Planning A Wedding In A Snap: 8-Month Guide

Planning a wedding in eight months is definitely achievable, but it will require some organisation and a clear plan. The first step is to book your venue, as these can get booked up quickly. After that, you can start researching and booking your vendors, such as caterers, photographers, florists and DJs. You'll also want to start thinking about your dress, as this can be a time-consuming process. With eight months to go, you have plenty of time to plan your dream wedding without feeling too rushed.

Book the venue

Booking the venue is one of the first things you should do when planning a wedding with an eight-month timeline. Venues can fill up quickly, so it's important to book as soon as possible. Once you've signed the contract and have a firm date, you can start booking vendors that can only be in one place at a time on your wedding day, such as photographers, DJs, bands, ceremony musicians, and officiants.

If you're planning on using professional vendors, such as caterers, photographers, and florists, it's a good idea to start researching and making calls now. You'll want to figure out these details before moving on to other aspects of your wedding planning.

It's also important to stay organised and on top of your planning throughout the process. While eight months is enough time to plan a wedding, it can easily become overwhelming if you don't stay focused and keep track of your progress.

To help with this, consider creating a checklist to ensure you're staying on track and not feeling rushed or overwhelmed. This can be a helpful way to break down the planning process into manageable tasks and ensure you're not taking on too much at once.

Research and book vendors

Researching and booking vendors is a crucial step in planning your wedding. It's important to start this process as soon as possible, especially for those vendors who can only be in one place at a time on your wedding day, such as photographers, DJs or bands, ceremony musicians, and officiants.

Begin by creating a checklist of the vendors you will need for your wedding. This might include a caterer, photographer, florist, cake vendor, and any other professionals you wish to include. Once you have a clear idea of the vendors you require, start researching and making calls to find the best fit for your vision and budget.

When researching vendors, consider their availability, especially if you are working with a shorter timeline. Ask about their experience, services offered, and any packages or deals they may have available. It is also essential to read reviews and testimonials from past clients to get a sense of their work ethic and the quality of their services.

As you narrow down your choices, be sure to ask for quotes and compare prices to ensure you are getting the best value for your money. Keep in mind that some vendors may be more expensive due to their location or high demand, so it is crucial to have a clear understanding of your budget and priorities.

Once you have decided on your vendors, book them as soon as possible to secure their services for your wedding day. Having a firm date and a signed venue contract will also help in this process, as many vendors will require this information before confirming their availability.

Sort the dress

Sorting the dress is one of the most important parts of wedding planning, and it's also one of the most time-consuming. It's recommended that you get on with dress shopping as soon as possible, as this is the one thing that brides often wish they had more time for.

One way to save time is to buy a sample dress from a store. This is a great option if you're a standard size, as you can get a unique dress without the long lead times.

If you're planning on having bridesmaids, you should order their dresses 2-3 months before the wedding.

It's also worth bearing in mind that you'll need to factor in time for any alterations, so it's a good idea to give yourself plenty of time to find the perfect dress.

Book accommodation for guests

Booking accommodation for your guests is an important part of planning a wedding, especially if you're working to a tight timeline. It's recommended that you book the big things first, and accommodation for guests is certainly one of those.

If you're planning on having guests stay over, you'll need to book a hotel or other accommodation for them. This is often done by the couple getting married, but it can also be handled by a wedding planner or day-of coordinator. It's a good idea to book a hotel that is close to the wedding venue to make things easier for your guests.

You should also consider the number of guests you'll be accommodating. If you have a large number of guests, you may need to book a block of rooms at a hotel or look into alternative accommodation options, such as Airbnb or vacation rentals.

Don't forget to communicate with your guests about their accommodation needs. Some guests may have specific requirements or preferences, so it's helpful to send out a message or include accommodation information on your wedding website. This will also give your guests the opportunity to book their own accommodation if they prefer.

Finally, don't leave it too late to book. Accommodation can fill up quickly, especially if your wedding is during a busy period or in a popular location. Get on it as soon as possible to ensure your guests have a place to stay.

Send out invitations

Sending out invitations is an important part of planning a wedding. It's a good idea to start looking at invitations around eight months before the wedding. This will give you enough time to find the perfect design and get them ordered and sent out.

It's also a good idea to create a checklist to help you stay organised. Focus on the months you don't have rather than a whole year, so you don't feel too rushed or behind schedule. This will help you get things done without feeling too stressed.

When creating your checklist, make sure to include a deadline for sending out invitations. A good rule of thumb is to send them out eight to ten weeks before the wedding. This will give your guests enough time to RSVP and make any necessary travel arrangements.

Finally, don't forget to include all the important details on the invitation, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding, as well as RSVP information. You may also want to include information about your wedding website, if you have one, and any other relevant details, such as dress code or accommodation options for guests.

Frequently asked questions