So you got engaged on new years.
The Ultimate Timeline for Booking Your Wedding Venue After Getting Engaged on New Year's!
Congratulations on your engagement! If you’re ringing in the New Year with a shiny new ring, you’re probably already dreaming of your perfect wedding day. But with so many decisions ahead, one of the most important things to check off your to-do list is booking your wedding venue. The venue is the heart of your wedding celebration—it sets the tone, style, and vibe for the entire day, so it’s crucial to get it just right.
Whether you're thinking of a beachside wedding, a rustic barn, a chic city venue, or a woodsy outdoor space, the earlier you start the process, the better. But where to begin? We’ve broken it down into a simple timeline to guide you from newly engaged to fully booked with the perfect venue in hand!
1. The First 1-2 Weeks: Celebrate, Dream & Set a Budget!
You just got engaged—yay! Now’s the time to soak in the excitement, share the good news, and take a moment to dream about your ideal wedding day. But before you dive headfirst into venue hunting, let’s start with a few essentials:
Celebrate & Reflect: Spend a few weeks enjoying your engagement! Get inspired by wedding blogs, Pinterest boards, and Instagram to help you visualize the vibe of your day—do you envision a boho beach wedding or a grand ballroom celebration?
Set a Budget: This is key. A wedding budget will help narrow down your venue options. Understand how much you’re comfortable spending and allocate funds for your venue, catering, décor, and all the extras.
Guest List: Start to think about your guest list. Your venue needs to accommodate your guests comfortably, so knowing the approximate number of attendees will be helpful when you begin searching.
2. 2-4 Weeks After Engagement: Research & Shortlist Venues
Now that you’ve had some time to soak in the excitement and set your budget, it’s time to get serious about venue hunting!
Research Venues: Start looking for venues that align with your dream wedding style and budget. Whether you’re thinking of an indoor ballroom, an outdoor garden, or a rustic barn, now’s the time to explore your options.
Check Availability: Wedding venues can book up quickly, especially during popular seasons (think spring, summer, and holidays). Make sure to check for available dates and consider how much flexibility you have with your chosen wedding date.
Visit Venues: Try to visit a handful of venues in person. You’ll get a feel for the space and can visualize your wedding day. Take notes and photos, and pay attention to details like lighting, parking, and accessibility.
Ask the Right Questions: When you’re touring venues, ask about what’s included in the price, catering options, and what the venue’s policies are on things like alcohol, décor, and rentals. Don’t forget to find out about any extra fees!
3. 1-2 Months After Engagement: Make a Decision and Book!
By now, you should have a good sense of which venues you like best. Now, it’s time to lock down your dream venue before someone else does!
Review Your Options: Revisit your top venue choices and compare everything—from price to location, atmosphere, and the services they provide.
Make a Final Decision: Once you’ve chosen your dream venue, it’s time to make it official! Confirm your wedding date and check for availability. If you’re flexible with your date, you might have more options.
Sign a Contract: After deciding on your venue, you’ll typically be required to sign a contract and put down a deposit to secure your date. Be sure to read everything carefully before signing and make note of any cancellation or refund policies.
Consider a Plan B: If your venue is outdoors, or if there’s a chance the weather might affect your plans, ask about contingency plans. Do they have an indoor backup option? It’s always good to have a safety net just in case.
4. 3-4 Months After Engagement: Finalize the Details!
Now that your venue is booked, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty details! You’ll want to work closely with your venue’s coordinator or event manager to finalize the specifics.
Confirm Wedding Date: Double-check that your wedding date is confirmed and locked in.
Floor Plan & Layout: Work with your venue to finalize the floor plan for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Discuss seating arrangements, the positioning of the dance floor, food and beverage stations, and anything else that needs to be set up.
Decor & Amenities: Whether you’re renting furniture or adding décor, now’s the time to start planning how to make your space feel personalized. Is your venue providing linens, lighting, or a sound system, or will you need to rent them separately?
5. 6-9 Months After Engagement: Revisit and Update as Needed
Now that the major venue booking is out of the way, take the time to revisit your venue’s contract and touch base with the coordinator to confirm everything is still on track.
Review Contracts & Deadlines: Confirm deadlines for finalizing guest count, catering, and any other vendor services. It’s a good idea to have regular check-ins with your venue to ensure nothing has been overlooked.
Vendor Communication: If your venue requires you to hire certain vendors (e.g., caterers or photographers), make sure you’re on top of booking them now to avoid last-minute stress. Ensure they align with the venue's requirements and guidelines.
Get Excited: Keep the wedding planning fun! At this stage, you’ve got your venue locked in, and now it’s time to start thinking about all the other details that’ll make your wedding day truly yours!
6. 12 Months After Engagement: Final Confirmation and Rehearsal
With just a few months to go, it’s time to make sure everything is in place and ready for your big day!
Confirm Guest Count & Catering: Finalize your guest list and share it with your venue. This helps them prepare for catering and seating.
Rehearsal: Schedule your rehearsal to ensure everyone knows where to go and what to do on the day. This will also give you the opportunity to do a walkthrough and make any last-minute adjustments.
Have Fun!: At this point, the hard work is done! Now, it’s time to enjoy the final months leading up to your wedding day and start getting excited about saying "I do" at your beautiful venue.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Venue Awaits!
Booking your wedding venue early on is the key to a smooth planning process, especially when you're newly engaged during the busy New Year season. By following this simple timeline, you’ll ensure you’re able to lock in the perfect location and start building the wedding of your dreams with minimal stress.
So, pop the champagne, celebrate the start of your engagement, and get ready for the adventure of planning your beautiful day—because the venue is just the beginning!
