Planning A Wedding In 3 Months: Is It Possible?

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.

The first step is to find a venue and pick a date. With such short notice, most venues will have Saturdays booked, so you may need to opt for a Friday, Sunday, or weekday. This will also make it easier to secure other wedding vendors.

Next, you'll want to hire a wedding planner, if your budget allows. A planner can handle the majority of the work and ensure everything runs smoothly. They can also use their connections to find you the perfect vendors, sometimes at a discount.

With a short timeline, it's crucial to be flexible and decisive. Be prepared to go with vendors that are available rather than your first choice. Prioritise booking a venue, photographer, and DJ/band. For the food, decide on the type of cuisine and whether you want a sit-down meal or a buffet.

For the guest list, it's best to keep it small, making it easier to find a venue and vendors. Send out invitations as soon as possible, and consider creating a wedding website so guests can easily access information and make travel arrangements.

With a three-month timeline, it's important to focus on the essential tasks and not stress about the rest. While it will be a busy few months, planning a wedding in a short timeframe can be fun and exciting, allowing you to start your married life sooner.

Venue and date

The venue and date are two of the most important elements of your wedding and will influence many other aspects of your big day. Here are some tips to help you secure the perfect venue and set a date for your wedding in three months:

• Be flexible with your date: As you are working with a short timeline, you may need to be flexible with your wedding date. Most venues and vendors are typically booked up months in advance, especially for Saturdays. Consider choosing a Friday, Sunday, or weekday for your wedding, which will give you more options and could also save you money.
• Prioritize finding a venue: The venue often dictates the date of your wedding, so focus on finding a venue first and then choose a date that is available.
• Consider an all-inclusive venue: Opting for a venue that offers all-inclusive packages, including catering and other services, can save you time and simplify the planning process.
• Hire a wedding planner: A wedding planner can be a valuable asset, especially when planning a wedding in a short timeframe. They have industry connections and can help you secure the perfect venue and vendors, often at a discount.
• Be decisive: With a three-month timeline, you don't have the luxury of agonizing over decisions. When you find a venue you like that is within your budget, book it right away.
• Consider the size of your guest list: The size of your guest list will impact the type of venue you choose. A smaller guest list opens up more venue options and can make planning easier.
• Be mindful of your budget: Planning a wedding in three months may require some wiggle room in your budget due to rush fees and other unexpected expenses. Be prepared to be flexible with your budget to secure your desired venue and vendors.
• Think about the type of wedding: Are you planning a formal wedding or something more low-key? The type of wedding you want will influence the venue you choose. For example, a park wedding or backyard wedding will have different venue requirements than a formal event.
• Be organized: Create a checklist and timeline for securing your venue and setting a date. This will help you stay on track and ensure you don't miss any important steps.
• Ask for help: Don't be afraid to delegate tasks to your wedding party, family, or friends. They can help with research, venue visits, and other tasks to speed up the planning process.

Wedding planner

Planning a wedding in three months is possible, but it requires organisation and quick decision-making. Here is a step-by-step guide to planning a wedding in three months.

Week 1-3:

• Pick a date and venue. With a short time frame, most wedding venues will be booked on Saturdays, so you may need to choose a Friday, Sunday, or weekday.
• Hire a wedding planner, if desired. A wedding planner can save you time and use their connections to find the perfect vendors.
• Hire a photographer.

Week 4-6:

• Book videographers, DJs, and/or bands.
• Choose a colour scheme and theme for your wedding.
• Purchase your wedding dress. Many bridal shops require appointments, so you may need to be creative in your search. Try local bridal shops, department stores, or online.
• Start planning the guest list and wedding party. Keep the guest list small, as this will make finding a venue and vendors easier.
• Decide on the food you want to serve at the reception.
• Order and send out wedding invitations.
• Purchase wedding rings.

Week 7-9:

• Plan your honeymoon. You may not be able to go directly after the wedding, so consider taking a short trip after the wedding and planning a longer honeymoon later.
• Get your marriage license. Check the requirements and laws in your jurisdiction, as these vary.
• Book florists, a baker, and caterers.
• Book a makeup artist and hair stylist.

Week 10-12:

• Plan and buy decorations. Keep it simple and aim for things that you can find locally.
• Find someone to officiate the ceremony, if needed. You can find professional officiants online, but make sure they are licensed to officiate in your state.

Other Tips:

• Be strict with your guest list. A smaller guest list will give you more venue options.
• Be flexible with your budget, as there may be rush fees and other unexpected expenses.
• Consider a weekday wedding. Tuesdays through Thursdays are increasingly popular for last-minute weddings.
• Prioritise the venue and photographer. These vendors should be the first you hire and book right away if they are generally within your budget.
• Don't wait too long for initial responses from vendors. If a vendor doesn't respond within 36 hours, move on.
• Communicate with your guests. Set up a wedding website and send the link to your guests so they can start making arrangements.

