Look, we know there’s no right or wrong amount of time to be engaged. Each couple is completely unique, with different attitudes, situations, and beliefs. According to expert studies, the average engagement length for couples in Canada is 15 months, so, anything longer than that would be considered a “long” engagement. 

So, what’s going to work best for you and your fiancé – a longer or shorter engagement? Let’s break it down.

Pros of a Long Engagement

More time to plan and save

It’s a no-brainer that one of the biggest pros of a long engagement is having more time to save money and plan out your big day! Are you dead set on a certain venue but the venue is booked for the next 16 months? Considering getting a custom-made gown? You won’t feel the pressure if you’re already prepared for a long engagement. If details like these are important to you, a longer engagement allows you more time to plan them. Plus, you’ll be able to start putting money aside each paycheque to foot the bill when the big day finally arrives. 

Another added bonus? If you have a lot of out-of-town guests, a longer engagement will give them both the availability and the comfort to book flights and accommodations for your special day.

Put a pin in current projects

For some couples, it feels less stressful to embark on the task of wedding planning while they’re still tied up in big life projects. If you’re in the last year of your Ph.D. studies or your partner is in the middle of a career change, it might be better to start thinking about the wedding once you’ve completed those chapters in your lives. Then your marriage can be the start of a brand new one!

Stress Management

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but a longer engagement can help spread out the workload. You can tackle tasks at a manageable pace, reducing the risk of burnout. With more time, you can also handle unexpected challenges more calmly, knowing you don’t have to make last-minute decisions. This extended timeline allows for breaks when needed, so you can enjoy the planning process without feeling overwhelmed.

Growth as a Couple

An often overlooked benefit of a long engagement is the opportunity to grow together during the planning process. This period can serve as a significant growth phase, where you learn more about each other’s preferences, decision-making styles, and how you handle stress together. This deeper understanding can strengthen your relationship, providing a solid foundation for your marriage.

Pros of a Short Engagement

The excitement is real

The main advantage of a shorter engagement is that you, your partner, and your loved ones will be extra excited about your wedding. You’ll be able to soak up all the love and excitement in a condensed time period, making it feel all the more special. It also doesn’t hurt that a short engagement is a foolproof way to skip all of the wedding planning stress and you can get right to the fun part…being married!

You’re on a timeline

On the flip side, a shorter engagement may be the better choice for you if you’re eager to make some big life decisions (like having children or moving in together) and you’d prefer to make them after you’re officially married. Another added benefit of a short engagement is that you’ll be pushed to roll with the punches. And once you embrace that, you simply don’t have time to worry about every tiny detail, things that would have vexed you for months during a long engagement will seem much less important, leaving you laid back and more at ease.

Immediate Transition to Married Life

If you’re eager to start your married life, a quick engagement allows for a quicker transition. You can begin your new life together sooner, making big life changes like buying a home or starting a family without a long wait. This immediate shift can be incredibly fulfilling for couples ready to embark on their next chapter. The excitement of starting your life together can overshadow the stress of planning, making the whole process more enjoyable.

Cost Efficiency

Having limited time for planning could lead to making more budget-conscious choices. That short period of engagement doesn’t give way to temptations where all details become splurge-worthy, which will only lead you to maintain a more practical budget. This cost efficiency can be a significant advantage, leaving you with more funds for your honeymoon or future plans. You’ll be more likely to focus on the essentials, cutting down on unnecessary expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

At the end of the day, no matter if your engagement is 2 months or 2 years, you and your loved one will kick off your happily every together and that is really the most important thing.