Planning A Wedding In Less Than A Year: Is It Possible?

Planning a wedding in nine months is entirely possible, but it requires dedication, flexibility, and quick decision-making. While some couples opt for longer engagements to plan their dream wedding, a shorter timeline can be manageable and even enjoyable if approached efficiently. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan your special day in nine months.

Month 1:

- Research and narrow down potential venues.

- Set a wedding date.

- Create a wedding vision board and decide on a theme or concept.

- Build a wedding website to share information with guests.

- Choose your wedding party.

- Research floral arrangements and decor.

- Send out save the dates.

- Start collecting ideas for bridal hair, makeup, and attire.

- Book entertainment, such as a photo booth.

- If planning a destination wedding, research marriage license requirements.

Month 2:

- Finalize your guest list.

- Book your wedding ceremony and reception venues.

- Hire a wedding planner, if desired.

- Select and book your photographer and videographer.

- Choose your officiant.

- Begin selecting your wedding menu and caterer.

Month 3:

- Schedule tastings and finalize your menu.

- Book your florist and discuss centerpiece ideas.

- Start planning your honeymoon.

- Shop for bridesmaid dresses.

- Arrange transportation for the wedding day.

- Set a budget for various aspects of the wedding.

Month 4:

- Order wedding invitations and stationery.

- Schedule dress fittings and alterations.

- Book hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.

- Plan welcome bags for guests.

- Meet with the officiant to discuss ceremony details.

- Start any DIY projects for decor or favors.

Month 5:

- Complete your guest list and create a seating chart.

- Order rental items like chairs, linens, and lighting.

- Schedule hair and makeup trials.

- Choose your wedding cake.

- Research and purchase wedding bands.

Month 6:

- Choose and order wedding favors.

- Purchase accessories, shoes, and jewelry.

- Schedule a final venue walk-through.

- Finalize seating arrangements and music playlists.

- Book your rehearsal dinner venue.

Month 7:

- Send out wedding invitations.

- Begin writing your vows.

- Confirm details with vendors and your wedding party.

- Obtain your marriage license.

- Delegate tasks to friends and family for better organization.

Month 8:

- Follow up with guests who haven't RSVP'd.

- Have your final wedding dress fitting.

- Confirm rehearsal dinner details.

- Create a shot list for your photographer.

- Break in your wedding shoes.

- Finalize your day-of timeline.

Month 9:

- Have a final venue walk-through.

- Assign seating for the reception.

- Pick up your wedding rings.

- Pack for your honeymoon.

- Share the timeline with vendors and the wedding party.

- Write thank-you notes for gifts received.

- Confirm the final headcount with your caterer.

Budgeting and venue

Budgeting

According to wedding planner Chanda Daniels, the first three months of the wedding planning process are what she calls "the discovery phase". During this phase, it's important to define the essentials: your budget, guest list, venue, date, and overall aesthetic. Setting your budget is the crucial first step in ensuring you stick to it.

• Cut down your guest list.
• Choose an off-peak wedding date.
• Opt for a naturally beautiful wedding location that doesn't require a lot of extra decoration.
• Find a venue that will let you bring your own alcohol.
• Choose a simple cake design.
• Consider a local restaurant instead of a caterer.
• Recruit talented friends to help with things like invitations, cupcakes, and music.
• Borrow items like vases and chairs from family and friends.
• Shop at thrift stores for affordable decor.
• Choose in-season flowers.
• Skip the pricey limo rental.
• Serve only wine and beer.
• Choose a non-traditional venue.
• Hold your wedding at home.
• Opt for a dessert buffet instead of a traditional wedding cake.
• Skip the favours.
• Buy wholesale flowers and DIY your floral arrangements.

Venue

When it comes to choosing a venue, it's important to start your search early. Wedding venues tend to get booked up to a year in advance or more, so if you want your first choice of venue, it's best to begin looking as soon as possible. Here are some other things to keep in mind when selecting a venue:

• Location: Consider how easy it is for guests to get to the venue. Is it close to airports, hotels, and other accommodations? Is it accessible for people with disabilities? What's the parking situation?
• Guest count: You should have a rough idea of how many people will be attending so you can choose a venue that can accommodate your guest list.
• Budget: Venue pricing can vary widely, so it's important to confirm the big-picture pricing before you book. Be sure to ask what is included in the price, as some venues may charge extra for tables, chairs, linens, catering, etc.
• Wedding style: Identify your wedding style before you start looking for a venue. Do you want a formal or casual wedding? Indoors or outdoors? Modern or boho? Knowing your style will help you narrow down your venue options.
• Must-haves: Before committing to a venue, think about the things that are most important to you. For example, do you want a rooftop ceremony space with a view, in-house catering, or the ability to bring your own alcohol?
• Restrictions: Be sure to ask about any restrictions or limitations the venue may have. For example, are there any rules about live music or bringing your dog?
• Work involved: Decide if you want a blank-slate venue where you can build your wedding from scratch, or an all-inclusive venue that covers multiple services and rentals in one package price.

