Engaged? A Long or A Short Engagement: Which One Is Right For You?

You’ve had one of the best moments of your life. You or your partner got down on one knee and popped the question. You never thought this day would happen but here it is … YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED!

But wait a minute, how long should you wait from getting engaged to tying the knot? Have you been trying to decided about which is going to be better for you – a long or a short engagement? You’re either in one of too boats – you’re organised and have been planning this day for your whole life, or you don’t know where to begin. To help get you started with wedding planning here is The Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide.

I just digressed a little … you are over the moon and super excited to get your wedding planning under way but is one of the questions you are battling with how soon, or how far away, the actual wedding date should be? Time and time again I’ve seen many couples rush into wedding planning and think you’ve got so much time to plan a wedding in 6 months time because it was the only date available at your dream wedding venue.

However it would be wise and it’s my recommendation to sit down and talk through the pros and cons of a long or a short engagement and then decide on what’s best for you as a couple.

Engagement photo taken at the beautiful Kyncance Cove, Cornwall. The Happy Couple stand on the rocky section of the beach as the suns sets

5 Benefits of a Long Engagement

You get more time to plan the details of your special day. A long engagement gives you plenty of time to ensure that all the little details are taken care of and that the day will go off without a hitch. If you are a perfectionist (that’s me) – and let’s face it we all are when it comes to our wedding day – then a long engagement which provides more time for planning, could be exactly what you need.
You have more time to save up for the wedding. A longer engagement gives you more time to save up money for the wedding of your dreams and means you don’t have to worry about going into debt. There will always be some things that you want that are non-negotiables and having a long engagement can ensure you have the time to save up and set aside money for what is important to you.
You have more time to enjoy your relationship. Engagements focussed on wedding planning can often feel a little overwhelming, so a longer engagement gives you more time to spend with your partner where you can enjoy your engagement celebrations and engaged life before the wedding. There’s no need to stress when it comes to wedding planning when you’re having a longer engagement as your planning can be done at a more leisurely pace. You’ll still be able to enjoy being a couple and spending time together.
You can plan the wedding more thoughtfully. With a longer engagement, you have more time to really think through the decisions you’re making and make sure that the wedding reflects who you are as a couple. There will be lots of decisions to make during your wedding planning, so ensuring you have plenty of time to make the right decisions could be key.
You can take time to make lasting memories. A long engagement allows you to take your time and make lasting memories, rather than feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

A long engagement can be a great way for you to ensure you have everything you desire in place for your wedding day. But they aren’t right for every couple!

So is a short engagement right for you?

Happy couple cuddle at the breath taking Cheddar Gorge - Engaged? A Long or A Short Engagement: Which One Is Right For You?

5 Benefits of a Short Engagement

A shorter engagement often creates a greater sense of excitement and anticipation for the wedding day. Friends, family, and loved ones will be excited at the news of your engagement, having a short engagement period means they will remain excited as your wedding day approaches.
Working to a tight deadline with a short engagement could end up saving you some money. With less time to plan and add in ‘extras’, you could find yourself saving a significant amount of money. You may even find venues or suppliers who you can negotiate lower prices with when you make a last minute booking – after all they would rather be booked and working than leave the date empty.
You can be more efficient in your planning and decision-making processes. With a short deadline and less time to dwell on the options, and dare I say it – procrastinate. You will find that you become more decisive and go with your ‘gut’ on decision making, saving you lots of time.
You will remain focussed on the marriage itself. With a short engagement period you will find the focus less on ‘stuff’ and more on the marriage itself and what is going to happen after the wedding. This can make for a much smoother transition into married life.
If you’re not much of a planner, or you know you might get consumed by the details then a shorter engagement with fewer elements to the wedding could be just the right option for you. An engagement period where you remain happy, in love, and excited about the upcoming nuptials is key.

A short engagement period could be exactly what you need – a date for the wedding in the not-so-distant future that you can be excited about, smoother decision making processes as you follow your gut, and money saved as you add on fewer of the ‘extras’ that we can easily be consumed with.

Couple celebrate their engagement at a park in between the trees in Plymouth -Engaged? A Long or A Short Engagement: Which One Is Right For You?

There are positives and negatives to having a long or a short engagement and with no ‘one-size fits all’ approach it is important that you do what feels right for you and your partner.

Thank you so much for reading Engaged? A Long or A Short Engagement: Which One Is Right For You? – you’re now well on your way to planning your dream wedding

Are you finding you need a little more wedding inspiration or are you in full on wedding planning mode? Then check out these three articles below all about wedding planning – I just know you’ll love them.