Planning A Wedding In A Hurry: 2-Month Guide

Planning a wedding in two months may seem daunting, but it is entirely possible. The key to success is organisation, flexibility and decisiveness.

The first step is to set a budget and find a venue. Next, it is important to choose an officiant, caterer, bar service, photographer and DJ. Food is essential, but bridesmaids are not. It is also crucial to confirm the details with all vendors and ensure that your marriage licence is in order.

With a tight deadline, it is important to be realistic and outsource tasks where possible. A wedding planner or coordinator can be a valuable resource, and there are also plenty of online tools and checklists to help you stay on track.

So, take a deep breath and dive into the planning process – your dream wedding is just around the corner!

Budgeting and venue

Budgeting for a wedding can be a daunting task, but it is crucial to ensure that you don't overspend and that you are able to afford everything you need for your special day. The first step is to determine who will be contributing financially to the wedding and how much they are willing to spend. Be sure to get clear on what expectations any contributors may have for how their money is spent. It is also important to be realistic about what you can afford and to consider any other financial commitments and expenses you may have.

Once you have an idea of your total budget, you can start allocating funds to the various elements of your wedding. The venue is typically the biggest expense, so it is important to choose something that fits within your budget. When selecting a venue, consider the size of your guest list, as this will impact the cost. All-inclusive venues that include catering and other services can also help to simplify your planning and budgeting.

Other major expenses to consider when creating your budget include catering, wedding attire, flowers and decor, entertainment, photography and/or videography, transportation, and wedding stationery. Don't forget to include a buffer in your budget for unexpected costs and hidden fees.

To save money, consider opting for a shorter guest list, choosing a less expensive venue, renting instead of buying attire and decor, and choosing affordable stationery and entertainment options.

Two-Month Wedding Planning Timeline

Two months before the wedding:

• Arrange legalities and apply for a marriage license
• Write your guest list and pick your wedding party
• Book the venue and accommodation
• Book your catering
• Send out invitations
• Book a photographer and/or videographer
• Buy your wedding dress

Six weeks before the wedding:

• Buy/rent the groom's and groomsmen's suits
• Buy bridesmaid dresses
• Book your honeymoon and check passports and visas
• Book hair and makeup artists
• Book wedding cars and transportation
• Set dates for hen and stag parties

Four weeks before the wedding:

• Host hen and stag parties
• Plan the ceremony timeline
• Finalise accessories for the bride and groom
• Complete final alterations
• Create and review the seating/table plan

Two weeks before the wedding:

• Organise gifts for the wedding party
• Do a full wedding dress rehearsal
• Confirm arrangements with all suppliers

One week before the wedding:

• Attend last-minute beauty appointments
• Pack overnight bags and honeymoon luggage

The day before the wedding:

• Deliver place cards, menus, favours, table cards, table plan and any decor to the venue
• Ensure all suppliers have an emergency contact number
• Relax and enjoy!

Catering and guest list

Planning a wedding in two months is a challenge, but it can be done. The key is to be decisive, stick to your decisions, and not get too bogged down in the small details.

Guest List

The first step is to decide on your guest list. This will determine the size of your venue and the amount of catering you will need. Be realistic about how many people you can invite and afford to host. If you are paying for the wedding yourself, you and your partner should get 70% of the invites, with both sets of parents splitting the remaining 30%. If your parents are contributing, the traditional protocol is to give one-third of the invites to each set of parents, and one-third to the couple.

Once you have your list, it's time to send out your save-the-dates and invitations. It is generally recommended to send out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, but as you are working with a shorter timeframe, it is a good idea to let people know as soon as possible, especially if they will need to travel.

Catering

Most wedding planners and catering professionals recommend choosing your caterer no later than seven to eight months before the wedding. However, it is still possible to find a caterer with two months to go. You will need to be flexible and may not be able to hire your first choice.

When choosing a caterer, it is important to remember that the food will set the tone for your wedding and will be something your guests remember. Your caterer will guide you through the process and help you make decisions, but it is a good idea to have a clear idea of what you want.

Firstly, decide on a style of service (e.g. buffet, sit-down dinner, food stations). You will also need to give your caterer an estimated guest count. For local guests, plan for 80-85% of invitees attending, and for out-of-town guests, 55-85% (with the higher percentage if most are close family).

With three months to go, your caterer will need a more accurate headcount and a commitment to your menu. This is also the time to schedule a tasting, if your caterer is providing one, and to finalise your choices for things like beverages and linens.

One to four weeks before the wedding, confirm the date, time, and location with your caterer, and check what amenities or information they need from the venue. Send the final payment in advance if possible, or designate a trusted friend or family member to deliver the final payment on the day.

Confirm with your caterer when they need your final guest count. Some companies will allow you to make changes up to 72 hours before the event, while others will require the final number one week in advance.

Other Tips

• Take advantage of wedding planning resources, such as online tools and wedding planners, to help you stay organised and on track.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family, and trust them to carry out the tasks you delegate.
• Be realistic with your plans and remember that a shorter engagement means sacrificing some of your more elaborate ideas.
• Keep your focus on the marriage, not just the wedding.
• Be flexible and don't stress too much about the small details.

