Planning A Wedding: The Post-Engagement Timeline

Planning a wedding can be an exciting but daunting task. The average engagement lasts between 13 and 15 months, but some couples wait two years or more before tying the knot. How long you've been engaged will impact the planning process, as a shorter engagement means you'll have less time to finalise the details. However, it's recommended that couples wait at least a month after getting engaged before diving into the planning process, to give themselves time to discuss their vision, priorities and budget.

The average engagement length

The length of an engagement varies from couple to couple, with some choosing to wait two years before walking down the aisle. The average engagement length is 13 to 15 months, which gives couples time to book their dream venues and vendors, send out invitations, and manage the many wedding planning details without feeling rushed.

Some couples choose to have a shorter engagement, which can be beneficial if they want to get married in a specific season or don't want to wait too long. In this case, it's a good idea to start planning within a week or two of getting engaged, focusing on bigger items like the venue, vendors, and guest list.

On the other hand, a longer engagement (more than a year) can provide more time to finalise details, especially if the couple is flexible with their wedding season or location. For a longer engagement, couples can wait three to four weeks after getting engaged to start planning.

Regardless of the engagement length, it's important to remember to enjoy the engagement period and spend time with friends, family, and each other before diving into wedding planning. Wedding planner Goulding recommends waiting at least 30 days before starting the planning process, using this time to discuss the couple's general vision and priorities, set a budget, and pick a wedding date.

Pros and cons of a short engagement

The length of an engagement varies from couple to couple, with the average engagement lasting between 13 and 15 months. However, some couples opt for a shorter engagement of less than a year.

Pros of a short engagement

• You don't have to wait as long to get married
• You can get married in a specific season
• You can start planning the bigger items, such as the venue and vendors, straight away

Cons of a short engagement

• You might not have time to finalise all the details
• You might not be able to book your dream vendors or venues
• You might not have time to send out invitations early

Pros and cons of a long engagement

The length of an engagement varies from couple to couple, with the average engagement lasting between 13 and 15 months. Some couples wait two years or more before they walk down the aisle, while others prefer a shorter engagement of less than a year.

A long engagement gives you more time to finalise details, especially if you're not set on a specific wedding season or location. You can book your dream venue and vendors, send out invitations early, and manage the many wedding planning details without feeling rushed. However, a long engagement may not be ideal if you don't want to wait too long to get married or if you have a specific season in mind for your wedding.

On the other hand, a shorter engagement can be more exciting and intense, and you may feel more motivated to get things done quickly. You can also save money on things like venue hire if you're flexible with your dates. But a shorter engagement can be more stressful, and you may not have as much time to plan and finalise details. You might also need to be more flexible with your vision and priorities, as you may not have the time to book your dream venue or vendors.

When to start planning

The answer varies from couple to couple, but there are a few key considerations to help you decide when to start planning your wedding. Firstly, how long do you want your engagement to be? The average couple is engaged for 13 to 15 months, but around 12% of couples wait about two years before they walk down the aisle.

If you want a longer engagement (more than a year), you don't need to start planning until three or four weeks after getting engaged. This will give you time to finalise the details, especially if you're not set on a specific wedding season or location.

If you want a shorter engagement (less than a year), you should start planning a week or two after getting engaged to give you enough time to plan the bigger items like the venue, vendors, and guest list.

However, some sources advise waiting at least 30 days before diving into wedding details. During this time, you can discuss your general vision and priorities, set a firm budget, and pick a wedding date before approaching any vendors.

Budgeting and picking a date

The length of an engagement varies from couple to couple, but it's important to take the time to enjoy it and spend time with friends and family. The average engagement lasts 13 to 15 months, but around 12% of couples wait about two years before they get married.

Before you start planning your wedding, it's important to set a firm budget and pick a date. Your budget will determine all the decisions you make, so having a clear and defined idea of how much you are willing to spend is key.

First, figure out how much money you can set aside each month without affecting your necessities and lifestyle. Multiply that number by the length of your engagement, and that is your wedding budget. You might have to DIY and reduce your expectations to get the wedding to fit within that number. Do some research on how much your ideal wedding will cost by making a spreadsheet and getting real quotes.

Next, decide on your top three non-negotiables and cover the less important wedding costs after those. You should also consider how much cash you have available, while factoring in other large expenses you have on the horizon. Most people need to have a rough idea of what they can afford before taking any next steps.

Within your spending plan, you should define in advance how much you’re allotting to each category, such as venue, attire, floral and decor, entertainment, transportation, hair and makeup.

The average wedding costs $30,000, with an extra $5,100 if you include the honeymoon expenses. However, this does not mean you have to spend that much.

Frequently asked questions