How Much Planning Time Do You Need?
There are few things in life as involved as planning your own wedding. I can only think of a few that come close, maybe climbing Mount Everest or being the first to land on the moon. The thing that makes planning so “involved” is the fact that it includes so many different factors and those can all be simple or complex based on what you and your partner are looking for. Your personal preferences mix with the overall size of your guest list to create the timeframe you need to successfully pull things off. Below, I’ve noted some general guidelines based on the overall size of the wedding.
Large scale weddings - For complicated weddings (example: multiple venues) with a large guest list, complex logistics or popular venue choices, I suggest you start the planning process 12 to 18 months in advance. This allows a good amount of time to secure venues, vendors and accommodations for yourself and your guests. Depending on just how elaborate your plans are you may want to add more time to ensure you don’t feel overwhelmed with fitting everything together.
Medium sized weddings - For moderately sized weddings with fewer moving pieces, a timeline of 8 to 12 months may be all you need. This still provides sufficient time to book essential services and arrange details without feeling rushed.
Intimate weddings - If you're planning a smaller, more intimate wedding or you have a lot of flexibility regarding the date and venue, a timeline of 6 to 8 months could be manageable. Remember that it’s always better to give yourself more time than too little.
Destination weddings - Planning for a destination wedding often requires more time due to things such as travel and accommodations. Aim for a planning timeline of 12 to 18 months minimum to ensure nothing important falls through the cracks, especially if guests will be traveling.
Off season weddings - If you choose an off season date or a weekday wedding, you might have more flexibility in terms of timelines. It may be possible to plan within 6 to 12 months or even less as there might be more availability for venues and vendors.
Timelines are funny in that they’re different for everyone. I have known couples that planned for several years to bring their dream to reality. I’ve also known some who set a date only a few months after getting engaged. The important thing is to give yourself the time to have the outcome you want. If your wedding includes lots of specific details you want to make sure you allow time for them. These tips are only guidelines and many couples have elements from several of these. Find what works for you and enjoy the journey, not just the destination.