This is a thread that was started in our old BlissWeddings.com forums by oceandreams on 03/23/2005.
**************************************************
posted by oceandreams
I can't seem to get this question answered anywhere
TIA!
**************************************************
posted by duckiebear
At least 12 months in advance is best if you want to ensure you get the date you want. If you are more flexible on your date, you may be able to wait until 9 or so months before the wedding. Overall, the earlier the better if you are certain about the place and the marriage. Now, all of that to say, I did have a friend who recently planned her wedding in 3 months, but she got married the day after Thanksgiving during the day, so most places weren't booked until that night. It really depends on where you want to get married and what their booking time is like. Call around to places you are interested in and find out what they recommend.
**************************************************
posted by TheaterDiva1
A year is ideal if you're getting married at a high-demand time (i.e. a Saturday night in June). If it's offseason, you might be able to get away with six months.
-Maggie
**************************************************
posted by feb-bride
It depends. If you are getting married on a "popular" weekend (during the summer or a holiday weekend), you might want to book further in advance. Some places won't accept reservations more than a certain amount of time in advance (where I had my reception, they would not accept reservations until eight months in advance).
Once you decide on some places where you'd like to have the reception, call them to ask how far in advance they accept reservations. Also, find out what their cancellation policy is.
**************************************************
posted by bebe0315
The place we booked at generally doesn't book more than 6 months in advance, but we stayed for a weekend at the property and the owner sat down to have breakfast with us and we chatted him up and raved about how gorgeous and beautiful and perfect the place was - I think we won him over and he let us book almost a year in advance! I say, start looking and the earlier you can book, the better. Once you have that out of the way, it helps you make the determinations on the rest of the wedding (decor, colors, level of formality, etc.)
**************************************************
posted by lilith
Agreed......one year is the best option. However, if your date is less than a year away, do not worry. Certain types of venues book at different rates due to seasonal appeal (indoor vs. outdoor/ inclusive vs. all rentals/ food provisions vs. outside catering/ etc....) You will have plenty of options in most metro areas if you are looking at least six months out.
**************************************************
posted by syringa
Your location also makes a difference. If you live in a smaller community where few weddings occur you don't need to book as early as you would if you live in a community where there are many weddings. To be sure that you get both the date and the facility that you want, plan on booking about a year in advance.
**************************************************
posted by oceandreams
Thanks everyone! I will call around and find out
-Melody
**************************************************
posted by suechick
I booked mine about 2 weeks ago, and I am not getting married until 10/28/06. My FH & I just wanted to get that out of the way, since so much planning will work around that.
*sue
**************************************************
posted by julybride23
I would get a site ASAP!! I would also reccommend getting the wedding insurance. As silly as it is, it sure would have helped me. Our site filed bankrupcy 4 months after we booked and we lost a site, our deposit and then we had to scrap together a new site and decorations that were provided for us.
**************************************************
posted by syringa
I recently did some research for an article on wedding insurance. It can indeed be a good idea depending on circumstances and it doesn't cost that much. For instance, if you live in tornado or hurricane land, or one of you is in the military, then you definitely want to consider it.
How long in advance do you book the hall?
Linear Mode
