The Pilot and I got engaged over a year ago (February 15, 2009 to be exact). For the average bride, picking a wedding date would have involved a one-year engagement, which if we had gone that route, would have us getting married about now. But, I’ve always wanted a Fall wedding, for a few reasons. Mostly because Fall in the Midwest is G-ORGEOUS. The colors are fantastic (see: engagement photos).
Images courtesy of Lisa Hessel Photography
While we could have gotten married in Fall 2009, a 9 to 10 month engagement was too short for me. I wanted some time to enjoy the engagement and time to plan without pulling my hair out (because I totes would have). The Mr. was game for what I wanted, so there were no complaints from him. The obvious decision? Wait until Fall the following year (Fall 2010). Not only did this give us time to really plan, it gave us time to enjoy our engagement, and get first pick on a lot of the vendors in town. Most places in St. Louis book up fast within a year. So, with a 17 month engagement, we had quite the lead time ahead of most engaged couples in the area.
I’m not gonna lie – it has been a long ride, but it’s one I have fully enjoyed. We’ve really had time to comb over any big decisions. And, I’ve had time to meet with our booked vendors on multiple occasions to get a lot of the details taken care of early on. All adding up to practically no stress.
Yes, we’ve had our highs and lows of wedding planning (and I’m not referring to goods and bads, arguments and make-ups. I’m talking being really busy at times and bored out of my mind at times). The entire process has been pretty bi-polar (okay, mostly bi-polar). We spend a few months really hashing out details and vendors, and then spend the next few doing absolutely nothing at all. It’s a bit confusing, but I would not change it for anything.
Was your engagement long or short? Were the seasons a factor in your decision to wait?
7:54 am on April 19th, 2010
We are having a long engagement also – got engaged 12/25/09, getting married 5/28/10. We had some scheduling things to consider, but I love this whole bride-to-be thing
And the extended engagement gives me some time to just chill. It’s not for everyone, but it works for us!
10:12 am on April 19th, 2010
We’re long too – next spring. Want to enjoy the euphoria! We could totally flip it and get married this year, we’re flippant like that!
8:39 am on April 20th, 2010
Ours was pretty long. I think 16 months. I think if I could do it again, I’d make it shorter. But it was a good learning experience and I enjoyed it all!