So, you just got engaged—congratulations! Whether it happened during an intimate moment at home or a magical proposal under the Dallas skyline, you’re probably still glowing from the excitement. But now that the ring is on your finger, the big question becomes: How long should you wait to start planning your wedding?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but in this post, we’ll break down everything you need to consider before jumping into planning mode, especially if you’re dreaming of a celebration that’s as stunning as your love story. We’ll also highlight why early planning is crucial—especially when booking top-tier vendors like your Dallas luxury wedding photographer, videographer, venue, and more.
1. Let the Engagement Sink In
Before diving into planning checklists and Pinterest boards, give yourselves a moment to just be engaged. Enjoy this season of your relationship. Take time to celebrate with friends and family. Some couples wait a few weeks or even a few months before making any serious wedding plans—and that’s totally okay.
But while you’re enjoying the bliss, it’s also smart to start having conversations about the timeline and vision you both have for the big day.
2. What’s the Ideal Engagement Length?
The average engagement in the U.S. is about 12–18 months. That timeframe gives most couples enough space to plan everything without feeling rushed, especially if you’re aiming for a luxury wedding in Dallas—which often requires booking high-end venues and premium vendors well in advance.
If you’re thinking about hiring a Dallas luxury wedding photographer or a sought-after Dallas wedding videographer, it’s common for them to be booked up a year or more in advance—especially during peak wedding seasons (spring and fall).
Pro Tip:
Start reaching out to Dallas wedding photographers and Dallas luxury wedding videographers as early as possible. Even if you don’t have a date locked in, many professionals can give you an idea of availability and help guide you in choosing the right season or month.
3. Consider the Wedding Season in Dallas
Dallas offers incredible weather in the spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), which is why these months are in high demand for weddings. If you’re planning for a wedding in one of these seasons, you should ideally begin planning 12–18 months out to secure your top-choice vendors.
In the summer, Dallas can get quite hot—so indoor luxury venues are a must. Winter weddings are beautiful and more flexible with availability but may require creativity with floral selections and photo ops. Either way, having the right Dallas wedding photography team will ensure your wedding looks amazing, rain or shine.
4. When to Start Booking Vendors
Once you’ve selected a target season or date, your next step should be securing your most important vendors. These include:
- Venue
- Dallas luxury wedding photographer
- Dallas wedding videographer
- Planner
- Catering and cake
- Florals
- Hair and makeup artists
Why prioritize photography and videography?
Because your wedding only happens once—and your photos and video will be how you relive that day for the rest of your life. Don’t wait too long to book your Dallas wedding photographers or Dallas luxury wedding videographers. The best in the business book quickly and often work with only one wedding per weekend.
5. Short Engagements: Is It Possible?
Absolutely. Many couples successfully plan their weddings in 6 months or less, especially with the help of a wedding planner. But be aware that this may limit your options, especially when it comes to availability of top-tier vendors.
If you’re planning a shorter engagement, reach out to Dallas wedding photography and videography teams right away to see what’s possible. Many experienced teams can work with tighter timelines and still deliver incredible results.
6. Aligning the Timeline with Your Budget
Another factor that affects your planning timeline is your budget. Longer engagements give you more time to save, which may allow you to invest in high-quality vendors like a Dallas luxury wedding photographer or a cinematic Dallas wedding videographer. You’ll also have more flexibility to shop around and customize every detail to match your dream aesthetic.
On a tighter schedule, you’ll need to make faster decisions, and availability might influence some of your choices. Regardless of your budget, though, capturing your day with professional Dallas wedding photographers and videographers should remain a priority.
7. Planning Stress-Free: The Role of Your Creative Team
The earlier you book your photography and videography team, the more they can be involved in the creative vision of your wedding. A great Dallas wedding photographer doesn’t just show up the day of—they’ll help you plan timelines, recommend stunning photo locations around the city, and work with your planner to ensure everything flows smoothly.
Similarly, Dallas wedding videography teams often scout locations in advance and coordinate with your photographer and planner to make sure your day is seamless on camera. If you’re going for an elevated, editorial, or cinematic vibe, hiring Dallas luxury wedding videographers will take your wedding experience to the next level.
8. Final Thoughts: When Should You Start Planning?
The best time to start planning your wedding is when you feel ready—but with an understanding that the more time you give yourself, the better chance you have to bring your vision to life, stress-free.
If you’re dreaming of a luxurious, unforgettable wedding in Dallas, planning early allows you to choose from the city’s best venues, florists, planners, and—most importantly—photographers and videographers who can capture every meaningful moment beautifully.
💍 Ready to Start Planning? Let’s Make It Beautiful Together.
At Hillery’s Photography, we specialize in timeless, romantic, and luxury wedding photography and videography in Dallas and beyond. Whether your style is modern elegance or Southern charm, we’ll capture the essence of your love story with artistry and heart.
Secure your date today with Hillery’s Photography—your trusted Dallas luxury wedding photographer and videography team.
Leave a Reply