Photographer, videographer, DJ/band

It is possible to plan a wedding in 3 months, but it requires flexibility, quick decision-making, and organisation.

The photographer and videographer are two of the most important vendors to secure, along with the venue. With a shorter timeline, it is best to book these vendors as soon as possible, and not to wait too long for initial responses from potential photographers and videographers. If they do not respond within 36 hours, it is time to move on.

When choosing a photographer, consider their style and whether it aligns with your vision for the wedding. Ask to see examples of their previous work and enquire about their experience with weddings. Discuss the details of the day with them, including the number of guests, the venue, and the timing of the ceremony and reception. This will help the photographer know what to expect and plan their shots accordingly. It is also important to be clear about your budget and what is included in the photographer's fee.

When choosing a videographer, consider the style of video you would like and ask to see examples of their previous work. Discuss the length of the final video and whether they will be editing it themselves or outsourcing the editing. Again, be clear about your budget and what is included.

When it comes to entertainment, you may choose to have a DJ, a band, or both. If you opt for a DJ, consider the style of music you would like played and ask for examples of their previous sets. Discuss any specific songs or genres you would like included or avoided. Ask about their experience with weddings and how they engage the crowd. For a band, consider the style of music and ask about their repertoire. Discuss any specific songs you would like them to learn or avoid. Find out about their experience with weddings and how they typically structure their sets. Whether you choose a DJ or a band, be sure to confirm the details such as timing, setup requirements, and fees.

If you are considering having both a DJ and a band, there are a few things to keep in mind. One concern is the cost, as both will likely charge for the full reception even if they only play for part of it. There may also be logistical challenges, such as having enough space for two sets of equipment and avoiding a lull during the transition between the band and the DJ. However, some couples have successfully had both by having the band play during the cocktail hour and dinner, and the DJ take over for the rest of the reception. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and budget.

Guest list and wedding party

When planning a wedding in three months, you don't have a lot of time to think about your guest list and wedding party. Start by making a brief list of your closest friends and family. Then, ask a family member to go over it to ensure you're not forgetting anyone. Don't worry about inviting every single person you know. Focus on essential friends and family for this short time frame.

The same goes for your wedding party. You might not be able to have everyone you want, as some people may already have commitments. Many couples choose to skip having groomsmen and bridesmaids in these situations. Try to get your guest list done and talk to the potential wedding party by week five or earlier.

With a shorter wedding planning timeline, you probably won't have a lot of available vendors to choose from. Delegate some responsibilities to friends and family members to help you research and hire vendors.

A helpful and understanding wedding party is going to be even more vital with a short planning timeline, so choose wisely! Try to set expectations as early as possible so your wedding party is on the same page.

If you're having a wedding party, enlist them as soon as possible so they can start handling their duties right away. You may also choose to keep things simple and not have a wedding party at all.

Tips for Planning a Wedding in 3 Months

• Be strict with your guest list: It's easier to plan a last-minute wedding with a smaller guest list—you'll have a wider range of venues available to you.
• Hire a planner: Wedding planners will ensure everything goes smoothly and can use their connections to find you the perfect vendors, sometimes at a discount.
• Consider weekday weddings: You're more likely to get the venue you want if you opt for a weekday wedding.
• Prioritize venue and photographer: These two vendors should be the first you hire. Don't agonize over the decisions: if you generally like the vendor and they're within budget, book them right away.
• Don't wait too long for initial responses: If a vendor doesn't get back to you in 36 hours or less, it's time to move on.
• Be realistic with your budget: It's easier to plan a wedding in 3 months if you have some wiggle room.

Food and catering

Now that you have an idea of how many guests will be attending your wedding, it's time to select your caterer and the type of food you'd like to serve.

First, choose your cuisine. Are you thinking Asian, Mexican, American/Traditional, or something else? Will it be a sit-down meal or a buffet?

Keep in mind that your food choices should accommodate the dietary requirements and preferences of your guests.

If you're having a rehearsal dinner, decide whether you want your caterer to handle it or if you prefer to do it yourself or use a local restaurant.

When selecting a caterer, consider whether you want a company that can handle multiple weddings in a day or if you have a specific caterer in mind that you really want, reach out to them sooner rather than later, as their availability may be limited.

If you're planning a small, at-home wedding, you could ask your friends and family to contribute a potluck dish. This DIY approach can add a personal touch and save you money.

For beverages, instead of having an open bar, you could buy beer and wine in bulk and hire a bartending student to serve for the night.

Remember, with a shorter timeline, flexibility is key. Be prepared to make quick decisions and adapt to the availability of caterers and other vendors.

Frequently asked questions