Planning A Wedding In A Hurry: 3-Month Guide

Planning a wedding in three months is possible, but it will require some quick decisions and compromises. While it may sound stressful, there are benefits to a short engagement: there's no time to agonise over decisions, and you won't have long to wait to start married life. According to The Knot Real Wedding Study, 5% of couples plan their wedding in three months or less.

To plan a wedding in three months, you'll need to be organised and decisive. You'll also need to be flexible and able to make quick choices. Here are some key steps to get you started:

1. Find a venue and pick a date.

2. Hire a wedding planner, if desired.

3. Book vendors such as photographers, videographers, DJs and bands.

4. Choose a colour scheme and theme.

5. Decide on your wedding attire.

6. Start planning the guest list and wedding party.

7. Figure out the food for the reception.

8. Order wedding invitations.

9. Purchase wedding rings.

10. Book additional vendors like florists, bakers, makeup artists and caterers.

11. Plan decorations.

12. Find someone to officiate the ceremony, if needed.

13. Get your marriage licence.

Finding a venue and setting a date

The first step in planning a wedding is finding a venue and setting a date. This can be a challenging task, especially if you are planning a wedding on short notice. Most wedding venues are booked up months in advance, so you may need to be flexible with your desired date and consider a weekday or Sunday wedding.

When choosing a venue, it is important to consider your budget and the size of your guest list. If you are planning a small, intimate wedding, you may be able to consider non-traditional spaces such as restaurants with private rooms, parks, or community centres.

If you are set on a particular venue, it is best to visit them in person rather than trying to make phone calls or send emails. This will allow you to get a feel for the place and make a decision quickly.

Once you have found a venue, you can start thinking about a date. If you are planning a wedding in three months or less, it is recommended to avoid Saturdays as these are usually booked up well in advance. Consider a Friday, Sunday, or weekday wedding, which may also be more affordable.

Keep in mind that a last-minute invite and a weekday wedding may be difficult for your guests, especially if they need to take time off work. However, with proper planning and communication, it is definitely achievable.

Setting a Date

When setting a date, it is essential to consider the availability of your desired venue and the lead time required for legalities and obtaining a marriage licence. In some places, such as Ireland, you need to apply for a marriage licence three months in advance, so this should be a priority on your checklist.

It is also important to be flexible and decisive when planning a wedding in a short timeframe. You may need to make quick decisions and compromises, especially when it comes to choosing a date that works for both the venue and your guests.

Advantages of a Short Planning Timeline

While planning a wedding in three months can seem daunting, there are some advantages to a short planning timeline. You won't have time to agonize over decisions, and you can save money as vendors often offer special packages for last-minute weddings.

Additionally, a shorter timeline means you won't have to wait long to start your married life together. So, if you're wondering if it's possible to plan a wedding in three months, the answer is yes! It will require some flexibility, quick decision-making, and possibly some compromises, but it can be done.

Hiring a wedding planner

Planning a wedding in three months is possible, but it will require focus, flexibility, and quick decision-making. One of the most important steps is to hire a wedding planner, who can streamline the process and ensure everything goes smoothly. Here are some reasons why hiring a wedding planner for a three-month engagement is beneficial:

Industry Connections and Vendor Relationships

Wedding planners have extensive industry connections and relationships with vendors. They can quickly identify available and suitable vendors, including photographers, videographers, DJs, bands, florists, caterers, and more. Their network and negotiation power can also help you obtain faster responses and better prices than you might get on your own.

Organisation and Attention to Detail

Wedding planners are highly organised and can manage the multitude of tasks and details involved in planning a wedding. They can handle the logistics, including creating timelines, coordinating vendors, and overseeing setup and breakdown, allowing you to focus on your special day.

Emotional Detachment

A wedding planner can provide an unbiased and impartial perspective when conflicts arise with family or friends during the planning process. They can advocate for your vision and help you make decisions without the same level of emotional investment, reducing potential drama and stress.

Time Management

With a shorter engagement, time is of the essence. A wedding planner can save you time by speeding up your decision-making and providing efficient solutions. They can also help you prioritise tasks and create a realistic timeline to ensure everything is completed on schedule.

Handling Unexpected Issues

Wedding planners are experienced in handling unexpected issues and emergencies. They can anticipate potential problems and create backup plans, ensuring that any last-minute challenges are smoothly managed.

Booking vendors

Prioritize Venue and Photographer

According to wedding planner Lindsay Parrott-Masiewicz, the venue and photographer should be the first vendors you hire. The venue will dictate your wedding date and the number of guests you can invite, and it may even include catering and other services. The photographer is essential for capturing the memories of your special day. If you generally like a vendor and they're within your budget, book them right away.

Be Flexible with Dates and Times

When planning a wedding in three months, you'll likely need to be flexible with your desired date. Most venues and vendors are booked up months in advance, especially for Saturday weddings. Consider a weekday wedding or an off-peak time of year to increase your chances of finding availability.

Hire a Wedding Planner

A wedding planner can be a lifesaver when you're short on time. They can use their connections to find you the perfect vendors and may even get you discounts. They will handle the vetting process and ensure that you have a team of reliable vendors for your big day.

