Planning A Wedding: 5 Months Is Possible!

Planning a wedding in 5 months is a challenging task, but it can be done with the right organisation and flexibility. The first step is to decide on your must-haves and create a clear vision for your big day, from the theme and style to the guest list and budget. With a shorter timeline, it's crucial to make quick decisions and have a realistic understanding of what can be achieved.

Booking your venue is a priority, as this solidifies the wedding date and allows you to plan other details. Consider all-inclusive venues that can streamline the process by offering catering, entertainment, and other services in one package.

Next, focus on securing key vendors, including photographers, caterers, florists, and entertainment. Be prepared to be flexible with your choices, as some vendors may already be booked.

For the bridal party, start reviewing attire options and be open to ready-to-wear or alternative options to ensure timely delivery.

To stay organised, consider using online tools, checklists, and a wedding planner or coordinator to keep track of the various details and tasks.

By being proactive, decisive, and adaptable, planning a wedding in 5 months is achievable, and you'll be walking down the aisle before you know it!

Budgeting and selecting a date

Budgeting:

The first step in wedding planning is determining your budget. This will involve deciding who will be contributing financially and how much they are willing to spend. Be sure to have honest conversations about what you can afford and what your priorities are. Create a comprehensive budget breakdown that includes all the essential expenses, from the venue and catering to flowers, decor, and your wedding attire.

Here's a sample budget breakdown as a starting point, with average wedding budget percentages for each category:

• 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%
• Transportation: 3%
• Tips: 5-15%
• Just-in-case fund: 5-15%
• Rehearsal dinner and other wedding events: 8%
• Honeymoon: 5%

Remember that these percentages are averages and can be adjusted based on your priorities.

Selecting a Date:

When it comes to selecting a date, there are several factors to consider:

• Season: Choose a season with weather you enjoy and flowers you like that are in bloom. Spring and fall are generally the most popular, but this can vary depending on your location.
• Day of the week: Weekend weddings, especially Saturdays, are in high demand and more expensive. Consider a weekday wedding to increase date availability and save money.
• Peak vs. off-peak dates: Peak wedding season is typically between May and October, with higher prices due to demand. Off-season dates tend to be more affordable, but avoid December and February, which are also busy due to holidays.
• Symbolic dates: You may want to choose a date that is special to you, such as an anniversary or a date with cultural or religious significance.
• Venue availability: Your desired venue's availability may dictate your date. If you have a specific venue in mind, check their calendar and be flexible with your date.
• Local events: Check for major sporting events, festivals, or other events in your desired location that could impact hotel availability and prices.
• Lucky dates: Consider incorporating numerology or cultural traditions into your date selection for an extra touch of luck.

Once you've selected your date, it's time to book your venue and spread the word to your guests through a wedding website and save-the-dates.

Choosing a venue and caterer

Choosing a Venue:

• Start your search early: With a shorter timeline, it's crucial to begin your venue search as soon as possible. Venues can book up quickly, especially during peak wedding season.
• Consider alternative options: Think beyond traditional wedding venues. Explore non-traditional spaces such as restaurants, art galleries, or even a backyard wedding.
• Be flexible with dates: Consider choosing a date that is not a Saturday. Fridays and Sundays may have more availability and could also be more affordable.
• Determine your guest list: Knowing the number of expected guests will help you select a venue that can comfortably accommodate your group.
• Ask for recommendations: Utilize your network and ask friends, family, or other recently married couples for venue suggestions. They may have insights on lesser-known options or venues that fit your style and vision.
• Research and visit venues: Compile a list of potential venues that fit your criteria and schedule visits to experience the spaces firsthand. Consider factors such as location, capacity, amenities, and any included services or restrictions.
• Book promptly: Once you find a venue that ticks all your boxes, don't hesitate to book it. With high demand and limited availability, securing your desired venue as early as possible is essential.

