Planning A Wedding In A Hurry: 4-Month Guide

Planning a wedding in four months is possible, but it will require some quick decisions and flexibility. While it can be stressful, there are benefits to a short engagement: there's less time to agonise over decisions, and you get to start married life sooner.

The first steps are to decide on a date, create a budget, and select a theme. You'll also want to book your venue and vendors, including a caterer, photographer, and entertainment, as soon as possible. It's also important to confirm the availability of your wedding party and send out save-the-dates and invitations. With a shorter timeline, it's crucial to be organised and decisive.

Budgeting and selecting a venue

Budgeting

The first step in creating your wedding budget is determining who will be contributing financially and how much they are willing to spend. It's important to have honest conversations about what you can afford and what your priorities are. Be sure to factor in daily expenses, upcoming costs, and other weddings you'll be attending.

Next, research what is typically included in weddings and create a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. This will help you understand the various costs involved and allow you to allocate your budget accordingly.

• Reception venue, catering, and rentals: 45%
• Wedding planner/coordinator: 5-15%
• Ceremony: 5%
• Photography and/or videography: 12%
• Reception music/entertainment: 10%
• Stationery: 2%
• Flowers and decor: 10%
• Wedding attire and beauty: 9%
• Wedding cake: 2%
• Favors and gifts: 1%
• Transportation: 3%
• Wedding rings: 9%
• Tips: 5-15%
• Just-in-case fund: 5-15%
• Rehearsal dinner and other wedding events: 8%
• Honeymoon: 5%

Selecting a Venue

When selecting a venue, start by discussing your must-have features with your partner. Consider factors such as guest accommodations, exclusive use of the venue, and capacity. Visit and compare multiple venues, paying attention to the team that will be handling your big day.

Choose a venue that fits your budget and is available on your preferred date. Get a detailed quote and carefully review the contract before signing. Notify your chosen venue and block out your date to avoid double bookings or cancellations.

Selecting a venue will solidify your wedding date and allow you to send out save-the-dates and invitations. It will also help you choose other vendors and plan the logistics of your special day.

Choosing a wedding party

Planning a wedding in four months is challenging but possible. If you are planning a wedding in a short time frame, it is important to start choosing your wedding party early. Here are some tips to help you choose your wedding party:

Start with Family:

Begin by considering your siblings and your partner's siblings. If you are close with them, they would be perfect additions to your wedding party. If they are much younger, you may want to give them other roles, such as ushers or junior attendants. Remember, there is nothing stopping you from having a bridesman or a groomslady if you have a sibling of the opposite gender.

Best Friends:

Think about your lifelong best friends, those who you go to for support and who you match with emotionally. These friends are often an easy choice for your wedding party.

Friend Groups:

When it comes to your wider circle of friends, consider how often you spend time with them and how well you get along. If you find yourself spending a lot of alone time with someone and vibing well together, they could be a good choice for your wedding party.

Exciting Personalities:

If there is someone who you are not particularly close with but is easy to get along with and brings excitement to your wedding events, they could be a great addition if you have room.

Work Friends:

You may also want to consider including a close work friend in your wedding party, especially if they feel like family. However, keep in mind that it is better to leave work at the office, so this should be the group you are least stressed about including.

Budget:

Your budget may dictate the size of your wedding party. Keep in mind that as a bride, you may be responsible for some bridesmaid expenses, such as bouquets, gifts, transportation, and hair and makeup.

Reliability:

Choose people who are reliable and who you can count on. They should be responsive and punctual, especially with tight timelines and deadlines to consider.

Personalities:

Think about how your wedding party will get along with each other. While they don't have to be best friends, you'll want to avoid potential drama by including someone with a strong or abrasive personality that rubs people the wrong way. Aim for a group that is friendly, cordial, and can transition easily between different groups.

Feelings:

Consider whether having a smaller wedding party will save you stress in deciding who makes the cut. On the other hand, if there is one friend on the fringe, you might want to include them rather than leave them out.

Alternative Roles:

Remember, just because someone is not in your wedding party doesn't mean they can't have another role in your wedding. You can assign people roles such as ushers, ceremony readers, candlelighters, musicians, or poets.

Happy planning!

Finalising the guest list

Manage Family Expectations

It's important to manage your family's expectations, especially if they are contributing financially. Sit down with your families and clarify your expectations before accepting any financial help. Explain to them how big or small you want your guest list to be, and negotiate or politely decline their requests if necessary.

Start with a Dream List

Begin by creating a dream guest list with your partner. Write down everyone you can imagine being at your wedding, from close friends to distant relatives. Don't worry about the expenses at this stage; the editing will come later.

Set a Realistic Number of Guests

Consider your budget and venue capacity to determine a realistic number of guests. Each guest will impact your expenses, such as catering, favours, and venue space. Even if budget is not an issue, a crowded venue can make it uncomfortable for your guests to move around.

