How soon is too soon?

LorinElizabeth Posted: Sep 07, 2005 06:17 PM

How soon is too soon?

Hi all,

I recently became engaged to my long-time love (of 8 years). We'd like to get married on September 8, 2007.
The ONLY thing that's important to me is to get married on this date (a significant one) in my church. My parents were married in this church and I've had all my sacraments there, so needless to say, it's important to me. The catch? I called the church and they don't have a date book for 2007 to save the date. They said I have to wait until January/ February. Now, I know it seems that September 2007 is along way aways, but September is a popular month. By not having the date 'set in stone' with the church, I feel like it's difficult to go look at reception places. But at the same time, I feel like my fiance and I are going to possibly miss our chance if we find a reception place but have to wait to formally set the date with the church (which with research has repeatidly said to book the church first).
Any suggestions? I'm writing a letter to the church requesting the date even though I know they can't formally save it yet. Should I go look at reception places anyway? I'd really appreciate any suggestions/thoughts on this.
Thanks in advance and congrats to all you other soon-to-be-wed.

hysterica81 Posted: Sep 07, 2005 06:34 PM

Re: How soon is too soon?

I'm getting married in October 2007 and already booked the Church. I met with the priest and even though he didn't have a date book, he reserved the date for me anyway (I think he just made a note at the end of the 2006 book). Is there any way you can meet with the priest and have them do that?

Maybride07 Posted: Sep 07, 2005 06:38 PM

Re: How soon is too soon?

I totally understand Sept is a very popular month, but as you know what chuch you want, you will also feel the same way about a reception site. I would def start seaching because you are limited to your date. Once you check a couple places out a you and your FI know what you both want, it might just be time to confirm your date with your church.
Everything works out just the way its planned to.
Good luck!

lilpie19 Posted: Sep 07, 2005 09:07 PM

Re: How soon is too soon?

I would start looking at halls. Find out what halls have the date available that you want. Your church obviously doesn't any weddings booked for 2007 yet, so just make sure you reserve it like Jan 1st, but definitely send them the letter. They'll probably reserve the date, my church did and they didn't have an 07 book yet. They wrote it behind their 06 book. Good Luck!!!

PrincessAurora Posted: Sep 07, 2005 09:36 PM

Re: How soon is too soon?

I agree, you should look into halls now becuause the date for a hall is more likely to book up before the date for your church. I know a lot of halls that are booking up for the 2007 year already.
I booked my hall before my church and they penciled it in behind the 2006 book.
However on the 1st of January i would go right to the church and book, but still try to reserve the date in advance, if they allow you to meet with a priest or a deacon.
Just remember one thing- If you are Catholic they do not like and look down upon those that book their hall before church so do not tell them you booked your hall if you do.
Hope this helps!

LorinElizabeth Posted: Sep 07, 2005 09:44 PM

Re: How soon is too soon?

Thank you all so much for your guidance! I am definitely NOT going to let on that I would have already made arrangements with a hall before I booked the church
I'll definitely send out the letter by weeks end and follow up with requesting a meeting with the church. Basically the priest I spoke to (a visiting priest who won't even be officiating anyway) told me I couldn't even meet with him anytime soon to even book the date! Then I think the receptionist took pity on me and then said to send a letter to put in the front of the 2006 book, so when they get the 2007 book, they'll put it in there.
Thank you so much ladies for all your help with this. I'm sure this post is the first of many more to come from me. Look forward to your insights in the future!

Athee07 Posted: Sep 07, 2005 10:06 PM

Re: How soon is too soon?

Im a little late but I wanted to say congratulations and welcome!!!
I would also keep in touch with the church but definatly go check out reception halls! The list in 07 is getting larger by the days so there are a few of us who are getting married in 07 already!! Good luck and anything you need we are a click away!!!

enjft Posted: Sep 07, 2005 10:29 PM

Re: How soon is too soon?

I would start my search. People usually book the hall 2 years in advance.

PegaLega Posted: Sep 07, 2005 10:41 PM

Re: How soon is too soon?

I would say go and look at halls...find one you love. Some halls have a clause that as long as you change the date so many months before you lose nothing...just ask the halls you are going to if they have this. If you wind up loving a 'GOOD' hall they will be more then happy to answer any of your questions...if you get a ****** hall they will give you the run around, just make sure that it is written on or in ANYTHING THAT YOU SIGN!!!!! Make sure that they right it and initial it so as not to screw you in the end and get a copy. Most of the halls will have that option, just explain to them the situation...
Good Luck

kris15198 Posted: Sep 07, 2005 10:46 PM

Re: How soon is too soon?

I had a similar problem with my church. I booked in Feb for May 2007. Fortunatley the priest wrote down the date since they did not have the book. I don't think it would hurt to book a hall, most places I think would let you switch if you had to.

LorinElizabeth Posted: Sep 08, 2005 04:40 PM

Re: How soon is too soon?

Hi all.
Thanks again for your help. Latest update: I already have 2 appointments scheduled to see reception halls!!!

lilpie19 Posted: Sep 08, 2005 04:43 PM

Re: How soon is too soon?

Which halls?

LorinElizabeth Posted: Sep 08, 2005 08:09 PM

Re: How soon is too soon?

George Washington Manor and Carltun on the Sound.
Carltun may be too far for me (we're hopefully getting married in my church which is in Queens) and GWM may be too small (not sure how many relatives from Italy will be able to come-- could be 5, could be 35).
But gotta see what's out there, right?

kris15198 Posted: Sep 09, 2005 08:43 AM

Re: How soon is too soon?

Good luck in your search for halls. I also know there is a book available in Barnes & Nobles and Boarders that has all the catering halls with their prices, min, and such.

It's called Wedding Sites & Services.

LorinElizabeth Posted: Sep 09, 2005 11:25 AM

Re: How soon is too soon?

Haha... got it already. Actually, my fiance bought it for me!
Thanks!

LorinElizabeth Posted: Sep 12, 2005 09:11 PM

Re: How soon is too soon?

Hey gals... saw the George Washington Manor tonight. Thanks again for all your help!

JGirl11297 Posted: Sep 12, 2005 09:36 PM

Re: How soon is too soon?

I am having the same problem...Our date is our 10 yr anniversary so we only wanted to get married on that date also...the church told me that they weren't booking 07 yet, so I booked my hall b/c I didn't want to lose it and hopefully I will be able to book my church next year but I am using the hall as a fallback, but I would much rather get married in my church....