Planning A Wedding: 7 Months Is Plenty Of Time

Planning a wedding in 7 months is possible, but it will be a challenge. The average length of an engagement in the US is 16 months, and most traditional wedding planning timelines are designed for couples with a year or more to prepare. However, 45% of couples spend less than a year planning their wedding, so it can be done.

To plan a wedding in 7 months, it's important to stay organized and flexible. You may need to be open to second or third-choice vendors and think outside the box. It's crucial to set a budget and guest list early on, as these will inform many of your other decisions. Finding a venue and booking vendors may be the most challenging part of planning a wedding on a short timeline, as many popular options are booked a year or more in advance.

It is recommended to prioritize photographers and caterers, as these tend to book up quickly. It's also important to start shopping for a wedding dress early, as dresses often take several months to arrive and may require alterations.

Overall, planning a wedding in 7 months is feasible, but it will require dedication and quick decision-making.

Budgeting and guest list

Budgeting:

• Determine your budget: Start by figuring out how much you can spend on the wedding and identify who will be contributing financially. This will involve having honest conversations with your partner, family, and anyone else involved. Be realistic about what you can afford and what your priorities are.
• Create a budget and stick to it: Once you have a clear idea of your financial resources, create a detailed budget that allocates funds to different aspects of the wedding, such as the venue, catering, entertainment, attire, etc. Be sure to include some wiggle room for unexpected costs.
• Research and compare: Do your research when it comes to pricing. Compare different vendors, venues, and services to find the best value options that fit within your budget. Be mindful of hidden fees and extra costs that may not be initially apparent.
• Save money where you can: Consider ways to cut costs, such as choosing a non-traditional venue, opting for a simple cake design, using fresh flowers sparingly, or even doing some DIY projects if you're feeling crafty.
• Track your spending: Keep a close eye on your spending to ensure you're staying within your budget. Use budgeting tools or spreadsheets to record expenses and have regular check-ins with your partner and anyone else involved in the financial decisions.

Guest List:

• Figure out your estimated guest count: Before finalizing your guest list, have a preliminary idea of how many people you're hoping to invite. This will impact your choice of venue and overall budget.
• Create a preliminary list: Work with your partner to create an initial guest list, and then consult with your families to add any additional guests they would like to include.
• Prioritize: If you're working with a limited capacity or budget, you may need to prioritize certain guests over others. Consider creating an A and B list, with your must-have guests on the A list and optional guests on the B list.
• Collect guest information: As you finalize your guest list, collect important information such as dietary restrictions, access needs, and the number of children or babies attending. This information will be crucial for your venue and caterers.
• Send out save-the-dates and invitations: Once your guest list is finalized, send out save-the-dates and invitations with a clear RSVP deadline. This will help you get a more accurate headcount for your venue and caterers.
• Stay organized: Use a guest list tool or spreadsheet to keep track of RSVPs, plus-ones, and any additional guest information. This will make it easier to provide final numbers to your venue and vendors.

Remember, budgeting and guest list planning are flexible processes, and you may need to make adjustments along the way. Stay organized, communicate with your partner and vendors, and don't be afraid to ask for help if needed. Happy planning!

Venue and date

The first step in planning your wedding is to decide on a date. This will be the foundation for the rest of your planning process, so it's important to choose a date that works for you and your partner, as well as your close family and friends. Consider choosing a date that is meaningful to you as a couple, such as your anniversary. Alternatively, you may want to choose a date that falls during a particular season or time of year that is convenient for your guests. For example, summer weddings are popular because they often allow guests to take less time off work and can be combined with a honeymoon.

Once you have a date in mind, it's time to start thinking about venues. The venue you choose will depend on a number of factors, including your budget, the number of guests you plan to invite, and the style or theme of your wedding. If you're planning a small, intimate wedding, you might consider a non-traditional space such as a restaurant, art gallery, or even your parents' backyard. If you're planning a larger wedding, look for venues that can accommodate your guest list and consider alternative dates such as a Friday or Sunday, as these days tend to be less popular and may have more availability.

When choosing a venue, it's important to be flexible, especially if you're working with a short timeline. Popular venues may be booked up a year or more in advance, so you may need to consider alternative options or be willing to compromise on certain aspects of the venue. It's also a good idea to prioritize booking your venue early in the planning process, as this will allow you to move forward with many other tasks, such as sending out save-the-dates and invitations, and planning the catering and decorations.

To secure your chosen venue, you will likely need to sign a contract and pay a deposit. Be sure to read the contract carefully and ask any questions you have before signing. It's also a good idea to confirm the details of your wedding with the venue closer to the date, including the final headcount and any special requests or requirements you may have.

