If you are engaged, planning a wedding can be one of the most thrilling times in your life, but it also comes with many decisions. You might wonder, "How early should I book a wedding venue in Oklahoma?" The truth is, the earlier you start, the better! Your wedding venue sets the tone for your entire day, so it is essential to ensure you secure the venue of your dreams before someone else does.
What Is the Ideal Timeline to Book a Wedding Venue in Oklahoma?
Booking your wedding venue 12-18 months in advance is generally recommended. This might seem like a long time, but many venues fill up quickly! If you are planning a wedding during the peak season—such as spring or fall—your preferred date may already be taken if you wait too long. Even small wedding venues in Oklahoma can book up fast. As such, the sooner you can book your venue, the better.
If you plan to get married within a shorter timeframe than 12-18 months, you may need to be more flexible regarding your date and location. Venues often have limited availability for sooner dates, especially in peak seasons. As such, when inquiring about a venue, discuss your timeline and preferred date with the venue coordinator to determine their availability.
Why Book Your Wedding Venue Early?
One key reason why booking your venue early is crucial is the flexibility it offers! When you start your planning process at wedding venues near OKC, many other elements of your wedding—such as decor, florals, catering, and even your wedding attire—will revolve around the style and space of the venue. Additionally, if you are considering an outdoor wedding, you will want to plan for things like rain or excessive heat. Booking early lets you factor in those variables during the planning process.
A Timeline for the Rest of Your Wedding Planning
Once you have secured your venue, it is time to tackle the rest of your planning to-do list. Here is a timeline to help you in other areas of the planning process.
1. 12-18 Months Before: Book Your Photographer
Just like venues, talented photographers tend to book up fast. Once your date and venue are confirmed, reach out to photographers whose style resonates with you. Many photographers often have full calendars a year in advance, so do not hesitate to make this decision early.
2. 9-12 Months Before: Secure Catering and Hire Your Florist
Food is one of the key elements that you and your guests will remember from your wedding, so it is essential to choose the right caterer. Some venues have in-house catering options, while others allow outside vendors. Popular caterers are often booked out months in advance, so aim to secure this by the 9-month mark.
Like caterers, many florists book their wedding season early, especially for peak dates. Once your venue and catering are taken care of, it is time to hire a florist to bring your vision to life! By booking a florist early, you have ample time to collaborate with them on more minor details to ensure your florals fit your wedding beautifully.
3. 8-10 Months Before: Book Entertainment
Whether you are hiring a live band, a DJ, or both, entertainment can make your reception one to remember! You will want to ensure your entertainment fits your taste in music and the venue, whether a formal or rustic outdoor space.
4. 6-8 Months Before: Finalize Decor and Rentals
Once you have seen your venue in person and had time to visualize your day, you can start thinking about decor and rentals. This can include everything from tables to drapery, lighting, and even special touches like custom signage. Some small wedding venues in Oklahoma offer decor recommendations to help you streamline this part of the planning process.
5. 6-8 Months Before: Send Save the Dates
After booking your venue, photographer, and catering, it is time to officially announce your wedding date to friends and family! Sending save the dates around 6 to 8 months before the big day ensures that guests will be available and gives them enough time to make travel arrangements if necessary.
6. 3-6 Months Before: Send Invitations
While your guests already know your wedding date from the save-the-dates, formal invitations are a vital part of your wedding communication, and these should be sent out about 3 to 6 months before your wedding. The invitation sets the tone for your big day and provides all the crucial details, such as the venue, dress code, and RSVP information. Be sure to give a clear RSVP deadline to finalize your guest count in time.
7. 1-3 Months Before: Plan the Final Details
As your big day approaches, the final pieces of the puzzle fall into place! This includes finalizing your timeline, coordinating vendor deliveries, and doing a final walk-through
with the venue coordinator at your wedding venue in Oklahoma to ensure everything is in order.
Plan Your Wedding at Our Small Wedding Venues in Oklahoma
Booking your venue is the cornerstone of planning your wedding day. At Clauren Ridge, we offer both stunning indoor and outdoor spaces for your ceremony and reception. With our experienced staff, on-site Venue Coordinator, and various amenities, we make it easy to create a magical day. We would love to help make your wedding dreams a reality at our wedding venues near OKC. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a tour of our stunning wedding venues.
