Well, that depends on type of wedding and reception site. If you are having a escape wedding, then yes you have to wait till 8 months out. I know a lot of brides will contact DFTW earlier than that and have their named penciled in though. If you are doing a wishes wedding, it would depend on the reception site. Receptions that are in the parks or somewhere like ADH you can book 12 months, but if you choose one of the ballrooms you have to wait for the 8 month mark.