In addition to choosing a venue, you may also need to book a separate space for your wedding rehearsal dinner. This is typically a more casual event that takes place the night before the wedding and is hosted by the groom's family or another close relative. Restaurants and hotels are often ideal venues for rehearsal dinners, as they can provide catering and other services.

Finally, don't forget to obtain your marriage license! Each state has different laws and procedures for obtaining a marriage license, so be sure to research the requirements in your area and allow enough time for processing.

Vendors and attire

The first step to planning a wedding is to take a few weeks to just enjoy being engaged. Once you're ready to start planning, you can begin researching themes, styles, and vendors.

7-12 Months Before the Wedding

• Research wedding themes, styles, and colours.
• Decide on a budget and how much you can allocate to attire and vendors.
• Research and decide on your wedding attire. For a custom-made wedding dress, it's best to order it at least six months in advance. For a shorter timeframe, you can opt for off-the-rack dresses, sample sales, ready-to-wear, or rentals.
• Research and decide on attire for the wedding party.
• Research and decide on hair and makeup artists.
• Research and decide on vendors for equipment rental, transportation, and any other services you require.

5-6 Months Before the Wedding

• Order wedding attire for the wedding party.
• Purchase wedding accessories, shoes, and undergarments.
• Schedule hair and makeup trials.

3-4 Months Before the Wedding

Schedule your first alterations fitting.

2-3 Weeks Before the Wedding

• Schedule your final alterations fitting.
• Pick up your wedding attire.

Invites and RSVPs

Planning a wedding in seven months is definitely possible, but it will require some organisation and flexibility. Here is a guide to help you with invites and RSVPs.

Invites

• Send your save-the-dates as soon as you have your venue selected. You can opt for digital save-the-dates or semi-custom printed designs, which often offer a quicker turnaround time.
• Start designing your wedding invitations early so that you can have them ordered and delivered with plenty of time to mail.
• Assemble your wedding invitations and RSVP cards together, and send them out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to make travel arrangements if needed.
• If you are having a destination wedding, send your invites out a little earlier (around 10 to 12 weeks before the wedding).
• Include a pre-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope with your invitation suite to make it easier for your guests to respond.
• Give your guests options for RSVPing. While mail-in cards are traditional, offering a digital option through your wedding website can be helpful for those who are less likely to use snail mail.
• Be clear about the RSVP deadline. Ideally, the RSVP by date should be around three to four weeks before the wedding. This gives you enough time to finalise the guest list and share the final headcount with your vendors.
• Make sure the RSVP date is clearly stated and easy to read on the card. You can also include a countdown ticker on your wedding website.

RSVPs

• As a guest, it is considered good etiquette to RSVP as soon as you know whether you can attend. It is helpful to the couple if you respond before the deadline.
• If you are waiting for RSVPs, give your guests a friendly reminder about a week before the deadline.
• If you still haven't heard from some guests after the RSVP date, follow up with them about a week later. Call them or send a text to politely nudge them for a response.
• Finalise your guest list and share the numbers with your vendors about two weeks before the wedding. This includes your caterer, planner, venue coordinator, and anyone else who needs the final headcount.
• Start working on your seating chart once all the RSVPs are in.

By following these steps, you can efficiently manage your invites and RSVPs within your seven-month wedding planning timeline.

Legalities

The most important legal aspect of planning a wedding is obtaining a marriage license. Each state has different laws regarding the process of obtaining a marriage license, so it is essential to research the specific requirements for your state. In some states, there may be a waiting period after applying for the license before the marriage can take place. There may also be requirements for witnesses, so be sure to carefully review the laws in your state. It is also important to consider name change procedures if one partner is planning to change their last name.

Another legal aspect to consider is the contract with your wedding vendors. When hiring vendors, such as photographers, caterers, and venues, be sure to carefully review the contracts and understand the terms and conditions. This includes deposit requirements, cancellation policies, and other important details. It is also a good idea to confirm with all vendors a few weeks before the wedding to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding timing and responsibilities.

Additionally, if you are planning to have alcohol at your wedding, there may be legal considerations depending on your location. Some venues may have restrictions on alcohol, so be sure to clarify this with your venue. If you are providing your own alcohol, you may need to obtain the appropriate permits or licenses.

Finally, if you are planning any pre-wedding events, such as an engagement party or bridal shower, be mindful of any local laws or regulations that may apply. For example, there may be restrictions on serving alcohol at certain types of events or requirements for obtaining permits.

Frequently asked questions