When to book the wedding venue...

Well, you don't have to book that far in advance and of course the venue wants to get your business, but if you have a date set and you see somewhere that fits the bill as far as the venue is concerned then why not go ahead and book? You will be tying up some money as a deposit, but you will then be able to plan everything else in plenty of time. Popular venues will book up well in advance so you don't want to go back in 12 months and find you can't have the one you have chosen.

I would advise to book now. A friend of mine works at a nearby country hotel and they are already taking bookings that far in advance! I think you will be surprised when you start looking around for a suitable venue about what dates are left. The summer months always get booked up well in advance so I think it is definitely worth planning this now. I really do believe this is genuine and not pressure selling on their behalf.

I would book as soon as you can, also take out insurance (as a precaution) in case you need to cancel etc. The sooner you have it booked the sooner you can cross it off your list of things to do and concentrate on other things.

I agree that it's best to book now, venues are frequently booked up well in advance. I really don't think they're pressuring you.

When we got married, it was necessary to book about two years in advance for the venue for reception,as popular area, and the summer weekends in particular were very busy. Do your research and have a look around any that appeal.

i have no experience planning a wedding but i did help plan a prom. we booked about 9 months in an advance but we were very flexible and had it on weds. i would say negotiate the deposit, they wanted £750 and i got it down to £450 which we could pay out of money already gathered. however you mentioned you were saving so make sure you will be able to pay the full fee in 2 years as well as everything else! dont rush into any venue in panic though and do your research as you might very find somewhere you'd much rather have it. a budget is a must, work out the max you will spend on your dress, cake, flowers etc and then see what you can swing for your venue. and last of all congrats! :)

I would also endorse the getting insurance bit. We are living in precarious times and businesses, even seemingly healthy ones, are going bust in increasing numbers. Insurance will buy you peace of mind.