Pros and Cons of a long vs. Short Engagement

Last Updated on October 12, 2022 by Corynn

After celebrating and announcing your engagement, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and begin wedding planning. You and your partner have to decide if a short engagement is best for you. Or is being engaged for more than a year is best for you? Here are some pros and cons for a short vs. long engagement.

*Disclaimer: This is my own personal opinion. If you are looking for professional advice, I advise seeking a wedding planner/coordinator. Thanks for reading!

Short Engagement (Less than 12 months)

Pro: Excitement for your Wedding!

Between the time of the proposal and the wedding, you’ll still feel the excitement throughout your entire wedding planning season.

Con: Possibly Paying More

Since you’ll be getting married within the same year, you’ll be up against lots of brides and grooms trying to book similar or even the same vendors like you. For instance, if you book well in advance you’ll have a chance to score discounts and reduced pricing.

Although if you are booking within the same year, you’ll most likely be paying for more than the other brides who wait.

Pro: Can’t Procrastinate

I believe this one is good for people who tend to procrastinate (like me) and need the added pressure. IF you are getting married within two years, you’ll probably not reach out to vendors right away or even take your time before choosing your wedding colors. Except for brides who are getting married within the same year, have to follow a strict timeline and can not fall off the track.

Con:  More Competition

You won’t be the only one fighting for that photographer you have been stalking on Instagram for months. Many and I mean MANY brides and grooms all have to fight to secure their wedding date because there aren’t as many vendors available on your wedding date.

Although if you wait a little bit you’ll most likely get your dream photographer on your wedding day. Pro: Less Stressing – less time to stress around to plan your wedding. Although you’ll be stressing more about your wedding within a shorter time than a longer time.

Pro: Don’t have to wait too long before saying “I Do”

Great for people who literally cannot wait to be married, and the wedding isn’t the important part of their marriage. You can’t handle planning a wedding for a long time? Then I highly suggest getting married as soon as you can!

Con: People will say you’re rushing

Many of your family members Will think you’re rushing into marriage. Because you’re either pregnant, need a visa, or don’t know what you’re getting into.

Sometimes our families have opinions. We just have to kindly tell them that you are getting married for the right reasons. Marriage is a big commitment!

Long Engagement (12 months or more)

Pro: Being a called “Fiance”

You get to say “my fiance” longer because you only get to say it ONCE (unless you are going to get remarried. But still you get my point?) Plus you’ll have ample time to brainstorm ideas on what you want your wedding day to be like and to create a vision of your big day.

Con: Too Much Time To Decide

With all this time you have, you’ll have the opportunity to switch your plans three or four times or slack off on the details. Having too much time can be a downside as well.

Pro: More Time to Save Money

Weddings are expensive! From venues to a photographer, all the way down to the cake. If you have a vision of how your wedding day is going to be then I highly suggest taking the time to save up the money you need for your wedding. Even your parents may need time to save up. A wedding is a big thing!

Con: You’ll Lose the excitement

After a while being all mixed into the payment plans, deadlines, and having to pick which table runner matches your theme, does make you feel a little burned out. Remember to always take time to self-care and put away the planning for a bit.

Pro: More choice for vendors

If your wedding is not for another two years, you’ll have a chance to score the vendors you wanted without having to anxiously wait for their response to see if they are available. You’ll even have more options than brides who are getting married in less than a year.

Con: Cold Feet

Sadly for some people when you wait too long to get married, you may start to question if this is what you really want. You may be anxious about the lifelong commitment that is ahead of you.

Pro: Guest Have Time to Prepare

If you are either having a destination wedding or out of town guest, having the wedding far in advance would give your guest some time to save up and prepare for your nuptials.

Either you have your wedding this year or 5 years from now. Remember that it’s between you and your partner. Nobody else! If you both decide to elope then hey, that is your choice!

If you need any more additional help with your wedding or even looking for advice, I highly suggest checking out Wedding Wire!