Implement a Collaborative System

Work together with your partner to trim down your dream list. Use an online spreadsheet that both of you can edit in real time. Consult with each other before removing anyone from the list to avoid future disagreements.

Follow Strict Editing Rules

Create strict rules to make the editing process easier. For example, decide that only people you have both met will be invited, or that it will be an adults-only event. You can also limit plus-ones to only your bridal party.

Be Mindful of Timing

Since you are working with a shorter timeline, send out your save-the-dates and invitations earlier than you might otherwise. For a destination wedding, send invitations 12 weeks in advance, and for a local celebration, eight weeks should be enough.

Final Thoughts

Selecting a wedding dress

Planning a wedding in four months is definitely doable, but it will require some flexibility and quick decision-making. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that you will likely need to shop for a wedding dress that is available off the rack, as custom-made dresses usually require at least six months to be ordered and produced. Here are some tips to help you select your wedding dress within a four-month timeframe:

Start Shopping Early

It is crucial to start looking for your wedding dress as early as possible within the four-month period. This will give you a better chance of finding a dress that fits your style and budget. Keep in mind that alterations may also be needed, so factor in some extra time for that.

Determine Your Budget

Before you begin shopping, have a clear understanding of your budget. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure you don't fall in love with a dress that is out of your price range. Be sure to factor in costs for alterations, accessories, and cleaning/preservation if you want to keep your dress as a memento.

Shop at the Right Places

Do your research to find bridal salons, boutiques, or online retailers that fit your budget and style preferences. Call ahead to inquire about their inventory and whether they carry samples in your size. You may also want to consider buying a pre-owned vintage gown or renting a dress to save time and money.

Focus on the Details

When trying on dresses, pay attention to the details of the gown rather than the fit, as most sample dresses won't fit perfectly. Look for a dress with the neckline, fabric, sleeves, embellishments, and train that you love. These elements are more important than the overall silhouette, as the dress will be tailored to your body during alterations.

Keep an Open Mind

Many brides end up choosing a dress that is different from what they initially envisioned. Be open to trying on different styles and listening to the recommendations of bridal consultants. You may be surprised to find that a style you hadn't considered ends up being the perfect choice for you.

Bring the Right People

When you go dress shopping, bring only one or two trusted friends or family members whose opinions you value. Having too many people with different opinions can make it harder for you to make a decision. Remember, you want to choose a dress that makes you feel like the best version of yourself, regardless of others' expectations.

Don't Settle

If you don't find a dress that feels perfect, don't be afraid to keep looking or consider alterations. It's important that you feel confident and comfortable in your wedding dress, so take the time to find or create a dress that truly makes you happy.

Booking vendors

Start Booking ASAP

It's important to start booking your vendors as soon as possible. The earlier you begin, the more likely you will be able to secure your preferred choices. Some vendors, like photographers and venues, are in high demand and may be booked up a year or more in advance. So, make them your first priority.

Be Flexible

Since you are working with a shorter timeline, you may need to be flexible and consider alternative options. For example, instead of a Saturday wedding, consider a Friday or Sunday, which may have more availability. Also, look into non-traditional spaces like restaurants, art galleries, or even your parents' backyard.

Hire a Planner or Coordinator

Consider hiring a wedding planner or month-of coordinator. They can be a huge help in recommending and securing vendors, especially if you're short on time. A planner can also help you stay organized and ensure you don't miss any important details.

Book the "Big-Ticket" Vendors First

Focus on booking the essential vendors first. This includes your venue, caterer, photographer, videographer, florist, band or DJ, and cake baker. These vendors tend to book up quickly, so prioritize them over other details.

Be Prepared to Pay More

When booking on a short timeline, you may need to pay rush fees or higher prices for certain vendors. Custom-made wedding dresses, for example, usually incur a rush fee if ordered on a shorter timeline. Be prepared for these additional costs and factor them into your budget.

Utilize Online Resources and Ready-to-Wear Options

Online options can be a lifesaver when planning a wedding in a short timeframe. Consider using online invitation services, which often offer quicker turnaround times. For attire, look for ready-to-wear bridal shops, salon sample sales, or rental sites that offer same-day options.

Don't Forget the Smaller Details

While the major vendors are important, don't forget the smaller details that still require booking. This includes hair and makeup artists, transportation, and any rental companies you may need for tables, chairs, linens, etc. These vendors should still be booked several months in advance to ensure availability.

Stay Organized

Finally, stay organized throughout the process. Create a checklist and break down tasks into manageable chunks. Use online resources and checklists to ensure you don't overlook any important vendors or details.

Planning a wedding in four months is definitely doable, and with the right approach, you can secure fantastic vendors and have a stress-free planning process.

Frequently asked questions