How Early Should You Set Your Wedding Date?

Setting a wedding date is often one of the first steps in wedding planning. Setting your wedding date as early as possible is generally a good idea, especially if you are planning a larger wedding or want to get married during peak wedding season when venues and vendors can book up quickly.

Here are some general guidelines:

1. 12-18 Months in Advance: This is often considered an ideal timeframe, especially for larger weddings or weddings during peak season. This gives you ample time to secure your preferred venue, hire your essential vendors (like a wedding planner, caterer, or photographer), and allow your guests ample time to plan, especially if they need to travel.
2. 6-12 Months in Advance: This can be a comfortable timeframe for smaller weddings or couples flexible on their date and venue choice. It still gives you time to plan and gives guests reasonable notice.
3. Less than 6 Months in Advance: While it’s entirely possible to plan a wedding in less than 6 months, you may face more challenges with availability and may need to be flexible with your choices. However, this could be more than sufficient time for very small or informal weddings or elopements.

Remember, these are just general guidelines; what works best depends on your circumstances and preferences. Regardless of when you set the date, the key is to start planning and booking key elements as soon as possible afterward.