With a whopping 68 percent of engaged couples planning their own weddings, it's safe to say you might need some help getting ready for the big day. To ensure your day is picture-perfect, give yourself and your partner enough time to plan. Now if you're like 74 percent of couples, you may discuss eloping – a tempting option when you're in the thick of all things wedding – according to Wedding Paper Divas. For really pragmatic couples, eloping may make sense -- $25,000 spent on a home down payment vs. on one wedding day is a legitimate argument. But if you're ready to plan, you'll need the full length of the average engagement – 13 to 18 months, give or take. If you're not particular about a venue, reception where a caterer, band, etc. could be booked or other wedding details, then you may be able to plan in much less time. At the one-year mark, start considering your budget and the all-important date. You'll want to ensure the venue, caterers and reception site will be available – and within your price range -- before booking anything else, particularly if you're planning to get hitched during the most popular months, June and September.  Determine approximately how many guests you'll invite and if your chosen venue can accommodate your number. Start looking at vendors – officiants, photographers and videographers book up quickly. Begin looking at potential honeymoon locations if you'll be having one, and if it's located in a really exotic place, then you may need to look into vaccinations.