How long does it take to plan a wedding?

If you're reading this, chances are you've recently said "yes" or are gearing up to pop the big question to your special someone. Once the word is out to your family and friends, get ready for the inevitable barrage of questions, starting with the classic, "So when's the big day?" 🎉

Persian Wedding Ceremony at the Dana Point Yacht Club

Photo by Genevieve Davis. Sofreh by Afsaneh Sargordan.


In this blog, we’ll go over what's realistic and average when it comes to wedding planning. How long does it take to plan a wedding? A question so many couples ask. You and your partner might be eager to jump into the action or you may prefer to take things at a leisurely pace. Either way, no worries, because here's the scoop: there's no one-size-fits-all answer here. It really depends on what kind of wedding you have in mind. You could go from "I do" in just a few weeks, or you might decide to take your time and plan for a few years. We’ve had couples be engaged for a couple years before they even start to think about wedding planning! 


So how far out should you start planning your wedding? As unhelpful as this answer is: it’s not a straightforward answer. On average, couples spend about a year to a year and a half planning their wedding. This time frame allows ample room for making decisions, booking vendors, finding the perfect venue, and ensuring every detail aligns with your vision. It strikes a balance between not rushing the process and avoiding unnecessary delays. However, keep in mind you can certainly plan your wedding in less or more time. At Ryann Kristena Events, we’ve planned a wedding as soon as 3 weeks..

Alternative Wedding Details. Till Death Do Us Party

Photo by Annie May Corum


There are a lot of factors that go into deciding how long you might need to plan, and we’ve listed a few of those below;

  • What is your personal timeline? Although planning a wedding can quickly become a full-time job, you likely have other things going on in your life (career, school, moving, buying a home, etc.) that you need to dedicate time to that will play a role in deciding when is the best wedding date for you and your partner. 

  • What time of year do you ideally want to get married and is this flexible? During peak season [April to October], dates might be harder to come by, so if you are set on getting married during one of these months, especially on a Saturday, you may need to push your timeline out a little further or stay flexible on the day of the week. Vendors tend to book up quickly during these peak season months as well, so those highly sought-after vendors will need to be booked well in advance.

  • How elaborate is your design vision? Elaborate weddings with intricate themes, extensive decorations, and multiple events may require a longer planning period. Customizations, unique venue transformations, and detailed design visions necessitate careful planning and execution.

Photo by Dearly Beloved Photo


The duration it takes to plan a wedding is a highly personal choice, influenced by various factors including personal circumstances, desired wedding complexity, and vendor availability. Whether you choose a shorter, more intensive planning period or opt for a longer, comprehensive approach, what matters most is that the end result reflects your love and commitment to each other. Embrace the journey, enjoy the process, and create a celebration that will forever hold a special place in your hearts. Happy planning! 🎉

About the Author: Who Is Ryann Kristena Events?

Ryann Kristena Events is a wedding planning team, that specializes in dark romantic, and alternative events. We love designing unique events that reflect the personality of our couples. We have two locations: Utah and California, and we love to travel.

We’d love to hear about your vision, and see how we can work with you! Fill out our Contact Form, and we’ll be in touch.

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