When to Start

You have time plenty of time, so don't worry. I don't think vendors are booking for your year just yet but I did hear that because of the pandemic some venues are booking but I'm sure those will be the BIG cities like NY and such. If anything start with getting an idea of how you want your wedding style to be. You can set your budget since you plan on saving early but all vendors prices go up every year, however if you can book at the end of this year that price will be locked even if the vendor/venue's prices do go up. Then start making lists of places that you feel meets your needs. Guest count never hurt to make earlier either but I'd just put down family and veeeery close friends (the ones you know aren't going anywhere). I would hold off on picking your wedding party until Nov or Dec of 2023.

Start with budget and guest list. Not much else you can do yet. The above person is right, a lot of vendors won't be booking yet so I would hold off on looking for a venue until around 18 to 20 months before your desired date.

We started planning in 2020, visiting venues and been paying ever since. Wedding date is approaching 9-25-22. And still have things to do..start early time goes fast.

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much for all your suggestions, definitely helps

View Quoted Comment Thank you and for the most part we’ve decided on a budget, the venue we both really want is already booked for most of 23 so we decided to get estimates and try to lock in the date because we were told our dates we considered are prime dates 4/20/2024 specifically so we wanna make sure we can secure it for sure. Everything else Im feeling like we are a bit too early for lol

View Quoted Comment Thank you and congratulations!! I like to be on top of things so certain things I want to set into motion and start paying on now so it will be less stress next year. It’s just figuring out where to start as I know the venue is the biggest part financially so we started there, it’s all inclusive as far as food alcohol basic decor and ceremony/reception so a lot will be covered already once it’s booked.

I think you’re on the right track! Congratulations!


One thing you can do is interview different photographers. I met with 3 photographers and went with the one I felt most comfortable with and trusted and had the best prices. If you don’t have a good feeling about someone or something then you’ll have plenty of time to rebook with someone else!

View Quoted Comment Thank you and that’s a great idea especially since photographers are very limited in my area!

Sounds like you're in a good time frame. You've got the budget in mind, which is the critical first step.

Congratulations 🎉 I say it doesn't hurt to start as early as possible! With all of the cancelled and re- planned weddings from last year, venue's and other wedding service's are getting snatched up so quickly! Wedding dates as well! I say secure and lock down the most important things now and that way it's smooth sailing and not stressful as you approach 2024!

View Quoted Comment Thank you and yes the date we both want is a prime date so I wanna secure it as soon as possible I'm just worried we will be getting a higher rate on things booking now during the pandemic as opposed to waiting awhile but I wanna start paying and have our date set lol

Hi Tisha,


Congratulations!! It’s exciting. My wedding day is on 2.22.22 and we started planning in July of 2021.
First you want to establish your date and your budget. First thing I looked for was a venue that handled food and beverage but those have a minimum you have to meet. Then it depends on your guest count. We kept the count of invites down to 145 and 104 are coming. I found a great team that handled the big ticket items but again around our budget. You got this girl, the knot and the wedding were great apps that helped me think of everything I needed. Include the hubby to be also. Their opinions matter so much. Good luck on your wedding planning. If you need any pointers, I’m happy to assist.

Congratulations 🎊 we started plan our March 2023 wedding in 2021. As someone who plans events for a living the sooner you can start the better for a couple reasons. #1 your wedding will get here quicker than you think snd you want to enjoy the planning and not feel rushed. 2) if you have a popular date chances are lots of other ppl will want your date too so even if your vendors aren’t booking but reaching out now you can ask to be at the top of their “first right of refusal” list. When they are ready to start booking you can ask to be the first they contact. I will tell you most venues aren’t going ti turn you away because 2024 isn’t as far as you think. 3) you’re right in booking early to pay off as you. You also LOCK IN the current rate so if prices invariably go up your paying a lower price. Just because you inquire doesn’t mean you have to book. 4) planning now allows you to look for deals and discounts.


Hope this helps and happy planning!! ❤️

View Quoted Comment Love the date 💕 congratulations and thank you so much for all the suggestions I am taking it all in. The venue of our choice is all inclusive for the most part so we would just be adding on things we would prefer like our dj who is family, photographer and florist/planner everything else would be included with the venue. We go on Friday to get a estimate but everything is up in price because of the pandemic so I’m hoping this venue will be within our budget because we both really love it.

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much for all the insight it definitely helps! I feel more at ease with everything now, everyone on this app has been so helpful. Our date is 4-20-2024 which I know is a hot date so I definitely want to secure it early on, our back up date is 4-24-24 just in case. I definitely am proactive so I like to plan and have things done early on so by the date I’m less stressed so starting early and paying now is a big priority for me I just hope this meeting with our first choice venue is within our budget 🤞🏾