Well Brian- I can definitely add my 2 cents since I am a newlywed myself!
My husband and I got married on July 19th. And that was the end of his 4th week of API. Now, when we planned that date months ago, we had planned that to be
before API- but Greg got accelerated quite quickly into API and so, that fell on the 4th week. Like JenniH said- there is no telling how long you will have a break between OCS and API. Some guys in his API class had waited 3 months- Greg only waited 2 weeks. It was good timing too- the first 4 weeks of API are all academics. So, he said it was a good end to that!
However, I am from Ohio, and in order to get married anytime soon I had to have my wedding down here in P'cola and only had immediate family there. So, that is where I traded off. But for me a big wedding wasn't necessary. Don't get me wrong, I would've loved to have had it, but just after the small quaint wedding we had- I actually was quite glad I didn't deal with half of the stress that most brides go through. What we had decided to do is have a military wedding- and then throw a big reception- and/or vow ceremony (so all of the friends of the family could witness too) up in Ohio. So, that is are plans now. Of course with him being in API- as Dawn mentioned above- we did have to sacrifice having a big honeymoon.
We could only go away for the weekend. I was and am quite sad about that- but we plan on doing something really really big when we do go somewhere.
I also agree with what Lis4Lady said- You can have a small ceremony at the base (it is free for the chapel and facility- donations are always good though) and then plan a big 'bash' up north later. Then, you have the benefit of being married and getting benefits earlier. But- if you are dead-set on a tradional wedding-then after OCS- and taking leave is probably the best- or just gamble- but that is really really risky.
It is a hard thing to decide. We had a lot of trouble deciding this. You can just ask some of these gals on here! It was a 'hot' topic for a while.
But, in the end being together was really important to us- and most of all being married was the ultimate prize- so we really didn't see any reason to wait. I hope this helps at least answer some questions for you in your decision making. I am always open if you or your fiance want to PM me! I can give you a lot of tips for doing it in P'cola- or at least answer any questions you have. Good luck!
And just remember to follow your heart and do what YOU and HER think is best!
Heather
Supporting my Ducky in the Navy