Realistically - How far in advance do I need to plan the reception?

Original post by Kara and Todd

Sep 11, 2006 09:16 AM

I realize that most of the best places book up rather fast and far in advance- especially during the more popular times of the year. I also realize most people recommend booking yourdate at least a year in advance.

We are just starting out and looking to have approximately 130-150 guests. We were wondering how far in advance we'd need to book a reception hall. Would it be preposterous to assume we could pull this off by next July? Should we really be looking at next fall?

I also realize there are so many other factors to plan (dress, rehearsal dinner, band, flowers, photographer, etc.)... Would we be out of our minds if we tried to pull this off for next July?

GabrielleandJohn Posted: Sep 11, 2006 01:33 PM

Re: Realistically - How far in advance do I need to plan the reception?

Realistically you could plan a wedding and be married in 3 months. The only problem is paying for it!

I started around June 15th and have been done Since Sept 1. If we could afford it I would push the date up and get married this December.

myranscott Posted: Sep 11, 2006 01:43 PM

Re: Realistically - How far in advance do I need to plan the reception?

I just got engaged in August and am planning on an April wedding.

I have a weird job. No official vacation but then we don't work the month of April. So April it is!

snydl40 Posted: Sep 11, 2006 06:46 PM

Re: Realistically - How far in advance do I need to plan the reception?

Let me say this-if you are flexible with dates then you can do it quickly. One of my customers who is the Manager of one of the top halls on LI said if we had wanted to get married at her hall this Oct (2006)-it would be half price-even on a Sat. night! I don't want to post the hall to upset anyone else but she said you can have your pick of what's left and most of the wedding costs go down when you come closer to the month you want to book.

Nikki24591 Posted: Sep 11, 2006 07:35 PM

Re: Realistically - How far in advance do I need to plan the reception?

I got married in august and we booked land's end in december. The only reason we were able to book that quickly is becaue they had a cancellation. If you know where and when you want to get married book it now!

That being said I planned my wedding in 9 months and it was no problem at all. It was beautiful.

LandsEnd06 Posted: Sep 11, 2006 08:14 PM

Re: Realistically - How far in advance do I need to plan the reception?

I think it totally depends on where you want to have your reception.

We planned ours in a year and a week. We were able to get a date during the time we wanted.

I would definitely book a place soon especially if you want a popular venue.

MalteseMommy Posted: Sep 11, 2006 08:23 PM

Re: Realistically - How far in advance do I need to plan the reception?

You can totally do it!!! My friend planned a great wedding out here on LI in less than 6 months! Good luck!!!!

jenn122397 Posted: Sep 11, 2006 08:45 PM

Re: Realistically - How far in advance do I need to plan the reception?

i went 2 years in advance and some of the places were already booked - and i was looking for october/november which i didnt think was too popular so i would say book it asap