Act Fast and Be Decisive

When reaching out to vendors, don't wait too long for initial responses. If a vendor doesn't get back to you within 36 hours, it's time to move on. You don't have time to go back and forth with details; be decisive and book vendors quickly.

Create a Guest List

Your guest list will impact the size of your venue and the number of invitations you need. It will also affect your catering choices and other logistics. Be deliberate about creating your guest list, and consider a smaller guest list for more venue and vendor options.

Book Other Essential Vendors

In addition to the venue and photographer, there are other essential vendors you'll need to book. This includes caterers, florists, bakers, hair and makeup artists, transportation, and entertainment such as a DJ or band. Prioritize these vendors and book them as early as possible.

Consider All-Inclusive Options

To streamline the process, look for all-inclusive venues or packages that include multiple services. This can save you time and reduce the number of vendors you need to coordinate.

Be Prepared for Limited Choices

When planning a wedding in three months, you may need to be flexible and choose vendors based on availability rather than your first choice. It's important to be open-minded and adapt to the options available to you.

Don't Forget the Smaller Details

While your focus should be on booking the major vendors first, don't forget about the smaller details that will enhance your wedding. This includes things like wedding favors, decorations, and a cake maker. Give yourself enough time to source these items or services, as they can add a special touch to your big day.

Planning a wedding in three months is certainly doable, but it requires quick decision-making and flexibility. By following these tips and staying organized, you can secure the vendors you need and have a wonderful wedding celebration.

Choosing a colour scheme and theme

• Start with your setting: The colours you choose should complement your wedding venue. If your venue has a lot of decorative elements, use those details to influence your colour scheme. Choosing colours that match your venue will enhance what you love about the space.
• Consider the season: Think about the time of year you're getting married and select colours that reflect the season. For example, soft pastel colours are popular for spring weddings, while bright and energetic hues are perfect for summer.
• Draw inspiration from nature: Nature-inspired palettes can be romantic and elegant. Consider the colours of the changing leaves in autumn or the vibrant florals of spring when choosing your colour scheme.
• Think about your wedding style: Are you going for a fun and lively atmosphere or something more timeless and understated? Bright colours like pink, turquoise, red, or yellow can create a cheerful vibe, while classic tones like navy, black, ivory, silver, or gold are perfect for a glamorous or traditional wedding.
• Look at what you love: Consider the colours you surround yourself with in your daily life. The colours that show up most often in your wardrobe or home decor are likely the colours you'll be happy with for your wedding.
• Consult the colour wheel: When in doubt, turn to the colour wheel for guidance. Colours that are opposite each other on the wheel, such as terracotta orange and sky blue, often pair well together. You can also combine "neighbour" colours that share a primary colour, such as peacock blue and sage green.
• Be flexible: With a short timeline, you may need to make some concessions. Choose a colour scheme that is achievable within your time frame and be prepared to make substitutions if your first choice is not available.
• Hire a wedding planner: A wedding planner can help you make decisions quickly and ensure that your colour scheme and theme are cohesive. They have the experience and connections to bring your vision to life, even on a tight timeline.

Picking a dress

Picking a wedding dress in three months is possible, but it will require some flexibility and quick decision-making. Here are some tips to help you find your dream dress for your big day:

Start Looking Early

Begin your search for a wedding dress as soon as possible. While the traditional timeline suggests starting nine months to a year in advance, a shorter engagement means you'll need to be more proactive. Set aside a few days specifically for dress shopping and trying on options.

Buy Off-the-Rack or Sample Sale

One of the quickest ways to get a wedding dress is to buy off-the-rack, which means purchasing a dress that is available in stores and doesn't require custom ordering. Department stores and large chain retailers like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Macy's, and David's Bridal often have a selection of wedding dresses available. Keep an eye out for sample sales at bridal boutiques, where you can buy sample gowns at a discounted price. This option may require some alterations to get the perfect fit, but it will save you time on the production and shipping of a custom dress.

Online Retailers and Rentals

Online retailers have stepped up their game and offer a great selection of wedding dresses with detailed size and fit information. Some popular options include Grace Loves Lace, Rent the Runway, Borrowing Magnolia, Anthropologie Weddings, ELOQUII, KYHA Studios, and more. If you're not planning to preserve your wedding gown for sentimental reasons, renting is also a cost-effective and convenient option.

Be Open-Minded

While you may have a vision for your dream dress, it's important to remain flexible and keep an open mind. You may fall in love with a dress that wasn't quite what you had imagined. Try on different styles and be willing to consider options that you might not have initially considered. This will increase your chances of finding a dress that you love within your time frame.

Prioritize the Dress

With a shorter timeline, you may need to prioritize dress shopping over other wedding planning tasks. Be prepared to make quick decisions and trust your instincts. If you find a dress that makes you feel beautiful and confident, go for it! You can always make minor alterations to get the perfect fit.

Consider Customization Time

If you opt for a custom-made dress or one that requires significant alterations, be mindful of the time needed for these processes. Custom dresses can take four to six months or longer for production and shipping, so this option may require a rush order and additional fees.

Don't Stress the Small Stuff

Remember, the most important thing is that you feel happy and comfortable in your wedding dress. Don't stress over finding the "perfect" dress; instead, focus on finding one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. A shorter engagement will require some flexibility and quick decision-making, but it is definitely doable!

Frequently asked questions