When to Start Planning a Wedding: How Soon After Getting Engaged to Start

by Loverly Team 12 Feb 2025 •4 min read

So you've just said "yes" and wondering when to start planning a wedding?

The excitement of your engagement is still fresh, but you're already thinking about how long to plan a wedding after the engagement excitement has subsided. Take a deep breath - we've got you covered with everything you need to know about kicking off your wedding planning journey.

Whether you're dreaming of an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, timing is everything when it comes to turning your vision into reality. From securing your dream venue to finding the perfect vendors, each element requires careful consideration and, most importantly, enough time to come together beautifully.

Wondering when to start planning a wedding?

How long after engagement is wedding planning usually started?

Some couples dive right in the day after the proposal, while others take a few weeks to simply enjoy being engaged. But here's the truth: knowing when to start wedding planning really depends on your desired timeline and the type of celebration you envision.

Most wedding professionals recommend beginning the planning process 12-18 months before your intended wedding date. This timeline gives you breathing room to make thoughtful decisions without feeling rushed. However, don't worry if you have a shorter timeline - many couples successfully plan beautiful weddings in less time.

How long to plan a wedding after engagement is officially confirmed

How soon after getting engaged should you start planning? The answer largely depends on your vision and circumstances. Many couples find that using wedding checklists helps them stay organized and on track, regardless of their timeline. Let's break down what you can expect with different planning windows:

12 months: With a 12 month wedding timeline, you have the luxury of time to carefully consider each decision. This timeline allows you to book your first-choice vendors, explore various venues, and plan detailed elements like custom invitations or personalized decor. You'll also have time to tackle DIY projects without feeling overwhelmed.What Makes 12 Months Amazing

Book first-choice vendors and explore venues freely
Create custom details like personalized invitations and decor
Tackle DIY projects comfortably without overwhelming stress

9 months: Following an 8 month wedding checklist requires more focused decision-making, but there's still plenty of time to create your dream wedding. You'll need to be more decisive about your major vendors and may need to be flexible with some venue or vendor choices.

Requires more focused and decisive vendor selection
Be prepared to be flexible with venue and vendor choices
Still provides ample time to create a personalized wedding vision

Smart Planning Moves

Research vendors carefully
Be open to slight compromises
Use wedding planning websites
Create a planning spreadsheet
Ask for advice from married friends

6 months: Can you plan a wedding in 6 months? Absolutely! This timeline requires efficient decision-making and possibly some compromise on certain elements. Focus on booking essential vendors quickly and consider ready-to-order options for elements like invitations and attire.

Make Smart Choices

Be flexible but focused
Prioritize what matters most
Stay organized
Keep breathing!

Top Planning Priorities

Book your must-have vendors
Choose a venue that fits your vision
Create a realistic budget
Start building your wedding team
Keep communication open with your partner

3 months: Learning how to plan a wedding in 3 months requires a streamlined approach. You'll need to make quick decisions and possibly be more flexible with your vision. Consider all-inclusive venues and vendors who specialize in short-timeline weddings.

Make Fast Decisions

Don't overthink every single detail
Focus on what matters most to you
Be ready to compromise

Smart Shortcuts

Look for all-inclusive wedding packages
Consider venues that include catering, decor, and planning
Use wedding websites to speed up planning

1 month: Following a 1 month wedding checklist means focusing on the absolutely essential elements. Be prepared to make swift decisions and consider alternative options for traditional elements.

Speed is Your Superpower

Make lightning-fast decisions
Accept that perfect isn't possible
Focus on what really matters

Top Priorities Right Now

Lock down a venue ASAP
Grab available vendors quickly
Create a tiny guest list
Simplify everything
Ask for serious help from friends and family

Finally, take a look at the what not to do week of wedding checklist to avoid last-minute stress.

When to start planning wedding vendor involvement

Finding and booking the right vendors is crucial to bringing your vision to life. Wedding vendor websites like Loverly can help you connect with professionals who match your style and budget.

Start researching vendors as soon as you have a date in mind, as popular professionals often book up quickly, especially during peak wedding season.

When should I start planning my wedding? Now!

When should you start planning your wedding? Right now by using wedding planning websites like Loverly to get organized and inspired! The sooner you begin, the more options you'll have available to you.

Pros and cons of starting early include having more vendor choices and potentially better pricing, but you'll need to balance this against the risk of becoming overwhelmed or losing momentum.

How long does it take to plan a wedding exactly? Well, knowing this starts with deciding what elements matter most to you. While some couples navigate how to plan a wedding step by-step over 18 months, others create beautiful celebrations in just a few months.

What do you need for a wedding? You need to know this early on - from selecting your perfect wedding venue to deciding how you want to get married.

Working with a wedding planner can help streamline these decisions, ensuring you don't miss crucial details for your ceremony while hunting for that dream dress.

Creating a realistic wedding planning timeline means being honest about your priorities and available time. Remember that some aspects, like venue availability and vendor bookings, may influence your timeline more than others.

Whether you're planning a lavish celebration or an intimate gathering, the most important thing is staying true to your vision while maintaining a balanced approach to planning.

Take advantage of tools and resources available to help you stay organized with the wedding planning process - your engagement should be a time of joy and excitement, not stress and overwhelm. about your wedding day!

More like this

Plan your wedding like a pro.

Join our newsletter: