The Perfect Length Engagement, According to Wedding Planners

Getting engaged is a beautiful moment in every couple’s life. Although some may be eager to get to the next step – the wedding – some time must pass to take care of business: getting the actual wedding day planned out! And of course, for the guests to receive their invitations.

How long a couple should stay engaged before they get married is an interesting question, and possibly the most qualified people to provide an answer are wedding planners!

Man putting an engagement ring on a woman's finger
The Perfect Length Engagement, According to Wedding Planners

Why Is There an Engagement Period

The time between getting engaged and the wedding is very important because planning a wedding is no small undertaking. Also, it gives the couple some time to enjoy being engaged, share their happiness with their loved ones, and spend some time daydreaming about the wedding. When it comes to planning the wedding, some couples know what they want and make decisions quickly, while others need time to explore the options and see what suits their ideas of a perfect wedding.

How Long Should a Couple Be Engaged

Even professionals have mixed responses about the ideal length of an engagement. Among 22 experts, many said that the best timeframe is between 6 to 8 months, while the responses, in general, ranged from 3 to 18 months. For example, the creative director of Rebecca Rose Events said that a six-to-twelve-month period is enough to let guests get time off work and arrange their travel plans in order to be able to attend the wedding, which is a very important factor.

Save the day - preferred engagement period
The Perfect Length Engagement, According to Wedding Planners

The founder and creative director of Matthew Robbins Design, says that 8 to 12 months is the ideal timeframe. Beyond that, couples could start finding reasons not to plan the wedding and start receiving wedding invitations from other engaged couples. Many other wedding planners shared their opinion and the results were mixed.

Engaged Couple Holding Hands
The Perfect Length Engagement, According to Wedding Planners

Taking into account all the different opinions wedding planners have, the middle ground falls around 9 months. It gives enough time for couples to enjoy being engaged and to plan out their dream wedding.

What to Do if Rain Is in the Forecast on Wedding Day

A rainy wedding day, whether it’s a downpour or a drizzle, shouldn’t ruin your nuptials. Stormy weather and a bit of rain are out of your control. While it may seem like a downer, it’s a sign of good luck. There’s also plenty that you can do to prepare for a potential rain shower on your wedding day. This will help you ensure that it doesn’t ruin your big day.

Outdoor Wedding During RainHandling Rain on Your Wedding Day

If you’re someone that has to have an outdoor wedding, there are a few things that you can do to handle the rain that may be present. There’s no need to panic, even if it’s last-minute preparation. You could always talk to your venue coordinator and ask if there are any other locations that you can be moved to avoid the rain. It’s also important to think of the positives despite the wet and muggy weather. The weather can be a sign of good luck and fortune in terms of your marriage, so think of the good that is to come. You can also prepare ahead of time by investing in a few supplies just in case.

Rainy Day Supplies for Your Wedding

Rainy Day Board Supplies Instead of stressing out because of the rain, you can plan for potential showers. These props can help keep your guests looking good, staying dry, warm, and joyful.

Bubble Umbrellas

Guests will appreciate you supplying the umbrellas for them and thinking of them, even on your wedding day. These transparent bubble umbrellas can keep your guests dry and still allow them to flaunt their wedding styles.

Rainy Day Signage

You can always put a creative spin on having a rainy wedding. Getting customized signage for the rainy day can be just what you need.

Rain Ponchos

While ponchos aren’t as fashionable as you might want them to be, they are a solution for rain at an outdoor wedding. It can keep the guests warm and dry during the outdoor ceremony until you bring them indoors at the reception.