Legalities and logistics

Planning a wedding in two months is entirely possible, but it requires flexibility, organisation, and a clear vision. Here is a comprehensive guide to the legalities and logistics of planning your wedding in this short time frame:

• Legal Requirements: The first step is to ensure you meet all the legal requirements to get married. This includes applying for a marriage license and giving notice of your marriage. The timeframe for this varies depending on your location. For example, in the UK, you must give notice to your local registry office at least 28 days before your chosen date. Be sure to research and comply with the specific requirements of your region.
• Budget and Priorities: Before making any decisions, set a clear budget and identify your priorities. How much can you afford to spend, and what are the most important aspects of your wedding? This will guide your choices and help you allocate your budget effectively.
• Venue and Vendors: With a limited time frame, you may need to be flexible and adapt to the availability of venues and vendors. Start by determining your guest list size and the type of venue that would suit your needs. Consider factors such as parking, accessibility, and food options. Once you've found a suitable venue, book it as soon as possible. Simultaneously, start researching and contacting vendors, including caterers, photographers, entertainment, and any other services you require.
• Officiant and Ceremony: Choose an officiant who aligns with your beliefs and can perform the ceremony. Meet with them to discuss the ceremony elements and any legal requirements, such as a marriage license. Some officiants may need two weeks' notice to apply for a marriage license, so keep this in mind when planning.
• Guest List and Invitations: Finalise your guest list and send out invitations as soon as possible, especially if you have guests travelling from out of town. Be mindful that a short time frame may impact your guests' ability to attend, so consider providing a preliminary heads-up to close family and friends before sending out the official invitations.
• Details and Decorations: With a tight deadline, focus on the essential details and be open to plan B (or C, or D!). You may not have time for extensive DIY projects or custom designs. Consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator to assist with the logistics and ensure nothing is overlooked.
• Attire and Beauty: Start looking for your wedding attire as soon as possible, especially if alterations are required. Be mindful of lead times for boutiques and the possibility of last-minute appointments. For hair and beauty, refrain from making any drastic changes close to the wedding. Instead, focus on maintaining your current look and ensuring it is well-groomed and camera-ready.
• Transportation and Accommodation: If required, book transportation and accommodation for yourself and your guests. This is especially important if your wedding is in a location that may have limited options.
• Rings and Insurance: Ensure your wedding rings are purchased and insured. You can add them to your house insurance or buy a separate policy to protect them in case of loss, theft, or damage.
• Seating Chart and Timeline: Start working on your seating chart early, as it can be a tricky task. Additionally, create a timeline for the day, including the ceremony, reception, and any other activities. This will help you and your vendors stay organised.
• Confirm and Finalise: In the weeks leading up to the wedding, confirm all the details with your vendors, venue, and wedding party. Go over the final arrangements, timelines, and any outstanding payments to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Wedding party and attire

Planning a wedding in two months is entirely possible, but it does require some flexibility and quick decision-making. Here is a checklist to help you plan the wedding party and attire:

• Determine your wedding party: While this may have been decided already, it is important to confirm who will be in your wedding party, including the maid/matron of honour, best man, bridesmaids, and groomsmen.
• Select the wedding party attire: It is recommended to give your wedding party about three months to order their attire. However, with a shorter timeline, you may need to opt for off-the-rack options or rentals. Be sure to communicate the style and colour palette to your wedding party as soon as possible so they can start their search.
• Schedule fittings: Once the attire has been selected, schedule fittings for the wedding party. This is especially important if alterations are needed.
• Purchase gifts for the wedding party: It is customary to give gifts to your wedding party as a token of appreciation for their time and support. These gifts are often given on the wedding day, so start browsing for gifts that express your gratitude.
• Confirm wedding party attire is ready: About two months before the wedding, confirm with your wedding party that their attire is ready and any necessary alterations have been made.
• Plan the rehearsal dinner: The rehearsal dinner is usually hosted the night before the wedding and is an opportunity to thank your wedding party. If someone else is hosting, such as a family member, they can take care of the booking. However, if you are hosting, book the location as early as possible, especially if you have a specific venue in mind.
• Finalise the day-of timeline: Work with your wedding party to finalise the timeline for the wedding day, including arrival times and any specific duties they will have.

Remember, with a shorter timeline, it is crucial to be flexible and decisive. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your wedding party and other loved ones.

Vendors and decor

Planning a wedding in two months is possible, but it requires flexibility and quick decision-making. Here are some tips for choosing vendors and decor to create your dream wedding within a tight timeframe:

• Be flexible with your choices: With a short timeline, you may not have the luxury of being too picky. Be open to different options and be prepared to make compromises.
• Prioritize and stay organized: Identify your must-haves and focus on those. Create a clear vision and stick to it. Use a wedding planning binder or a digital tool to keep track of details, prices, and decisions.
• Hire a wedding planner: Consider hiring a wedding planner to help you navigate the planning process, especially if your timeline is tight. They can provide valuable guidance and coordinate with vendors to bring your vision to life.
• Choose your venue: The venue is one of the most important decisions and can significantly impact other aspects of your wedding, such as the number of guests, theme, and decor. Look for venues that match your style and budget, and don't hesitate to book when you find the right one.
• Book essential vendors: Start by booking the vendors that are most important to you, such as catering, photography, entertainment, and florists. These vendors tend to get booked up quickly, so act fast and be prepared to pay deposits.
• Simplify your decor: Opt for simple and elegant decor that aligns with your theme. You may not have time for elaborate DIY projects, so consider renting decor items or choosing an all-inclusive venue that handles most of the details.
• Utilize online resources: Take advantage of online tools and websites to streamline your planning. You can find inspiration, compare vendors, and even create your wedding website to keep your guests informed.
• Ask for help: Don't be afraid to delegate tasks to your bridal party, family, or friends. They can provide valuable support and help you stay sane during the planning process.
• Confirm details: As your wedding date approaches, confirm all the details with your vendors. Double-check arrival times, services provided, and any last-minute adjustments. This will help ensure that everything runs smoothly on your big day.

Frequently asked questions