How Early Should You Book Your Wedding Venue?
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, and one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the perfect wedding venue. Your venue sets the stage for your big day, influencing everything from the decor to the guest experience. At Union 12, we typically book out 1 to 1.5 years in advance, so securing your date early is key! But how soon should you lock in your venue? Let’s break it down!
Ideal Timeline for Booking a Wedding Venue
Experts recommend securing your wedding venue at least 12 to 18 months in advance, especially if you have a specific date in mind. However, the exact timing can vary based on factors such as seasonality, venue popularity, and personal flexibility.
Peak Wedding Season (April – October)
If you’re tying the knot during the peak wedding months, it's wise to book your venue 18 months ahead of time. Fort Wayne’s most sought-after wedding venues fill up quickly, especially on Saturdays, which are the go-to days for weddings. If you have a particular venue or date in mind, securing your spot early will ensure you don’t lose out on your dream location.
Off-Peak Wedding Season (November – March)
While peak season tends to be bustling, the off-season offers more flexibility. For weddings happening between November and March, you can usually get away with booking 9 to 12 months in advance. Plus, winter weddings can often be more budget-friendly, with venues offering discounted pricing during the off-season!
Factors that Influence Booking Time:
- Venue Demand – Popular wedding venues in Fort Wayne, like Union 12, are in high demand. With our stunning spaces and a reputation for creating unforgettable celebrations, we typically book out 1 to 1.5 years in advance. If you have your eye on a specific date, it’s always best to reserve your spot early to avoid disappointment!
- Wedding Size – Larger weddings require more space, and finding a venue that can accommodate your guest list is crucial. The bigger your wedding, the more important it is to book well in advance to ensure your venue can handle your headcount comfortably.
- Choosing the Right Day – Saturdays are the most popular wedding day and, therefore, fill up the fastest. But don’t fret! If you’re open to a Friday or Sunday wedding, you’ll have more availability and greater flexibility when booking. At Union 12, we’re seeing more couples embrace weekday weddings, allowing them to enjoy the same beautiful venue with fewer scheduling conflicts.
- Flexibility with Dates – The more flexible you are with your wedding date, the easier it will be to find the perfect venue. If you have a few options in mind, you can book closer to the date without compromising on your dream venue.
What If You’re Booking Last Minute?
Don't worry if you're planning a wedding with less than a year to go! Many venues still have openings, especially if there are cancellations. You can also explore venues that offer hourly rental rates within 60-120 days of the event, which gives you more flexibility for last-minute bookings.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding venue is the foundation of your big day, and booking early is essential to securing the location that matches your vision. Whether you’re planning well in advance or navigating a shorter timeline, securing the perfect Fort Wayne wedding venue is key to making your celebration truly magical.
Looking for the perfect wedding venue near Fort Wayne? Union 12 offers versatile spaces and flexible options to help make your day run seamlessly. Check out our online booking calendar with transparent pricing here to find your dream date!
**The stunning photos featured in this blog are courtesy of Ana Pierson Photography, capturing the beauty and charm of our venue.
XOXO – Courtney
