There’s something so romantic about a short engagement! While typically the average couple spends 12 to 18 months planning their wedding day, there are those who prefer a whirlwind engagement. And planning a wedding in less than 6 months is probably much easier than you might think.
While you may have been led to believe that you need a year or two to plan your wedding, the fact of the matter is that it is possible to pull off the wedding of your dreams in 6 months. So with this in mind, I’ve pulled together my top tips to help you make it happen!
Be flexible
Firstly, if you’re a bride or groom who simply won’t settle on your second choice, planning a wedding in less than 6 months isn’t for you. Given the tight timeframe, the art of compromise may come into play. If say, you want to get married on a Saturday during the height of summer, chances are you won’t get your first choice of venue. But if you can be flexible with your dates, you might still score the venue of your dreams.
First things first…
The first golden rule when it comes to planning a wedding in less than 6 months is to determine your budget. This will guide your entire planning process so it’s essential to make this a priority. Next, decide on a theme or style for your day, which will help guide all those finer details. The date of your wedding, venue and wedding photographer decisions are all co-dependent and go hand in hand, so start with these three areas. With your budget in mind, start by calling some venues to check their availability. Book appointments to view them, bearing in mind that you may need to be a little flexible with dates. Remember, that weekends book up years in advance, so don’t rule out a week day. Once you have your date and venue confirmed, the biggest task is complete, allowing you to move onto booking the rest of your vendors.
Don’t diss the dress
While you might be tempted to hold off for a few months, now is the time to begin the quest to find your dream dress. If you plan on choosing the traditional dress shopping route, most bridal boutiques need eight to nine months to order in a dress. However, some may be able to rush order it, for an extra fee. When booking appointments, remember to tell them your timeframe. Another option is to have your dress custom made. Or, buy something off the rack, which will also save you some money.
Book your vendors
With the venue confirmed and search for the dress in progress, the sooner you book the rest of your vendors, the better. Confirm your menu, taste cakes, book a DJ or band, have a hair and make-up trial, find a florist, buy your wedding rings, register for gifts, order your bridesmaid dresses and give your wedding invites and stationery some attention. Again, keep in mind, that in each of these instances, you might not land your first choice. But the good news is that the wedding industry offers a wealth of amazing professionals who will be willing to give your wedding the attention it deserves.
Two months before…
With the countdown well and truly on, by now your bookings should all be complete. At this stage, send out your wedding invitations, keeping track of RSVPs and menu choices. At the three week point, track down anyone who hasn’t yet responded and provide your venue and/or caterer with final numbers. It’s also time to give one of the most fun aspects of wedding planning your attention… that all important honeymoon. If the prices or season aren’t right, consider a mini moon immediately after the wedding, postponing the honeymoon to a more appropriate time.
One month before…
With the wedding only a matter of days away, get those finer details sorted. Make sure you have all your accessories sorted, make any final arrangements with vendors, finish any lingering DIY projects, ensure transportation is perfectly in place and work out a shot list with your wedding photographer.