Choosing a Caterer:

• Prioritize catering: Hiring a caterer is one of the first steps in wedding planning. The best caterers are often booked over a year in advance, so start your search early in your planning process.
• Define your budget: Determine your catering budget and what it includes. Ask for quotes from multiple caterers and be transparent about your budget constraints to find a package that suits your needs.
• Decide on a dining style: Choose the type of dining experience you want for your wedding. Options include passed hors d'oeuvres, cocktail hour, plated dinners, tasting menus, buffets, or a combination of these styles.
• Ask for referrals and read reviews: Utilize word-of-mouth recommendations from friends, family, or online reviews to find reputable caterers. The experiences of others can provide valuable insights into the quality of food and service.
• Schedule tastings: Narrow down your options to a shortlist of caterers and schedule tastings to experience their cuisine firsthand. This step ensures that the food meets your expectations in terms of taste, quality, and presentation.
• Finalize the contract: Once you've found the perfect caterer, review the contract thoroughly before signing. Ensure that the proposal includes all relevant details, such as the total cost, menu, staff, linens, and any additional fees or services.
• Confirm details: Throughout the planning process, maintain open communication with your caterer. Confirm the number of expected guests, dietary restrictions, serving styles, and any special requests or accommodations.

Remember, while planning a wedding in 5 months can be challenging, it is achievable with efficient decision-making and timely execution. Delegate tasks to your support network and stay organized to bring your dream wedding to life!

Selecting a wedding party

Start by Asking Early

It's important to ask your wedding party as early as possible, preferably between eight months to a year before the wedding. This gives your attendants enough time to plan those wedding showers and bachelor or bachelorette parties. It also allows them to help you figure out the logistics of planning a wedding in five months.

Consider Responsibilities and Reliability

Your bridesmaids and groomsmen will have essential tasks to fulfil, so choose responsible and trustworthy individuals. They should be good at providing emotional support, staying organised, and knowing what you like. Consider their availability, especially if you want a very involved wedding party. Those who live far away or have busy schedules may not be the best fit.

Be Mindful of Numbers and Budget

The size of your wedding party is flexible, and you can have as few as one or more than a dozen bridesmaids and groomsmen each. However, remember that a larger group means more details to organise and higher expenses. Be mindful of your friends' financial situations, and if you sense that being in the wedding party may be too costly for them, offer alternative ways for them to be involved, such as being a reader or usher.

Think About Personalities and Dynamics

Consider how your wedding party will get along as a group. While they don't all need to be best friends, you'll want to avoid potential drama or abrasive personalities that could cause friction. Aim for a friendly and cordial group that can easily transition between different friend groups.

Include Family Members

If you're close to your siblings, definitely include them in your wedding party. If they're much younger, you may want to give them other roles, such as ushers or junior attendants. Don't feel pressured to include extended family members, but be aware that not doing so may cause unnecessary conflict and hurt feelings.

Get Creative with Roles

If you have more people you want to include, consider other roles such as ceremony readers, candlelighters, musicians, or poets. There are plenty of ways to involve your loved ones in your special day without making them bridesmaids or groomsmen.

Remember, selecting your wedding party is about choosing the people you want by your side as you celebrate one of the most important days of your life. Take your time, consider your dynamics, and don't be afraid to get creative with roles and responsibilities.

Finalising the guest list

Write a Master List

Start by writing down the names of everyone you would invite to your wedding if money and space were infinite. Begin with immediate family and close friends, and work outwards to include colleagues, schoolmates, and distant relatives.

Separate Out Your Top-Tier Guests

Identify the non-negotiables or must-haves—the people you simply wouldn't get married without. These guests are your top priority, and they stay on the list no matter what.

Work Out Your Budget and Venue

Deciding on a venue and finalising the guest list go hand in hand. You can't fully figure out your guest list if the vision for your venue isn't set. Even if you don't have an exact location, consider the type of venue you want and how many people it can accommodate within your budget.

Consider Your Parents' Input

Traditionally, both sets of parents have a say in the guest list, especially if they are contributing financially. Be upfront and show them your plan once you and your partner are in agreement. This approach can help avoid unnecessary friction and allow them to air any concerns respectfully.

