Is A Long Or Short Engagement Right For You?

Congrats on your engagement! Now that you’ve said “yes” to the man of your dreams, it’s time to dive into planning! First up on your wedding planning to-do list is setting a date. But how far away should that date actually be? On average, most couples are engaged for 13 months. Typically, a short engagement is less than 8 months while a long engagement is just over a year. So, is a long or short engagement right for you? To help you decide, we’ll take a look at the benefits of both.

Long Engagement

With the average engagement being 13 months, it’s safe to say that most couples opt for a longer engagement. It’s easy to see why; there are plenty of benefits to a long engagement!

First, you have more time to plan! With a long engagement, you have time to simply enjoy being an engaged couple. You don’t have to immediately jump into planning and decision making mode like you would if your wedding was only months away. This is also helpful if you’re planning your wedding without a wedding planner and incorporating a lot of DIY projects; You have more time to get everything done.

With a long engagement, you also have a better chance of booking your must-have vendors. Great wedding vendors are often booked out for months, even years in advance. If your engagement is only a few months, your dream vendor may not be available. It could be worth waiting and having a long engagement to have your wedding vendor dream team!

Last but not least, having a long engagement gives you more time to save money. This is really important for couples who are paying for their own wedding and are also planning on having a large guest list. This is a huge factor in determining if a long or short engagement is right for you.

Short Engagement

An obvious benefit of a short engagement is that you’re married sooner! Being engaged can be super stressful with all the planning and decision making that comes with it. By getting married sooner, the planning is done as quickly as possible so you can start living happily ever after as husband and wife.

With a short engagement, the excitement of the proposal is still fresh! Not only for you but for your family and friends as well. Your engagement will still be top of mind by having a shorter engagement as opposed to a longer engagement where the excitement can dwindle.

If you’re having a small, intimate wedding or elopement, a shorter engagement will be easier to pull off. Without a massive to-do list and a ton of guests, a short engagement is a perfect option.

So, is a long or short engagement right for you? Take time to figure out your top priorities and make your decision from there. Do you just have to have vendors that are booked out for a year? Go with a long engagement! Are you chomping at the bit to be married and start a family? Then a short engagement is best for you! Don’t listen to anyone else’s opinions (especially that one family member that always has something to say) and do what’s best for you and your future spouse. Happy planning!

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