Once you've found the right venue and confirmed your date, you can start working on finalizing the other major vendors, such as the caterer, photographer, florist, and musicians.

Guest list and vendors

Planning a wedding in 9 months is entirely possible, and you can still achieve your dream celebration. The first three months are considered the "discovery phase", where you will define your wedding-day experience. During this time, it is crucial to focus on the essentials: your budget, guest list, venue, date, and overall aesthetic.

Guest List

Finalising your guest list should be a priority in the first month of planning. This will help you choose a venue that can accommodate your desired number of guests. It is also important when it comes to sending out save-the-dates and invitations, as well as planning other details such as catering and transportation.

Vendors

Venue

The venue is one of the most important vendors and should be booked as soon as possible, especially if you have a specific date in mind. A good venue can make your wedding planning easier, as some venues offer catering and other services in-house.

Wedding Planner

A wedding planner is not mandatory but can be extremely helpful, especially if you are short on time. They can help you bring your vision to life and curate the right team of vendors that match your style. It is recommended to book a full-scale wedding planner at least 10 months before the wedding, and a day-of coordinator around the 10-month mark.

Photographer and Videographer

The demand for photographers and videographers is high, so it is recommended to book them early, ideally 10-12 months before the wedding.

Band/DJ, Ceremony Musician, and Officiant

You will need music and a DJ for your wedding, as well as a musician for the ceremony. It is suggested to book them around the 11-month mark, and the officiant around the 10-month mark.

Catering

If your venue does not offer catering services, you will need to arrange a caterer for your wedding and your rehearsal dinner. Due to high demand, it is recommended to do this around the 9-month mark or earlier.

Florist

Book your florist 8 months in advance, and start looking at decorations and rentals around 5 months before the wedding.

Cake

Book your bakery 6 months in advance, and up to 8 months if you have special requests or a particular baker in mind.

Transportation

If you require transportation, such as limousines or shuttle buses, book them 3-4 months before the wedding.

Hair and Makeup

Book hair and makeup services 9 months in advance, and be sure to schedule a trial run before the wedding.

Invitations and Stationery

Start looking for invitations and coordinating stationery no later than 6-8 months before the wedding. Order them in time to be mailed out 8 weeks before the wedding day.

Attire

Finding your wedding dress or gown is a priority and should be done as early as possible to allow time for fittings and alterations. For bridesmaid dresses and menswear, 6 months in advance is recommended.

Other Vendors

Other vendors to consider include entertainment, such as a photo booth, and event rental suppliers for items like tents, lighting, furniture, and linens.

Attire and decor

Planning a wedding in nine months is entirely possible, and you can still achieve your dream celebration. Here is a guide to help you plan the attire and decor for your big day.

Months 9-7:

• Start shopping for dresses for the bride and bridesmaids. It is recommended to select and order custom wedding dresses or suits as early as possible.
• Begin researching bridesmaid attire options.
• Shop for and purchase the groom's and groomsmen's attire.
• Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
• Set your theme and colour scheme for the wedding.
• Start planning ceremony and reception decorations.
• Research wedding ring designs and purchase wedding bands.
• Research and order wedding favours.
• Purchase thank-you gifts for the wedding party.
• If you are planning a destination wedding, research the marriage license requirements and apply for any necessary travel documents.

Months 6-4:

• Finalise wedding rehearsal details.
• Schedule your final wedding day fashion fittings.
• Start planning your honeymoon and book your flights and/or accommodations.
• Finalise food details with your catering team.
• Meet with wedding vendors and complete your cake tasting.
• Plan a wedding shower.
• Schedule hair and makeup trial appointments.
• Book your hair and makeup artists for your bridesmaids and remember to include the mothers of the bride and groom, too.
• Book dancing lessons for your "first dance."
• Finalise the menu with caterers, including any dietary requirements.

