When I first got engaged we had planned the wedding for 18 months out. We initially thought that would be plenty of time to get everything done. The time goes by so fast, it seems like you never have enough time. The first thing you want to do is book your venue and then a close second would be to book the photographer. From talking to my friends, these were the two things that booked up first and they were right. Fortunately for us, we were able to book who we needed, but if we waited a little longer, we might not have been so fortunate. Do not procrastinate!