Am i behind?

We booked our venue 22 months in advance and everything has gradually followed since then, but there isn't a right or wrong time to do things. Are you having a marquee in a field which you/someone close to you owns and just hiring a marquee or is it a public venue and you're hiring the whole thing? Either way, I'd get that sorted as soon as possible as August weddings are popular.

In terms of deposits, the biggest one was my dress, which was 50% of the cost. The venue needed £500 deposit, the photographer needed £200 and the room decoration company needed 50% which was £250. Everything else was between £50 and £100. If you know what you want, know you'll be able to afford it and can afford the deposit then I would book as soon as possible, so you know it's booked.

For Vegas, you just need to tell people what you're doing and where you're staying etc. and leave them to make their own travel arrangements. You don't need to add to the stress of wedding planning by sorting their travel.

The sooner the better really. My married friends are always telling me to get as much ticked off as soon as possible to avoid last minute rush which is pretty stressful which is not what you want ideally during the build up to your big day.

Re the second part of your quesion- My sister is getting married abroad in Spring and just letting everyone sort our their own flights and accom. The hotel she's getting married in offers a discount to all wedding guests as part of her package.

If you are planning on an August wedding then I would suggest you start to get the big things like venue/entertainment/ photographer etc booked soon as it is a busy month for weddings.

Are you having a wedding here and then one in Vegas?

Get it done as soon as possible, but no need to worry I think! We only just booked our venue for next August as well. If you're hiring a marquee and putting it on private land, you should definitely be fine, although of course as with anything it's just that the sooner you book, the more choice you have (and usually that means the cheapest options are still available!). Our barn venue required a 500 pound deposit and needs to be paid in full a few weeks before the date I think. As far as I've seen marquee companies also ask for similar deposits.

I'd definitely send out save the dates soon, so that people can plan ahead. Flights can be cheaper if you book them far in advance, plus it's school holidays so people might already make their own plans for next year. We're sending them out in the next few weeks.

I've booked rooms for our immediate families and bridesmaids, and they're paying me back. (Though that's mostly because I want them to be close by and don't trust them to be organised enough to do it themselves so far in advance! ?) For other people who are coming from abroad (my family is Dutch) we've just made a website with a massive list of all the nearby hotels, cottages etc. and lots of travel information. Hopefully they'll sort themselves out! But if you're going to Vegas with a smallish group, it might be worth finding out who's interested first and then making a group booking for everyone at the same hotel. They might give you a discount!

Thanks everyone. I have a UK venue in mind. Its a farm but they do hire out for weddings. I would need to hire a marquee independently. I have been to visit and am 95% sure on it just need to take the plunge and put down the deposit.

We are doing the UK bash first then Vegas the following weekend so we can go onto our honeymoon from there.

I just had a look and have started a website (surprisingly easy) so I can have all the details in one place. I think I am going to put the deposit down for the UK this week and then just tell everyone the Vegas date.....I had a look but can't book flights this far in advance so I will just update the website as I go.

I'm thinking as soon as I get the venue secured to send out save the dates with the link to the website that can be updated as I go. There is a place for people to ask questions etc so that will be helpful.

It's such a daunting task thinking of all the planning (and spending) ahead. Let the wedding fever commence.

Congratulations Willow Rose

We're getting married August next year and started booking in October last year. We had early stresses because we found that a lot of our first choices were fully booked. We thought it was crazy! But now that I'm nearer the year to go mark I'm glad we've done as much as we have. The only big thing I've got left to book is the florist.

Most things need a deposit, so we've got most of them paid. balances can be due from 6 months before to a few weeks after, suppliers will have different terms - best check the contracts!

Once you have your venue and date secured, the rest starts to fall into place. Take a deep breath, enjoy the "newly engaged with no stress" bubble then get yourself on pinterest and start collecting ideas!

I was wondering the same thing! If it makes you feel any better I'm planning to get married June/July next year but haven't booked anything yet! Like you though I think I know which venue I want, just need to talk the plunge! Can't believe how long it has taken me to research and look at venues!

Generally the sooner the better, but I wouldn't panic that you are behind. Some suppliers will be booked up, often up to 2 years in advance, but we only started planning 10 months before our wedding and didn't make any bookings till around 7 months ahead and we still got everything we wanted. Obviously with August being peak season the sooner you start looking the more choice you will have.

Also yes, most suppliers will require a deposit when you enter into contract with then, then will ask for payment in full at a future date which is usually indicated in your contract.

Good luck and enjoy your planning.....no need to panic just yet!