Months 3-1:

• Buy your wedding rings.
• Finalise wedding ceremony details and meet with your officiant to personalise your ceremony.
• Touch base with your wedding vendors and create a wedding day itinerary with your photographer.
• Finalise your wedding playlist.
• Celebrate with your bachelorette and bachelor parties.
• Get your marriage license.
• Schedule your final fittings and buy all accessories and reception outfits if you're planning an outfit change.
• Create your day-of timeline and seating chart.
• Finalise your seating arrangements and confirm your honeymoon bookings.
• Purchase wedding decor.
• Print the seating chart and cards.
• Confirm your final headcount with your caterer and rental vendors.
• Make gratuity envelopes for vendor staff if not included in the invoice.
• Break in your wedding shoes.
• Begin packing for your honeymoon.
• Finalise payments and prepare cheques or envelopes for day-of payments.

Invites and timelines

Planning a wedding in 9 months is entirely doable. Here is a timeline to help you plan the invites and overall schedule for your big day.

The First 3 Months: The Discovery Phase

In the first 3 months, focus on defining your wedding-day experience. This includes keying in on the essentials: your budget, guest list, venue, date, and overall aesthetic.

6-9 Months Before:

• Send out "Save the Dates" and wedding invites. For a destination wedding, send these out as soon as possible, ideally 8 months to a year in advance, to give your guests ample time to plan their travel.
• Choose and order your wedding invitations.
• Finalize your wedding menu with the caterer.
• Purchase wedding rings.
• Choose your wedding party outfits.
• Book your honeymoon.
• Finalize your seating arrangements.
• Confirm your song choices for the ceremony and reception.

2 Months Before:

• Mail your wedding invitations.
• Create place cards, escort cards, and custom menus.
• Finalize your floral designs, tablescape, ceremony set-up, and cake.

2 Weeks Before:

• Confirm big-impact items like flowers, playlists, and menus.
• Finalize attire fittings.
• Make deposits and deliver catering numbers.

1 Week Before:

• Finalize most of your plans, though be prepared to make last-minute changes.
• Drop off any DIY projects with your planner or at the venue.

The Day Before:

• Review the contingency plan with the venue in case of bad weather.
• Check the weather report and pack essentials for inclement weather.
• Have your marriage license and rings ready.

Remember, while it's important to stick to a timeline, don't forget to enjoy your wedding planning journey and the magical moments leading up to your big day!

Final checks and details

As the big day approaches, it's important to tie up any loose ends and ensure that all the final details are in place. Here are some things to keep in mind as you approach the last few months before your wedding:

Three Months Before:

• Send out your wedding invitations. This will allow you to set an RSVP date of one month before the wedding, giving you ample time to track down late responses and finalise your guest list.
• Choose and order your wedding rings.
• Finalise the menu with your caterer and provide them with the final guest count.
• Book any remaining vendors, such as transportation and honeymoon travel.
• Choose your accessories, such as shoes, jewellery, and hairpieces.
• Start creating a seating chart, especially if you have a large number of guests.
• Confirm the details with your vendors, including the shot list with your photographer and videographer, and the song list for the ceremony and reception with your musicians/DJ.

Two Months Before:

• Finalise the floral designs, tablescape, ceremony setup, and cake.
• Choose your ceremony readings and write your vows and reception speeches.
• Purchase gifts for your bridal party.
• Schedule hair and makeup trials, if you haven't already.
• If you're having a rehearsal dinner, send out invitations and confirm the venue booking.
• Purchase wedding décor and finalise your full-day timeline.

One Month Before:

• Finalise your seating arrangements and confirm your honeymoon bookings.
• Give a final headcount to your caterer and rental vendors.
• Print the seating chart and cards.
• Confirm your rehearsal dinner booking and create a day-of timeline for your wedding party and vendors.
• Break in your wedding shoes to avoid blisters on the big day.
• Begin packing for your honeymoon and confirm travel arrangements.
• Review the contingency plan with your venue in case of bad weather.
• Make gratuity envelopes for vendor staff, if not included in the invoice.
• Pick up or finalise any rental items, such as tuxedos or suits for the groom and groomsmen.

One Week Before:

• Have your final wedding dress fitting and collect your dress if you haven't already.
• Check the weather report and pack essentials for inclement weather.
• Ensure your marriage license and rings are in a safe place.
• Finalise any DIY projects and deliver special items to the venue or wedding planner.
• Confirm transportation arrangements.
• Assign someone to collect your gifts and belongings after the reception.

One Day Before:

• Rehearse the ceremony with your wedding party and iron out any last-minute details.
• Drop off place cards, table cards, menus, favours, and the table plan to the reception coordinator.
• Provide all wedding professionals with an emergency contact number.
• Sort out final payments and gratuities for vendors, and prepare envelopes with the correct amounts.
• Pack an overnight bag for the reception and your honeymoon.
• Get a good night's sleep!

Frequently asked questions