How early should I order my wedding cake

I hear this question quite often and there is no cut and dried answer but this - it depends on when you are celebrating and how many other people are celebrating that same day and how early THEY order THEIR cake. That helps - right?

Well - if you are planning a June wedding and think you can follow the the advice that many of the wedding guides offer of ordering your cake 4 - 6 months before your wedding then you might be dissappointed when you start making calls. April - October are very busy wedding months and many of the dates throughout this period are booked up to 1 year in advance so if you are planning your event during this time you should book your vendors as early as possible or you risk not getting your first choice. Of course it never hurts to call and ask about a date even though you feel it might be too late, because sometimes things get cancelled and a date might open up at the last minute. Winter months are not quite as busy and even last minute ordering is often available.

During the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays many couples come together who are seperated throughout the year - whether because of college or a job in another area. This holiday gift giving season and time of togetherness is of course the perfect opportunity to get engaged so there are usually a LOT of couples planning their weddings after Christmas. It is always a good idea to get as much of your planning as possible done before the new year to avoid this rush.

Remember that even if you meet with your vendors and are told that the date is available, you are not formally on the books unless you have signed a contract and placed a deposit to save your date. Many people leave the consultation without booking and when they return the date is no longer available. Of course you should discuss your decisions with your family and be sure that you are comfortable with your choice of vendor, but it's important to keep in mind that the date is not being held during this time unless you have been specifically told that it is.

Happy wedding planning.