how long after engagement...

of course, this is all IMHO, but i think there a few important things you need to consider b4 booking RH.

1. talk about the budget you have in mind. where the money is coming from. and how much you have. TRUST ME, I HAVE HEARD STORIES of friends committing to minimums and then finding out AFTERWARDS that they apparently didnt have as much $ saved as they thought. Especially in this economy, figure out you budget FIRST!

2. think about how long you would like to plan and other distractions that may also be happening in your life. I, personally, did not want to take on more than the expected amount of stress planning. And, at the time we got engaged, we were also looking for a place to buy. Things were just too nuts and I couldnt even image getting married in less than 12 months! (I know you mentioned you already have a time frame in mind...but once you book the RH you really start to rev-up the planning)

3. make a tentative guest list first. make it with everyone (A, B, and Cs). then go through it to really figure out what a realistic minimum is. your close friends and family will be there - even if they have to travel (hey, they have 2 years notice, right?)

based on that, start looking at places and see what fits. figure out what you DON'T like...and then be OPEN to the rest.

I never thought I would get married on LI (no offense guys), just because my experience with LI catering halls had not been that impressive. (I really dont like rooms with low cielings and no windows.)

But after reading reviews and doing research and comparing prices between places in the city, NJ and LI, FH and I found a place we like.

So, I think starting to talk about it know and getting feedback about LIKES and DISLIKES is a goodstart....especially the budget and the guest list!! put it on paper!!

GL and HAPPY PLANNING!