Is 2 Years Too Early to Start Planning a Wedding?

Early planning helps to provide a stress-free wedding.

Getting engaged and planning a wedding can be very exciting, but it also can be very stressful. Planning a wedding 12 to 18 months in advance is sufficient for most people. If you want to have your wedding at a historic church or at a popular reception destination, however, you may need to start planning earlier.

Composing the Guest List

Having a rough idea of the number of guests who will attend your wedding is very important. It will help you determine whether the church and reception venue can accommodate the number of guests you wish to invite. Knowing the number of wedding guests also helps when planning a budget.

Choosing a Date

Choosing the date of your big day should be the first step in your wedding planning process. Many brides-to-be choose a time of year and finalize a date once they find out the availability of the church and reception location. Summertime is the most popular time of the year to marry. If you want to marry in that season, planning two years ahead of time can help ensure you secure your venues of choice.

Finalizing the Details

Planning two years ahead of time will help alleviate the stress of rushing through the planning process. Dresses can take months to find and months for alterations. You also have a better chance of hiring your first choice in photographers, wedding entertainment and caterers. Booking well in advance can save you money because some businesses offer discounts. Having the details finalized in advance allows you to relax and enjoy the most important day of your life.

References

• Real Simple: Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist
• The Knot: Wedding Planning: 30 Expert Tips and Tricks