That's so odd to me, esp since most people plan their wedding 1 1/2-2 yrs in advance. I want to get the ball rolling!! And I tried to get on the dismooners.com website and they wouldn't let me because I didn't have a EM yet! The stinkin VR isn't for another 3 yrs! UGH!
You typically sign your contract at 8 months out (unless your wedding is in one of the theme parks, then you can sign 1 year out - dessert parties don't allow you to take advantage of that though). You can however reserve your date, time and locations one year out. But nothing is guaranteed until 8 months.