Race to the Altar with a Short Engagement
The average length of marriage engagement in the U.S. is typically between 12 and 18 months. But every couple is different, and many circumstances dictate how long you and the love of your life will be engaged. Most wedding planners advise that it takes about 15 months to plan a wedding, especially if your heart is set on a specific venue. However, most planners also agree that couples with shorter engagements are usually happier during the wedding planning process and they tend to make a better transition into married life after the wedding. So before you decide on a date, consider the following:
-Less time to obsess.
If you are planning a short engagement, you simply don’t have time to stress and obsess about the little things. This forces couples to make decisions faster, gets grooms more involved in the process, and helps you move forward and feel okay about your choices (because you don’t have as many as couples with long engagements). If you need a great planning tool to help expedite the process or just stay organized, check out our free wedding planners here.
–The excitement lasts.
A shorter engagement means the excitement of the engagement is still new, and often the “glow” carries you throughout the entire planning process and all the way to the big day.
–Moving in together faster.
If you’re waiting until after your wedding to live together – shorter engagements mean that happens sooner. This can help save money because you’re not keeping two households going.
-Save money.
Surprisingly, a short engagement could provide the opportunity to book a venue or vendor who may be more willing to negotiate their rates on short notice. Last-minute cancellations happen – so it may be a good idea to contact popular vendors and venues, even when you think it’s too late.
-The focus in on the marriage.
One of the benefits of a shorter engagement is that the focus tends to be on the marriage itself, and not on all the stuff surrounding it. Less time to plan means keeping it simple and focusing on your happily ever after and your commitment to each other.
-You’re just not the planner-type.
It’s okay to admit it. You just don’t enjoy the planning process. Planning a wedding isn’t as much fun for some and if a simple dinner with your friends feels like the right way to celebrate your marriage – then hold your head high and go for it – we support you.
-Easier transition to real life.
Couples who have long engagements and spend months planning and obsessing about every minute detail of their big day almost always get a little post-wedding blues once it’s over. Getting back to the real world and starting your life together as a couple is usually a smoother transition when your planning period has been shorter and more efficient.
