Congratulations on your engagement. Whether you said “yes” to an intimate proposal or were wowed by a grander, more public display, ‘what’s next?’ is certain to be the question on your lips.
Deciding whether to enjoy a short or long engagement is a decision every newly engaged couple has to make, but which route to the altar is right for you? Here we explore the perks and downsides of both short and long engagements as well as the average engagement length for UK couples so you can decide your next steps with complete confidence.
The short engagement
An engagement length of less than a year is generally classed as a short engagement. There are many reasons for and against short engagements, with the benefits of marrying quicker reaped by couples from all walks of life.
As you’ll come to understand, timing is everything when planning a wedding. In fact, if the wedding season you have your heart set on is just around the corner, many couples think ‘why wait!’ as WeddingWire explains:
“If your lifelong dream is to get married in the month of June, but you just got engaged on Valentine’s Day, the prospect of waiting a year and a half to walk down the aisle might not be something you’re open to. While it can be challenging to find available venues and vendors in such a short time frame, Kelly says it is absolutely possible to plan a wedding in six months instead of waiting 18, as long as the couple is flexible and open to different ideas.”
Many just-engaged couples take advantage of our fantastic late availability and offers, packages that provide an all-inclusive wedding at a fraction of the price when compared with booking in advance.
Short engagements aren’t for everyone, however. While there’s very little time to quibble too much over the details, having to make decisions fast may make the wedding planning process a more stressful experience. You also end up paying more for some aspects of your wedding when booking last minute.
The long engagement
A long engagement, of 18 months or more, offers its own pros and cons. You’ll have more time to enjoy your newfound engaged status and plan the finer details that will make your wedding day unique. You and your fiancé will have more time to save with minimal stress to meaning you could afford the wedding day you’ve always dreamed of.
With time on your side, it’s also more likely that you’ll find the right deals, perfect the DIY details that will make your big day extra special, choose your wedding party with precision so you can be supported on and in the run-up to your wedding, and complete the research that will help you make your day your own.
A longer engagement length isn’t always a good thing though. By prolonging the wedding planning process, you could find yourself procrastinating or suffering from dreaded wedding fatigue. A longer engagement is also perceived as a negative in society, with the delay in tying the knot generally showing a lack of commitment.
Which is the most popular?
According to this research, the average engagement length is 13 months, with a typical UK couple becoming engaged and jumping straight into the business of wedding planning. A variety of factors affect a couple’s engagement plans, with the financial implications of marrying one of the main reasons why people choose to delay their nuptials.
And, more importantly, which is right for you?
Savouring that just engaged feel is one step many couples skip, yet an experience that can offer vital bonding time. Pros and cons of short or long engagements aside, doing what is right for you as a couple should be your priority.
