Wedding planning can be hectic, there’s no getting away from that fact. All of the details and coordinating can be stressful, and that only intensifies when your timeline to plan is much shorter than normal. It doesn’t matter why you’re planning a wedding with limited time. Whether you’re accommodating a family member’s schedule, your dream venue only having one date available, or you just couldn’t wait to marry your S.O.; you made the choice to plan a wedding on short notice! Here are some tips to help you navigate:
When you’re planning a wedding in a short amount of time, you have to be prepared to make decisions. Sit down with your partner and establish your priorities. Make a list of what is important to both of you, so you know where to focus. Is an open bar a must-have? Do you want a buffet or a sit-down dinner? Do you want a ballroom venue or an outdoor garden backdrop? Figure these aspects out immediately so you’re not wasting time when looking around at venues and vendors. If you don’t know where to begin, ask yourself these questions before you start your planning process.
After you’ve established the basics of what you want in your wedding, you’re going to need to figure out your budget. With such a short planning timeline, your budget will help keep you on track so that you don’t get distracted. Before you look at any wedding venues, invitations, or dresses, discuss with your fiancé what your budget is going to be. Determine what you’ll be using from your savings, what you’ll be paying for with your wedding loan, and what your parents will help pay for.
With all of the specifics that go into planning a wedding, you need all the help you can get! While a wedding planner isn’t a must, it will be a huge life saver especially when you’re planning a wedding in a short amount of time. Find a wedding planner that can help ease your stress and figure out what needs to be done and when. When you’re doing things in a rush, it can be easy to forget some details. A wedding planner will ensure that you don’t forget any details, and you’ll feel a lot better leading up to your big day.
When Pinterest exists, you might convince yourself that you need all of the tiny details you see portrayed. When you have a short engagement, don’t waste your time worrying about the small stuff. Focus on the big picture. Find your venue, your wedding dress, and your photographer before you do anything else. If you spend weeks deciding on what signs you should have at the bar or what colour napkins you should have, you’re going to run out of time. Figure out the big details first, and then if you have extra time on your hands, you can add a few thoughtful details here and there.
When you’re planning your wedding with short notice, you’ll have to let go of your idea of what wedding planning is supposed to be like. You might be doing things differently when your timeline changes. Think of ways you can save time (and money) to make the process just a little bit easier. Rent your wedding dress or shop off the rack. Borrow centrepieces or decor signs from your friends who have already married. You’ll be thankful for all of the details that don’t require as much effort when you’re pressed for time.
