Before we got engaged, we had lots of talks about what was important to us, and talked about marriage. An older coworker of mine knew how much my girlfriend and I cared for each other and asked when we were going to get married. I said, when we make more money. She told me, "If you love each other, get married! Money will work itself out.". That made me feel real good, because I had know idea when I would ever make more money. We were engaged for a year and a half. We set the date right away for a May wedding, I don't think you should leave it open. We just lived within our own income. Startling in a cheap apartment, we were so happy to be together! Now, we recently paid off our house. Still very happy together :-)
If it's right for the two of you ( and you're the only two who matter here ) I am a strong supporter of marriage :-)