Planning A Wedding: 10 Months Is Enough!

Planning a wedding in 10 months is entirely possible, but it requires focus, dedication, and flexibility. While some couples opt for longer engagements to plan their dream wedding, a shorter timeline can be managed with efficient organization and decision-making. Here are some key considerations to help you plan your special day within this timeframe.

First, it is crucial to start with the fundamentals, including setting a budget, creating a guest list, choosing a venue, and selecting a date. These early decisions will guide the rest of your planning process. It is advisable to book your venue as soon as possible, especially if you have your heart set on a popular location or a peak season wedding.

Next, turn your attention to assembling your wedding team. This includes hiring a wedding planner, if desired, and booking essential vendors such as a caterer, photographer, florist, and entertainment. Prioritize your highest-value vendors and confirm their availability before signing contracts.

With your venue and vendors in place, you can start focusing on the finer details, such as attire, invitations, décor, and personal touches. Off-the-rack wedding dresses and digital invitations can save time, while enlisting the help of friends and family for DIY projects can add unique, cost-effective elements to your celebration.

Throughout the planning process, stay organized by creating detailed timelines and to-do lists. Break down tasks into manageable steps, set specific deadlines, and consider using wedding planning apps or spreadsheets to stay on track. Remember to take breaks, delegate tasks, and practice self-care to reduce decision fatigue and maintain your sanity during this exciting but busy time.

Finally, in the last few weeks before your wedding, confirm all the details, finalize your guest count, and obtain any necessary permits or licenses. Enjoy the process, savor the moments, and trust that your dream wedding will come together beautifully.

Budgeting and venue

The first step in planning your wedding is to set a realistic budget that you and your partner are comfortable with. This budget will be the foundation of your planning process and will help you narrow down other details such as the venue, guest list, and decorations. It is important to be intentional about your budget and ensure that it reflects your shared values and priorities.

When creating your budget, consider the cost of the venue, catering, alcohol, decorations, photography, music, attire, and any other elements that are important to you. Remember to factor in taxes, gratuities, and service charges, as these can add up quickly. It may be helpful to use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to keep track of your expenses and stay organized.

Once you have a budget in mind, you can start researching venues. It is recommended to start your venue search early, as popular venues can be booked up to a year in advance or more. Consider the style and location of the venue, the guest count, and whether it fits within your budget. If you have a specific date in mind, check the venue's availability as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

To save money on the venue, you may want to consider a non-traditional or dual-purpose venue, such as a public park, a college library, or a vacation rental. These unique venues can add a personal touch to your wedding and may be more affordable than traditional options. Additionally, choosing a naturally beautiful location can reduce the need for extensive decorations.

When touring venues, pay attention to the details and ask questions to understand what is included in the pricing. Some venues may offer all-inclusive packages, while others may require you to bring in your own vendors and rentals. Be sure to read the contract carefully before signing to avoid any unexpected costs or restrictions.

With a clear budget and a venue secured, the rest of your wedding planning will fall into place. Remember to be flexible and prioritize the elements that are most important to you and your partner. Happy planning!

Guest list and invites

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, but it is possible to create a guest list and send out invites within 10 months. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Step 1: Define Your Guest List

The first step is to define your guest list. This can be a daunting task, but a good approach is to start by listing everyone you would invite if there were no limitations. Include immediate family, close friends, and then work outwards to colleagues, distant relatives, and acquaintances. From this master list, you can start trimming it down to a more manageable number.

Step 2: Separate Your Top-Tier Guests

Identify the non-negotiables, the people you simply must have at your wedding. These are your top-tier guests, and they remain firmly on the list no matter what. For everyone else, an invite will depend on your space and budget constraints. Don't be afraid to allocate some people as evening guests only.

Step 3: Determine How Many Guests You Can Afford

Your venue and guest list go hand in hand. You need to know your rough guest numbers to choose a venue that is the right size. Consider the type of wedding you want—an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration. If you are having a small wedding, let those who might expect an invite know as early as possible to manage their expectations.

Step 4: Consider Your Parents' Input

Traditionally, both sets of parents have a say in the guest list, especially if they are contributing financially. Loop them into your plans early on and show them your list, allowing them to air any concerns respectfully. You can also reserve a portion of the guest list for them to allocate, giving them a set number of seats that works within your venue and budget constraints.

Step 5: Be Fair with Family

Try to treat members of different families equally to avoid hurt feelings. For example, if you invite four cousins from one side of the family, the fifth cousin from the other side may feel left out. An all-or-nothing approach can be more understandable than explaining how you are closer to one side of the family.

Step 6: Stagger Your Invites

Your initial list may change as you receive RSVPs. Etiquette dictates sending invitations at least eight weeks in advance, and you will likely get some regrets. You can then fill these spots with people from your original master list, sending out the next round of invites ASAP.

Step 7: Manage Expectations

Remember that it's your wedding, and you can't please everyone. If you don't get invited to someone else's wedding, how do you feel? You might be a little let down, but you would understand and move on. Most people will react the same way, so don't stress too much about not being able to invite everyone.

Step 8: Send Out Invitations

Once you have your guest list finalized, it's time to send out the invitations. The recommended timeline is at least eight weeks before the wedding, or ten weeks if your ceremony is out of town and guests will need to travel. This will give your guests enough time to make arrangements and will help you set an RSVP date.

Step 9: Track RSVPs and Finalize Numbers

As the RSVPs start coming in, keep track of them to get an accurate headcount. If you don't hear back from someone by the RSVP date, don't hesitate to reach out. This is crucial for providing final numbers to your caterer and other vendors.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Day

With your guest list sorted and invites sent, you can focus on enjoying your wedding day, surrounded by the people who matter most to you.

