When it comes to wedding planning, the age-old question of “how soon is too soon?” often pops up among excited newly-engaged couples. Is there such a thing as jumping the gun on your wedding preparations? The answer is nuanced, but generally, if you’re ready to start planning, it’s not too soon—especially if you’re aiming for a dream wedding that aligns with your vision and budget.

Then again, there are pros and cons to booking your suppliers early. Let’s talk more about it.

Planning your wedding early often means you have your pick of the best venues and suppliers. This particularly works in your favor if you’re eyeing a popular spot or targeting highly sought-after vendors that book up quickly. It’s true what they say–the early bird gets the worm, without having to compromise on a dream venue or a favorite photographer.

Booking early can also be kind to your wallet! Many vendors offer early booking discounts to secure their schedules in advance. Additionally, prices tend to increase year on year due to inflation and rising operational costs, so locking in current rates can save you quite a bit in the long run.

With more time up your sleeve, you can really get into the nitty gritty of customizing your wedding details. Whether it’s bespoke invitations, personalized decorations, or a custom-designed wedding gown, early planning gives you the luxury of time to refine these personal touches without feeling rushed.

Spreading out the planning process over a longer period helps dilute the stress often associated with wedding preparations. With more time to make decisions, you’re less likely to feel the pressure of looming deadlines, which ultimately can make the whole experience more enjoyable for you and your partner.

One downside I often see with couples starting their planning journey early is the sheer volume of options that will continue to pop up. It happened to me, too, when I was planning my own wedding. As new trends emerge and new vendors enter the market, you might find yourself second-guessing decisions or tempted by newer, possibly better options. This may lead to decision fatigue and even dissatisfaction with choices you were once excited about.

Just a tip from a former bride: Once you make a decision, try to stick with it. There’s a reason you chose a particular vendor or style in the first place, and often, that first instinct is aligned with your true desires for your big day. Constantly questioning your choices only leads to doubt and can detract from the excitement of wedding planning.

However, there are exceptions to every rule. If you come across a new supplier who significantly surpasses your current one in cost efficiency, service quality, and overall contribution to your wedding happiness, then reconsidering might be worthwhile. Just be aware that switching vendors might mean forfeiting your initial deposit, which can add up.

It’s always a balance between financial practicality and making sure you won’t have any regrets about your vendor lineup. Remember, the goal is to create a day that feels perfect to you, even if it means a couple of strategic changes along the way. As such…

Tastes change, and so do circumstances. What seems like a perfect idea now might not appeal to you as much a year or two down the line. The longer the lead time, the more you’re at risk of outgrowing your initial concepts, which could result in costly changes or a wedding that doesn’t quite feel “you” anymore. And that being said…

Making changes late in the game can be costly. If you book vendors early but decide to alter major elements down the track, you may face cancellation or change fees. Additionally, switching things up can mean losing deposits and paying premium prices for last-minute bookings.

While most vendors appreciate early bookings, some might be hesitant to commit to a date that’s far in the future, especially if it impacts their ability to adjust prices or policies closer to the date. This could limit your options somewhat if certain suppliers are unwilling to book too far ahead.

To decide how early is too early, consider your circumstances. Are you set on a specific date or dream venue? Do you have complex logistics to manage, like a destination wedding or a large guest list? These factors might necessitate an earlier start. However, if flexibility is on your side, you might benefit from holding off until you have a clearer vision of what you want.

In conclusion, while there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to whether you can plan a wedding too soon, starting early definitely has its benefits. It can lead to cost savings, better choices, and a less stressful experience. However, be mindful of the potential pitfalls of changing tastes and the allure of new options that could see you veering off your initial path. The key is to find a balance that works for you and allows you to enjoy the journey to your big day.