Too soon???

I just booked the reception hall and have begun making payments. We put together a joint wedding check account. Now what???? The wedding isn't until 7/04.

Re: Too soon???

enjoy this time and plan as much as you can ahead of time.....there is no such thing as too much time....use the long engagement to think over all the little details that make the difference and to really make good vendor choices...good luck!!

Re: Too soon???

thanks...I've got advice coming from every angle - start now...wait until next year. I'm leaning to the relax end of the spectrum.

Re: Too soon???

Honestly, I agree that there is no such thing as too much time. Read some of the posts of the ladies that were just married. Many of them said that they wished they would have or were glad they did get so much stuff done early.

I would suggest starting to at least research your photographer and videographer and band. These vendors tend to book up pretty far in advance (especially in the NY area), so you really would help yourself by starting now and deciding what you want and what your specific needs are.

After you get those things nailed down, you can relax for a little bit, and then start shopping for your gown.

Congratulations on getting started! That's a very exciting, but overwhelming time! Let us know how we can help!

Re: Too soon???

Yeah I agree there is no such thing as too much time. I am also a 2004 bride and I have my reception hall, church and florist already. We have started looking at video and photographers and should have that done by this weekend. Then we're going to start with all the other vendors. The reasons that we are starting now is because I hate waiting till last minute to get things done and more importantly because the prices usually go up in January. So, we hope to have all our vendors booked by January. If you feel like it's too early to start doing this stuff, maybe you can start your research and narrow down the vendors that you want to go see.
Oh, I'm also waiting till March to go look at dresses.

Good Luck!

Re: Too soon???

Marcela - fantastic point! If you book your expensive vendors now (photo/video/band/florist), you will get the 2002 rates, instead of waiting until 2003, and paying more for the same things! Just something to think about...

Re: Too soon???

Thanks for the tip. I didn't even think about the price hike in January. Most of my flowers are already covered. Milleridge includes centerpieces within their package. I can upgrade when the time comes however. The ceremony will be there so I don't have to worry about finding a place. I guess the big 2 are pictures and video. Any suggestions??

Re: Too soon???

You're welcome I went to go see Patken, (http://www.patkenphotographer.com) Cassarino (www.cassarinostudios.com) and VIP (http://www.vipstuli.com).
We liked all all of them. But will probably go with Patken because we fell in love with them. I think their pics are absolutely gorgeous. As for video, we liked Patken's video, but we want to look around before we book them for video too. So we're going to look at Bellarino (www.bellarino.com) and Wild Rose ( http://www.wildrosevideo.com). A lot of the girls here are using them and they all have said great things about them.

Re: Too soon???

Pam,
Since you probably dont want a band, I would go with looking for Photo/Video soon! They book fast, and prices always increase!!!

Re: Too soon???

We have our vendors done..... a lot of people make a joke that it is so far off ,but it is not , I have resorted to the fact that they are not paying for it so why should they even say this! A lot of the video people that are hired thru photgraphers studios are contracted out. I recommend Bellarino also. We have a lot of stuff done.... video, photographers, DJ, etc. We wanted to get first pick at the best price. It is a good idea to do this before prices go up in 2003. Good luck!

Re: Too soon???

Get as much done now as possible. It will sneak up on you very quick!

Re: Too soon???

Start looking at photographers, bands and videographers. Take your time. Don't rush.
Also, start putting together photos/images of flowers that you like, dress styles that you think are pretty, order invite samples.
It does all sneak up on you quickly.
Make a premilary guest list and start getting addresses but do not invite people yet. Jobs change, casual friendships change and you don't want to lock yourself in so early.
Also make sure you have a ceremony location (not sure if you are getting married at the hall or not)

Re: Too soon???

I totally agrree with JENHOS

Re: Too soon???

My motivation was the possibility of not getting the vendors I wanted! I had an idea here and there, after much research and lots of tips from this board so I acted quickly to ensure that I got what I wanted...and so far I have not been disappointed! Waiting til 2004 definitely gives you more time to save as well.....

Re: Too soon???

I am another 2004 Bride. I have already booked: Church, Reception Hall, Photographer, Videographer and DJ. I would look into the big and popular vendors since most of them book very fast. We booked most of our vendors early because of the same reason that Marcela mentioned, that if you book now you pay 2002 prices and not 2003 or 2004 prices. There are alot of us 2004 Brides on here, so if you have any questions on anything just ask not only us but all the girls are wonderful.
If you are looking into a videographer, we are also using Bellarino Video. There are alot of girls on here using them.
Good luck in all your planning.

Re: Too soon???

It is NEVER too soon to do any planning... I'd start looking in to photo/video now if I were you... No need to rush, though.. you want to take your time, make sure you're getting the vendors you want, ya know? Good luck with everything! It will all work out wonderfully!

Re: Too soon???

Book your band and find one that you REALLY like. Also shop around and take your time finding your other vendors without having to rush. Book a really great makeup person early, they go fast