Are you the spontaneous type? Or the couple that are ready to immediately dive in and begin your lives together? A lot of couples who need to have a short timeline, or chose a short timeline by personal choice, may think that the only feasible option is to elope. Now, don’t get me wrong, we are always down for an elopement. Eloping is adventurous, can be friendly on the pocket, and get the job done – but some couples still want to opt for the big, traditional, wedding day event. Yes, it’s possible, but we definitely have recommendations for couples that chose this route for their wedding day. Let’s talk about how to plan and execute your wedding in less than six months.
01: Hire the wedding planner you’ve always wanted.
My first recommendation is going to be simple - hire that wedding planner you’ve always wanted. Wedding planners are an option for any bride, but for our last minute brides, or brides that want to tie the knot quickly, hiring a wedding planner would be key to handle all of the details and ensure your wedding dreams are possible. Wedding planners have a network of people. They know vendors personally and professionally and can navigate the short timeline through their network. Not only do they know the ins and out of the industry, but they will support all of the execution, from hiring to coordinating the details on the day of. They will decrease your stress and support you through the process.
02: Book ASAP!
Once you’ve set the date, start looking at venues and book as soon as possible. Many couples book months or even years in advance. You’re going to be in competition with many other couples and you may need to call around for cancellations. Please keep in mind that your options may be limited. You may need to expand your thinking and look into different options for venues. Get creative with your venues and find something that fits your needs and budget. Once your venue is booked, you’ll need to hire your other vendors. Book your most important vendors first, such as photographers, and caterers.
03: Say yes, to the dress.
Now that the heavy details are complete, start searching for your dress and wedding party attire. Depending on the designer and dress you chose, you may have a few month wait in shipping and delivery time. If you’re lucky, sometimes designers or companies may have a backstock of the dress you chose. Our recommendation is to choose stores that have the opportunity to buy off the rack. Stores like David’s Bridal, or even small bridal boutiques, have the option to purchase dresses off the rack. So, call around and see what is available. Check to see if your size is offered in store and if there is an opportunity to buy the dress off the rack. Once purchased, you can choose to alter in store, or take your dress to an alterations company. Don’t wait to alter your dress, depending on the style and the alternation needs, you may have to have several alterations over the course of a few weeks or months.
04: Notify your guests.
Decide and make a plan to notify your guests of your upcoming nuptials. An efficient and quick way to send out save the dates are through digital invitations. Many wedding website companies or invitation companies offer the option to send your save the date via text messaging or email. If you want to send your save the dates and invites the old-fashioned way, through the postal service, there are a few considerations you’ll need to take. First, if you know you’re going to have a lot of guests traveling to your wedding, be sure to let them know as far in advance so they can plan air fare, travel and accommodations. Create your save the dates, send them off as soon as possible. Giving your guests ample time to make arrangements, will most likely give them more of an opportunity and a way to attend your wedding. Now, for your invites, don’t worry about sending those out until six weeks prior to your event. You’ve got time for that!
05: Set realistic wedding party expectations.
If you’ve been a part of a wedding party before, you know that there are set expectations if you chose to participate. Not only do you have to purchase the attire for the wedding day, but you are a part of the upcoming wedding festivities such as a bachelorette party and the bridal shower. And let’s not forget if you have to travel to the wedding from afar. If you chose to have a wedding party, before you ask your friends and loved ones, decide your expectations first. You don’t want your wedding party to be slammed with last minute expenses. Be respectful of the financial responsibilities and the time frame. Spending $1,000 may not be feasible for your friends. So stick to a budget and think about your wedding party. The short time frame may be difficult to navigate for some. So be sure to set realistic and budget-friendly wedding party expectations for your wedding party.
06: Keep it simple!
When it comes to the details of your wedding day, keep it simple. With such a short timeline, you may not have time to plan an extravagant affair. Be precise with your planning and your overall vision for your wedding ceremony and reception. Think about what is actually doable with your time frame, that means having fifty DIY projects may not be in your future (unless you’re Martha Stewart). Talk with your planner and see what is manageable to create and execute for your wedding day. Be sure everything you order can be in advance. You don’t want any mishaps with the decor or false realities in what was ordered. Focus on what is a necessity, order it or purchase it, and make it doable for the day of.
Now, it is totally doable to plan a wedding in a short time. We’ve even planned some weddings in just a few months. If you focus on the “must haves”, delegate some help, and hire a planner – your dream wedding can and will come true. Just remember to keep it simple, book the venue and vendors first, and knock out the most important details in a timely manner. If you’re a couple looking to tie the knot in less than a year, reach out to a member of our team! We’d love to help you make some magic happen.
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 17 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.