeup person, and we're currently working on the officiant, hair dresser, and videographer. I'm going to start trying on dresses in March to get an idea of what I like, but I don't plan on ordering until the summer. Additionally, I am waiting until the summer for the florist since they can do more than one wedding in a day. I've made contact with my day-of-coordinator, but she is booking 2009 this summer, so she's calling me when she starts that process. Additionally, most hotel blocks seemed to say about a year in advance, so I'm booking those this summer too. So (after that very long message) I would have to say that it's never too soon. Worst case scenario, you get some people who will tell you it's too early and will have two options. First, you could move on to people who will book now, OR you could wait for the original vendors to start the process. But I would definitely book the venue(s) for the ceremony/reception now because that is the most important thing!
posted by Bride2bee2009 37 posts 8 months agoIt's never too early! Even just to do research, it may be helpful to start early. And if you're in a small city like me (well, somewhat small- Buffalo, NY), there aren't that many choices for a venue (for what you want- I needed to be downtown, but had only 90 people). So, as long as you're comfortable in your choices, plan and book early. If you get the big things out of the way, you'll have fun with all the details closer to the date.
This is of course coming from the girl who is getting married on 12-11-10 and has already booked the venue and photographer and bought the dress
posted by Natakie16 43 posts 8 months agono...i dont think it is too early for you to begin to plan.....there is ton of research you can do, and think of the amazing head start you get with any DIY projects you might be planning to do. (TIP: dont let this let you be lazy. if you start now, you might actually COMPLETE a project or 2)
the only thing that might not work in your case is your bm dresses. i only say this bc your bms may fluctuate in size, yanno? and then you'd be out of the cash that you originally spent bc, since you want things to coordinate, you would have to find new dresses for them all.
but i understand your excitement. i honestly started doing major, major research, loooong before my actual engagement,
. so it will be like, i've been wedding planning for 2 years by the time my november wedding date actually rolls around.
posted by GetMarried4Less 403 posts 8 months agoI think the earlier the better if you want to get good prices on vendors and venues. Remember their rates raise all the time, so if you book now you're usually grandfathered into the old rates.
The only thing that might be too early geting others to do are travel plans. usually specials don't come out until a lot closer to the event.
posted by cyshas 262 posts 8 months agoI agree with everyone else, and think that it's definitely never too early. I got engaged last October and we're getting married in May 2009. We booked our venue almost immediately (Nov 2006) and at that time, they were already booked for half of May and most of June and July 2009. I totally think it depends on where you're getting married (our wedding is in Newport, RI), but it's always good to at least start collecting ideas.
posted by LNickle 71 posts 8 months agoI would agree with getmarried in that bridesmaid sizes can fluctuate a lot in that time - same with your wedding dress. STYLES CHANGE AND SO DO OPINIONS! I bought my first wedding dress as soon as I got engaged, and now I am a two dress bride - this happens to most "two dress brides" - they bought the first waaaayyyy too early. So be very careful about that - your opinion of the "one' can change drastically over the course of a year and a half, ESPECIALLY if you do a lot of online research (you see new styles more often)
As for travelling, Mr beefcake and I booked our honeymoon 10 months in advance - and because of that we got TWO WEEKS at a 4 star hotel in Waikiki, flights included, for $1200 EACH. No kidding. So travel deals can definitely be had by booking early (but flights will usually not go up until around 10 months prior to the date, so you can't do it now)
Happy planning! :)
posted by shortcake 45 posts 8 months agoI'd start seriously considering Photographers- if you have an absolute favorite, sometimes they book up a year in advance.
same with location- maybe get an idea on locations and their availability- if you live in a city with limited great locations- they too may book far in advance.
You'll have the pick of the city :)
posted by beesknees 269 posts 8 months agoI am getting married in June 2009 and have my venue, vendors including the dress(I couldn't resist and got it at a trunk sale) photographer(who already did our engagement shoot), florist(already picked the flowers),caterer(already did the tasting), baker(chose the cake), dj and officiant(my best friend since 5th grade). I have even gotten down to paying for the string quartet and chocolate fountain. I am getting great deals (We got engaged in 2007 and I locked in those prices), and our pick of vendors and veues (ours often book 1.5-2 years in advance). Also, I feel like paying for it little by little takes the pressure off and helps me to keep an eye on the budget (as well as giving me time to hunt for bargains if necessary) I am still taking time to research shuttle busses and picking out the invites. Also, if you buy items for your wedding (toasting flutes, bubbles, non-perishable favors) at the end of this summer, you will often be able to find them at 50% off. Happy planning!
posted by ErinMarieMack 263 posts 8 months agoSweetie I started when I was 5!
No worries. You will find though that you'll hit a spot where you can't plan anymore for a bit. Like me right now, I can't do anything else until after the tasting because I have to know the food choices to finalized the invites/RSVPs - and obviously I can't print and assemble them until I have it finalized.
Things like that.
Just remember - you may chage your mind on things so be careful. I bought a wedding dress too soon, then changed my mind and had to get another...and my invites I designed look totally different then what I expected them too when I started, after playing around with them for several weeks.
Congrats! And enjoy the ride, it goes fast - I didn't believe it until I ended up half way through and had no clue how I got there...lol
posted by Sweeney2Be 1,488 posts 8 months agoI'm going to go against the other posters here just a little... definitely book the venue/photographer now if you can- that's great. BUT- I wish I had listened when people told me to slow down and to not make decisions so far out. I chose a lot of things early (about a year out) and I wish I had waited a little longer. Do lots of research, but keep your options open!
posted by emily 55 posts 8 months agoErinMarieMack, you're further ahead than we are and we're getting married THIS August! :) But I would also agree that venues are the most important. When we got our reception site, they were booking into 2010.
posted by jma19 364 posts 8 months agoyall are making me nervous! I thought I was planning ahead of time, we'll be getting engaged within the next 4 months (it's supposed to be a surprise beyond that) and haven't decided between either April or September 09. Now I'm thinking I need to hurry up and pick a date and book the venue.
posted by ErinSea 129 posts 8 months agoGee, I don't feel so crazy anymore. I may really have to get to it actually. I should really book a venue soon then, but I the rest can really wait I guess. I really hope I don't change my mind on the BM dresses. They are quite simple and elegant, and on the earthy side to go with my beach theme, so I should be okay there. Someone said I was jinxing myself by planning so early, so that got me worried too. Thanks for all your comments, now I feel much better and reassured.
posted by Tulips 16 posts 8 months agoThis is also a great thread about early planning:
http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/how-soon-is-too-soon
posted by Angel 629 posts 8 months agoHi Tulips,
It's never too early to start planning for your wedding.
Many girls I know have been planning their wedding for years...and they're not even engaged yet! lol. Anyways, I would suggest on looking for your ceremony/reception location. Depending on their popularity, they may book 1-2 years in advance. My wedding isn't going to take place until May '09 and we began looking for locations in January of this year. We found two great locations and they both offered us their 2008 prices. It was such a great deal. Maybe venues will offer you the same thing if you meet with them this year.
I was engaged in July '07 and feel that a long engagement gives you time to do your proper research and you can really think about your ideas and plans. Besides, time flies by fast and it's best to use your time as best as you can.
Good luck!
posted by FutureMrsB 41 posts 8 months ago