If you are married less than six months after getting engaged, your engagement is considered “short.”

Short engagements are often avoided because of the condensed planning that has to take place. It can be a real struggle to book the venue, buy the dress, schedule the photographer, and have it all happen in just a few short months. However, there are distinct benefits to short engagements that might warrant consideration. Among other reasons, less time to plan means less time to allow the stress to build up before your Big Day. Here are some benefits to getting hitched just a few months after getting engaged:

The Length of Engagement

More time means more stress and pressure. It’s as simple as that. By condensing the stress into a shorter window, you can juggle it all within a few months instead of allowing planning to take up your energy for a year, or even longer.

In addition, large families and opinionated relatives or friends can make planning difficult. Shortening the engagement period means less time for them to give their input and complicate your process with suggestions.

The Potential Discounts

Discounts on a short engagement seem counterintuitive, but are a reality. If you book vendors a year out, the DJ, venue, or florist will plan accordingly in order to accommodate your plans. If you book the vendor closer to the date of the event, the vendor might offer a discounted price because they may not have another opportunity to fill that open date. Last minute booking can also result in benefits from the vendor. The DJ might throw in an extra hour for half off or might offer special effects and lighting for a lower cost. Venues may discount the food and beverage minimum or the room fee if you book around two months out. If the vendor is concerned about filling empty dates, they may offer a discount just to ensure they have some income, rather than none at all.

But beware – waiting until the last minute has its risks.

A Shorter Guest List

As engagements lengthen, guest lists often grow. You and your partner may invite additional people to the wedding throughout the period of the engagement. Shorter engagement? Less people to invite.

In addition, if you have a short engagement, you can get away with having a smaller wedding. The people who are the most important to you will always make the effort to attend your wedding. Distant family and friends might not have the ability to attend on such short notice.

The Married Tax Break

Most people don’t consider this bonus to marriage! If you get married in December and file your taxes together, you will be considered “married” for the entire year. You can get a nice tax break. But, do the math first. Some couples may actually experience a tax penalty for getting married. If you fall into the “penalty” group, wait until January.