Be Fair with Family

If you invite some family members, consider whether you need to invite others to avoid hurt feelings. For example, if four of your cousins are coming, the fifth might be upset if they're not invited.

Stagger Your Invites

Your first draft of the guest list might change as you send out invitations and receive RSVPs. Etiquette dictates sending invitations at least eight weeks in advance (or ten if it's a destination wedding). You might get some "no" responses, freeing up space for people on your original master list. Send out this next round of invites as soon as possible so that no one feels like an afterthought.

Remember How You Feel When You Aren't Invited

If you don't get invited to someone else's wedding, how does it make you feel? You might be a little disappointed, but you would probably understand and move on. Your potential attendees will likely do the same. Remember, it's your day, and anyone who truly cares about you will understand and be there for you well after the wedding.

Once you've finalised your guest list, send it to your venue and caterers so they can prepare accordingly. Include the final number of guests attending the ceremony and reception, the number of guests having a meal, dietary requirements, access needs, and the number of children and babies attending.

Booking vendors

Wedding Planner

If you plan to hire a wedding planner, it is advisable to book one at least 10-12 months before the wedding. This will give them ample time to assist with other aspects of the planning, including venue selection.

Wedding Venue

Booking your wedding venue is a priority as it officially sets your wedding date. Venues are typically reserved a year in advance, but with a shorter timeline, consider alternative dates like Fridays or Sundays, or opt for non-traditional spaces.

Photographer and Videographer

Wedding photographers and videographers are in high demand and tend to get booked up early. It is recommended to secure them 10-12 months before your wedding. However, if you don't find one you love right away, many couples book 8-10 months in advance.

Wedding Officiant

The officiant is another crucial vendor to secure. You'll want to choose someone who aligns with your vision and can help craft a meaningful ceremony. It is advisable to book an officiant about 8-10 months before the wedding.

Florist

Flowers are an essential part of wedding decor, and florists with the right style and budget can book up quickly. Start your search early and aim to book your florist about 8-10 months before the big day.

Band, DJ, and Ceremony Musicians

The type of music and entertainment you want is a personal choice. If you opt for a live band or DJ, book them about 8-9 months in advance. Live bands, in particular, may require more time due to coordinating multiple members' schedules.

Caterer

Food is an important aspect of your wedding, and you'll want to find a caterer who can work within your budget and theme. Start researching caterers 10-12 months before the wedding, and aim to book them 8-9 months in advance.

Cake Baker

Your wedding cake should be both delicious and visually appealing. Book your cake baker about 6-8 months in advance, and schedule a tasting to pick the perfect flavours.

Hair and Makeup Artists

You'll want to look and feel your best on your wedding day, so book your hair and makeup artists about 5-6 months in advance. Be sure to schedule trial runs to ensure you're happy with the look.

Wedding Attire

Wedding dresses can take months to arrive, so start looking as early as possible. For bridal gowns, aim for 12 months to 6 months in advance. Bridesmaid dresses should be booked 6 months ahead, and menswear should also be ordered by this time.

Invitations and Stationery

Custom invitations and stationery can take time to design, print, and assemble. Start looking for options no later than 6-8 months before the wedding, and order them in time to mail them out 6-8 weeks before the big day.

Transportation and Rentals

If you require transportation or rentals, such as tables, chairs, or linens, book these vendors about 3-4 months in advance.

Wedding Bands

Shop for your wedding bands at least 4-6 months before the wedding, as many are made-to-order and can take 45-90 days to be delivered.

Honeymoon Travel Consultant

If you're planning a honeymoon, especially to a destination that requires travel arrangements, consider booking a travel consultant to help you navigate the process.

Final Thoughts

While this timeline provides a general guide, it's important to remain flexible and adapt to the availability of your chosen vendors. Remember, it is possible to plan your dream wedding within five months!

Frequently asked questions