How much of a wedding can you plan before setting a date?

Really, 2011 is a long way away and without a date set then there's not much you can do other than put as much money aside as you can, and buy a few bridal magazines.

There's not point in buying things at this stage, particularly decorations, etc, because that sort of depends on what venue you go with.

Here's a rough guide to what's involved in planning: http://www.weddingideasguide.com/weddingplanning.h...

At this point I would suggest that you start compiling a scrapbook of pictures and ideas of things you like that you might like to incorporate in your wedding. It's great to collect a heap of different options because often budget dictates what you end up having.

I hope this helps!

Start buying Bride's magazines, and getting an idea of what you'd like to do with your wedding. For example, wedding colors, flowers and centerpieces, bridesmaid dresses, etc.

There's not a whole lot you can do until the date is set. Like you can't book a venue for the ceremony and reception sites, or order the save the date cards or invitations.

So just think of things you may like to have at your wedding right now. Maybe get a notebook and write down all the things you've thought of doing when you were younger.

I would strongly suggest that you DO NOT pick out envelopes and purchase anything so far in advance. In the year that I have been planning my wedding, my thoughts and ideas have changed so much. You do not want to put all this effort into it now and then have your taste change two years from now when you start planning.

Aside from that, you can do research. Check out different vendors (DJ, Banquet Halls, Photographers, etc...) and go to bridal shows. The more info you gather now, the easier it will be to plan later. That way, whenever you set a date, you already know what you want and can start putting down deposits.

Hope this helps!

You can start gathering special ideas and assembing diy projects. For instance, you know you want it to be outdoors so think about your favors and decorations. Decorations may be a challenge if you aren't sure exactly where it will be but you can get general ideas of what you'd like to see. If you decide on your favor you can start buying the necessary items and assembling them. Also, centerpieces can be done well in advance. If you make the invitations yourself you can go ahead and design them but don't print yet since you don't have all the accurate information to put in it. Think about every aspect of the wedding and gather ideas for what you want. Anything that can be done in advance without knowing the specifics you haven't decided yet, start on that. Save the rest for later when you've made more concrete decisions.

Start saving $ especially if you & your fiance are paying for your wedding. Pick your colors, look up possible venues, food ideas, research prices of photographers, caterers, etc. Look at wedding dresses just to get a feel for what you like. I wouldn't buy any decorations or make any purchases this early though. Wait until you've picked a date or narrowed the date down. Just so you know, wedding planning can be overwhelming. Don't get discouraged. Best of luck to you.

My wedding isn't until 2011 and I am writing down ideas, reading wedding magazines, and noting how much things cost. There is nothing wrong with it. I would rather give everything to a wedding planner and say "I want this this this and this." I don't want to spend long hours figuring out table settings and seating charts. If it can be done months before the wedding, it would be so much better.

You can 'dream' and think, look for ideas you might like, colours, etc. but that's about it.

Absolutely nothing in regard to buying anything, etc. , that wouldn't be smart at all.

Wait til you have a date, then you are engaged usually as long as it takes to plan the wedding - depending upon where you live you may have to book some things a year in advance, such as the venue, caterer, music, officiant, pre-marital counselling, etc. We got married in small city, so were able to plan things out in eight months.

No matter what time you can always:

- Window shop, find out what you like and what you can do

- Start thinking budget and figure out what kind of (if any) assistance you can expect

- Save money and set up a savings plan

- Practice/Learn skills you might need that can save you $ (like bouquet making, centerpiece arranging, etc.)

Basically, anything up to the point of actually spending $ or reserving vendors.

Your invites shouldn't cost more then the food.

Invitations and that stuff is junk- the most important part of the wedding is how you treat your guest.

1. Food

2. Music

3. Drinks

These should be the most important on your list.

4. would be YOU- dress.. ETC...

Go to the knot.com and set a budget that you can work with and it will show you- the break down of the cost of everything.

BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET- IS THE FIRST THING YOU DO NO MATTER IF YOUR WEDDING COST $100 OR $100,000!!

If you want a relaxed but elegant affair without spending too much, you need to do your homework. Research, research, research. You are lucky you have the time.

For example flowers, you can start researching what types and what different florists in your area charge. You dont have to book the florist now, but you can start getting ideas. I think the more research you do, the more bargains you will find.

Get yourself a binder or some kind of organization system and start putting your ideas and research in there.