If you’re newly engaged (congratulations!), one of the first big questions you may be asking is: “How far in advance should we start planning our wedding?” The truth is, every couple’s timeline is unique — but there are industry best practices that can help you secure your dream venue, book top vendors and enjoy a smooth, stress-free planning experience.
At Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn — just minutes from Chicago, Naperville and Downers Grove — we’ve helped thousands of couples turn their vision into a flawless celebration. Here’s a helpful breakdown of how early to start planning and what to expect along the way.
The ideal planning window: 12–18 months
Most couples begin planning 12–18 months in advance. This window gives you the best chance to book popular venues and vendors, especially if you’re aiming for a wedding during peak season (May–October). Starting a year or more ahead ensures that:
- You can secure your preferred wedding date
- You’ll have first pick of photographers, florists, DJs and planners
- You can take your time choosing a theme, color palette and décor
- Family and friends have ample time to make travel arrangements
If you’re looking at a high-demand time of year or a holiday weekend, the earlier you start, the better.
Planning 9–12 months in advance
If you’re working with a slightly shorter timeline, don’t worry — many weddings are successfully planned in 9 to 12 months. The key is to lock in the major components early:
- Choose and book your venue
- Set your budget and guest list
- Book your officiant and primary vendors
- Secure hotel blocks for out-of-town guests
At Abbington, our grand ballroom and flexible floor plans make it easy to design a stunning event even with a shorter lead time. Our team can help you streamline decisions and stay organized.
Planning 6 months or less — yes, it’s possible!
Short-engagement weddings are becoming increasingly popular. With the right support, you can plan a beautiful wedding in six months or fewer — especially if you’re flexible with dates or open to an elegant weekday celebration. Benefits of a shorter timeline include:
- Potential savings on off-peak dates
- Less time spent overthinking details
- Faster vendor responses and availability during quieter seasons
Winter weddings, in particular, offer exceptional availability and value. Abbington’s stunning indoor spaces, sparkling chandeliers and seasonal décor make winter celebrations warm, festive and luxurious.
Why your venue matters for your timeline
Your venue is the anchor for your entire planning process. Once you secure your date and location, everything else falls into place. Abbington’s convenient location near both Chicago airports, exceptional culinary team and spacious ballrooms make us a top choice for couples across the West Chicago suburbs.
We recommend scheduling a tour as early as possible to explore availability, especially for Saturday evenings and popular seasonal dates.
Lean on Abbington’s expert event team
No matter when you start planning, you don’t have to do it alone. Abbington offers an experienced in-house event planning team ready to guide you through timelines, vendor recommendations and every detail leading up to the big day. Whether you’re working with an 18-month timeline or planning within a few months, our team ensures your wedding is beautifully organized and perfectly executed.
Your dream day starts whenever you’re ready
There is no “right” amount of time to plan a wedding — there is only what works best for you as a couple. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand celebration or a timeless intimate affair, Abbington Banquets is here to bring your vision to life.
Ready to begin? Explore our wedding packages or schedule a tour today.
