When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the questions that may cross your mind is how far in advance should you book your wedding venue? The venue sets the stage for your entire celebration, and securing your desired spot can often be a matter of timing. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this crucial part of your wedding planning.
For most couples, booking a wedding venue should ideally happen about 12 to 18 months before the big day. Here at Friedman Farms, we sometimes book 18 – 24 months in advance!
This timeline allows you to secure your preferred date, location, and often gives you the best chance to find the venue that fits your vision and budget. Popular venues and peak wedding seasons can fill up quickly, so starting early is key to ensuring you get what you want.
Note: Many people become engaged after the Christmas Holidays and Valentine’s Day. A lot of venues notice a surge in inquiries and tour requests!
Why 12 to 18 Months?
Availability: Popular and/or unique venues can be booked solid months or even years in advance. If you have a specific date or season in mind, the earlier you book, the better your chances of getting your preferred venue.
Flexibility: Booking early often gives you more flexibility in choosing your wedding date. If you’re not set on a particular date, you might be able to select from a wider range of options and potentially get a better rate.
Stress Reduction: Wedding planning can be overwhelming. Securing your venue early in the process means you can check off one major item on your to-do list and move on to other important aspects of your wedding, such as catering, entertainment, and attire.
When to Book if Your Wedding Date is Near
If you’re planning a wedding on a shorter timeline—say, six to nine months out—you may still find a venue that suits your needs, but your options may be more limited. It’s essential to be flexible with your date and location and be prepared to make quicker decisions. Venues with last-minute availability may also offer discounts or special packages, which could be a win for your budget.
Factors Influencing the Booking Timeline
Peak Season: Wedding venues are in high demand during peak wedding season (typically late spring through early fall). If you’re planning a wedding during these months, aim to book your venue well in advance. For example, the barn at Friedman Farms, October (prime foliage season), followed by September book quickly!
Destination Weddings: If you’re planning a destination wedding, booking early is even more crucial. Travel arrangements, accommodation, and local vendors may also need to be secured well in advance to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Venue Type: Unique or unconventional venues (like barns, museums, or private estates) might have more limited availability and require earlier booking. On the other hand, more flexible venues with multiple event spaces may have more availability even closer to your wedding date.
What to Do If You’re Late to the Game
Booking your wedding venue too late can be a problem. This is especially true during peak season or for popular venues. If you wait too long, you may find that the venue you wanted has already been booked. Also, you won’t have much time to make other important wedding arrangements like catering.
Plus, if you wait until the last minute, you may have to pay a premium for the wedding venue or end up “settling” for a location. Nothing is worse than being stuck with a venue you don’t really love on your wedding day, so it’s best to book your wedding venue early.
If you’re reading this and your wedding is right around the corner, don’t panic. There are still steps you can take:
Be Flexible: Consider off-peak times or less traditional wedding days (like weekdays if the venue provides).
Look for Alternative Spaces: Explore unconventional venues or less popular locations that might not have been on your radar initially.
Consult a Wedding Planner: Professionals have insider knowledge and connections that might help you find a venue even on short notice.
In Summary
Booking your wedding venue well in advance gives you the best chance of securing your ideal location and date. It also helps reduce planning stress. However, even if you’re on a tighter timeline, there are still ways to find a great venue. Start early, stay flexible, and you’ll be on your way to planning before you know it!
Happy planning!