Remember, creating a guest list and sending out invites within 10 months is achievable. Start by defining your guest list and working within your budget and venue constraints. Be mindful of family dynamics and try to manage expectations. Finally, send out those invitations and track your RSVPs to finalize numbers. Happy planning!

Wedding attire

Planning a wedding in 10 months is a challenging but achievable task. Here is a guide to help you plan the wedding attire for your big day:

8 Months Before the Wedding:

Think about and decide on the attire you would like for yourself and your bridal party. This can take some time, so it is important to get a head start on this.

7 Months Before the Wedding:

If you plan to wear a custom wedding dress or suit, select and order your attire as early as possible. Your gown will likely need slight resizing and alterations, so it is crucial to allow ample time for this.

6 Months Before the Wedding:

Finalise all wedding attire, including any accessories, for yourself and your bridal party.

5 Months Before the Wedding:

Book any hair or makeup trials and consider what styles would complement your outfit.

3 Months Before the Wedding:

Book hair and makeup artists for your bridesmaids and your and your partner's mothers.

1 Month Before the Wedding:

Break in your wedding shoes to ensure comfort on the big day.

Final Weeks:

Confirm final dress/suit fittings, especially if your weight has fluctuated. Pick up your wedding bands and keep them in a safe place.

The Big Day:

Enjoy your wedding and have fun!

Vendors and catering

The first thing to do is to book your venue, as this will determine the date of your wedding. It is one of the first major decisions in the wedding planning process and venues can be booked up to two years in advance.

Once you have your venue, you can start confirming other major vendors. This includes the caterer, photographer, florist, stationer, musicians, and videographer. It is recommended to book these vendors as soon as possible, especially if you have your heart set on specific people, as the good ones get booked up quickly.

When it comes to catering, it is standard practice to provide meals for the vendors who are on-site for the majority of the wedding day. This includes planners or designers, reception entertainment vendors, and photographers. It is not necessary to provide meals for vendors such as the florist, hair stylist, or makeup artist, as they will likely be gone by the time the main meal is served.

The cost of vendor meals will vary depending on the market, but it is generally recommended to budget anywhere from $30 to $90 per person. It is polite to ask your caterer about their plan of action so that you can relay this information to your vendors.

It is also important to consider any dietary restrictions and preferences your vendors may have. Most vendors will specify in their contract whether they require a hot or cold meal. It is customary to provide a tasty and nutritious meal for your vendors, as it may be the first time they have eaten since breakfast, and they are working long hours to make your day special.

In terms of timing, vendor teams will usually cycle through taking breaks to eat so that someone is always present if an emergency arises. For example, the main wedding photographer may go to eat during the dinner but will have a second shooter standing by to capture any moments.

Finally, it is not necessary to include vendors on your seating chart or to provide them with a seat at a guest table. Instead, plan to have a separate green room or staging area where they can rest, store their equipment, and enjoy their meal away from the commotion of the event.

Honeymoon and travel

Planning a wedding in 10 months is entirely doable, and that includes planning your honeymoon. Here is a detailed, direct, and instructive guide to planning your honeymoon and travel, which can be done in the 10-month timeframe.

Planning and Booking the Honeymoon

• Start planning your honeymoon eight to 12 months in advance. This allows ample time for settling on a destination, booking travel and accommodations, and getting on a travel agent's schedule if you choose to use one.
• Be flexible with your dates and destination. Traveling during shoulder seasons (months before and after peak season) opens up more possibilities in terms of accommodations, and choosing an up-and-coming locale often gets you more for your money.
• If you are planning a honeymoon to a far-away land, factor in jet lag and whether it is worth it given the time constraints.
• The average duration of a honeymoon is around 7-14 nights, but there are no rules. You can spend as much or as little time as you have and want to commit.
• It is recommended to book your honeymoon before you get married if possible. This ensures you don't miss out on your dream trip and gives you something to look forward to.
• If you are planning a honeymoon during a school break, book as early as possible as airline fares tend to increase.
• For couples who are more flexible with dates, booking at least six months in advance is ideal, but the earlier the better to grab those early bird deals.
• If you are waiting until after your wedding to go on your honeymoon, give yourself at least one to two days after the wedding before departing. This gives you time to rest after the big day and reduces the chances of missing a flight.
• When deciding on a destination, opt for somewhere neither of you has been to that offers activities you both enjoy.
• If you want to truly relax, beach destinations are a great option. For a mix of relaxation and nightlife, consider St. Barts. For adventure, look into Costa Rica, Patagonia, New Zealand, or a small-ship adventure cruise to Antarctica.
• Be mindful of the weather and seasons when choosing your destination and travel dates. For example, many coastal European hotels and restaurants are closed during the off-season, so traveling there in February or March is not ideal.
• If you are visiting multiple destinations, try to stay at least three nights in each location. Start with a relaxing destination and end somewhere you can unwind before heading home.
• Be sure to check the peak seasons for your desired destination, as this will impact crowds, prices, and availability.
• If you are visiting a destination with lots of tourism, such as Napa Valley or Savannah, you still want to book at least five to six months in advance to guarantee a great room during peak season.
• Consider investing in a travel agent. They can help you craft a great itinerary and provide support in emergency situations. They also often have relationships with hotels and can get you upgrades.
• Be sure to let your service providers know that you are on your honeymoon. Many hotels and resorts offer special perks for honeymooners, such as complimentary upgrades, champagne, or romantic dinners.

Other Travel Arrangements

• If you have guests coming in from out of town, reserve a block of hotel rooms for them.
• Reserve your wedding night accommodation.
• Research and, if necessary, apply for any travel documents required for a destination wedding.
• Reserve transportation for your wedding day and confirm these arrangements closer to the date.
• If you are planning to purchase travel insurance, this can be done at any time after booking your travel.

Frequently asked questions