Did planning early help?

I have been pretty much on top of things for the wedding ever since I got engaged. I took care of as many big things (hall, DJ, photo/video, dress) as early as possible. A lot of people have given me grief about doing stuff so early. I tell them that I did it so I wouldn’t be so stressed out when the wedding actually rolled around, and everyone has said I’ll be running around like a chicken without a head regardless.

So, I guess my question is for all who planned in advance, did it help? Or did you still have a ton of stuff to do? I’d hate to think I did it so early for nothing! LOL

Re: Did planning early help?

I think that is great that you started early i did the same thing and i think it is going to help out big time!! Very smart enjoy yourday stress free!!

Re: Did planning early help?

Its totally worth it but they dont let you do a few things til the last minute so now I am busy again. We have to pick readings, get marriage liscense, pick our music, make place cards, do seating charts, etc. so good thing you did alot already.

Re: Did planning early help?

Totally helped!!!! Heck ya man!

I got engaged back in August 2003 and am getting married this May 2004. I was able to pick and plan almost everything by the end of 2003 and am very happy that i did so. If you can decide on things then go for it. All the big stuff is what takes up a lot of time. You will not be without worries till the end. There will be the little stuff but at least you know all the major issues are out of the way.

Re: Did planning early help?

I agree and I know how you feel.. when I went to book things.. dj, photographer.. and they asked the date.. and it was more then a year away they looked at me funny and wouldnt take me as seriously.. I was like WTF im supposed to wait to the last min? Its bad enough I have a two year engagement to save enough money... grrr lol

Re: Did planning early help?

O planning early is defintely a big help. I have nine months to go and all I need to do are the small things. Hair trials, pick menu, make seating arrangements and but the little odds and ends. ie flower girl baskets, picture frames etc. I think the earlier the better. That way you have enough time to procrastinate and REALLY be sure you are getting what you want and not just pressed for time.

Re: Did planning early help?

I had a year to plan and financially, it was much better for us. But now even with all th planning done, my wedding is 32 days away and I have so much to do. Its the little things that add up onto your list!!! But I like it... Its a good stress..

Re: Did planning early help?

2 year engagement here! YES BOOK EARLY!!!
I got the same bologna from people and the fanous whine- 'why a 2 year engagement!' I got the best for my money and nt seconds. My advice is too book early, do not let peoole get you down about having 'so much time' It is not there pocketbook!

Re: Did planning early help?

princess99 - im not the only one!!! where are you having your wedding? Im getting married the same month i got engaged as well :)

Re: Did planning early help?

of course you should plan and book early!
you get better prices for things that way
and you're pretty much going to be able to get your first choices!
and you have time to enjoy your engagement!

Re: Did planning early help?

i actually read somewhere that if you wait you get better prices.. like some brides who decide to do there wedding in like 3-6 mos. got the hall they wanted really cheap b/c the hall knew if knowone had booked by now.. they probably wouldnt so they rather make some money then none at all.

Re: Did planning early help?

i was engaged in june of 03 and by august we had the church, hall, photographer, videographer and DJ.

My fiance and i both work and go to graduate school so we knew we had to get things done early. we didn't even have time to think about planning from september until now.

we have to work on flowers and limos next. my dress was ordered in october and the girls dresses are picked out i just need to order them...the same with the invitiations.

i think that planning early saves a lot of the craziness later. the more you can do ahead of time the less you have to worry about right before the wedding

Re: Did planning early help?

you porbably can get better prices if you book 3 months before the event...but chances are good that you're not going to be able to be very picky with choices. so if you want a particular reception site, chances are slim they'll still have your date available.
what i meant was that we booked our band almost immediately, and then a few months later their prices went up, so we saved by booking early.

Re: Did planning early help?

thats true!! im glad i booked some of the more expensive things before this new years... b/c nearly all the places im using did a price raise from december!!