To steal a line from my favorite rom-com, "When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." And as romantic as it sounds to whisk each other away to tie the knot, well, yesterday, there are also some valid arguments for taking your time on the way to the altar. So let’s take a look at the pros and cons of long and short engagements.
Long Engagements
Pro: You'll have more time to check off the items on your single-girl bucket list. Whether it's that all-girls trip to Vegas (or Paris—why think small?!) or wrap up your master's degree before you officially become a Mrs., you'll leave yourself the time you need to accomplish your personal goals sans serious discussions about seasonal blooms.
Con: Your family and friends may question your decision to draw things out, though it likely won't reach The Five-Year Engagement levels of inquiry and disappointment.
Pro: You can get to know your significant other even better than you already do, which builds a solid foundation and friendship for when you finally say "I do."
Con: When you have so much time to plan, you can begin to question—and change—your wedding planning decisions over and over and over again to the point of driving yourself (and your S.O.) a little crazy.
Pro: Last we checked, a wedding can cost mucho money. A longer engagement gives you both more time to save and means you're less likely to start your life together in debt.
Con: You'll likely see other couples tie the knot before you do, even if he slipped a ring on your finger first. Be prepared to keep your green side in check!
Short Engagements
Pro: Super obvious, but as the wise Billy Crystal says above, you don't have to wait to be with the one you love. Because sometimes when you know, you know.
Con: Planning a wedding on a tight timeline—say, four months—can be super stressful. The vendors you've eyed may already be booked, and you'll have to be more flexible in choosing everything from a date to the caterer.
Pro: A slimmer selection means you can focus on what really matters: the man you love and the chance to start and build a life together. When you're not overwhelmed by books full of fabric swatches, you're likely chatting about things beyond the honeymoon.
Con: Some out-of-town guests might not be able to arrange for time off and make travel plans in time for your big day. So you may have to steel yourself for a few extra "no" RSVPs.
Pro: You'll have time to drive your friends and family members crazy with nonstop wedding talk. We'd like to think they'll never tire of debating plum versus eggplant hues, but they do!
Con: If you're a DIY diva, you likely won't have enough time to craft your entire wedding day. Put the dreams of glue-gun-and-glitter nights away, my friend.
Would you rather have a long or a short engagement? What do you see as the pros and cons to each?