Planning A Wedding: How To Get It Done Swiftly

Planning a wedding can take anywhere from two days to two years. While the average couple takes 14 months to plan their wedding, some couples are on a much shorter timeline. It is possible to plan a wedding in as little as 30 days, but it will require some flexibility and creativity. On the other hand, a longer engagement gives couples more time to save money and make decisions, but it can also lead to wedding burnout and increased stress. The right timeline depends on factors such as budget, guest list size, venue availability, and the couple's personal preferences.

Budgeting and saving

Determine Your Budget:

Start by figuring out how much you can afford to spend on your wedding. Be realistic about your financial situation and set a budget that you can comfortably afford. Consider your income, savings, and any contributions from family or friends. Use a spreadsheet or budget app to track your expenses and create a wedding budget that works for you.

Prioritize Your Spending:

Not all aspects of a wedding are equally important to every couple. Sit down with your partner and decide what is truly important to you. Maybe you want to splurge on an amazing photographer to capture every moment, or perhaps a live band is a must-have for your reception. By identifying your priorities, you can allocate more of your budget to those areas and cut back on less important details.

Trim the Guest List:

One of the most effective ways to reduce wedding costs is to cut down the number of guests. A smaller, more intimate wedding can significantly reduce expenses on food, drinks, invitations, and venue rental. Consider having a micro wedding with a limited guest list to save money.

Choose an Off-Peak Date:

Wedding venues and vendors often charge higher rates during peak wedding season, typically late spring to early fall. Consider getting married during the off-season, such as winter or early spring, to take advantage of lower rates and potentially negotiate better deals. You may also save money by opting for a weekday wedding instead of a traditional Saturday celebration.

Save on the Venue:

The venue is usually one of the biggest expenses in a wedding. Look for alternative venues that are budget-friendly or free, such as city hall, your backyard, a family member's home, a local church, or a public park. If you have a small guest list, you may also consider restaurants, art galleries, or other unique spaces that won't require extensive decorations.

DIY and Repurpose:

There are many ways to save money by doing things yourself or repurposing items. Create your own wedding invitations, bouquets, centrepieces, or even your wedding cake. You can also repurpose ceremony flowers for the reception, use the same space for both the ceremony and reception, or rent a wedding dress instead of buying a new one.

Shop Around for Vendors:

Don't settle for the first vendor you find. Compare prices and services from multiple photographers, caterers, florists, and entertainment options. You may be able to find more affordable options or negotiate better deals by shopping around. Ask for recommendations from recently married friends or family members, and read online reviews to find reputable vendors that fit your budget.

Skip the Extras:

It's easy to get carried away with small details and extras that quickly add up. Do you really need a photo booth, a chocolate fountain, or elaborate favours for your guests? Evaluate each element of your wedding and decide if it's truly necessary. Cutting out unnecessary extras can help you stay within your budget.

Consider Alternatives:

There are often more affordable alternatives to traditional wedding choices. Instead of an open bar with top-shelf liquor, offer a limited bar with beer, wine, and a signature cocktail. Opt for a plated meal instead of a buffet to reduce food waste and costs. Choose in-season flowers and decorations to save on floral arrangements. These small changes can make a big difference in your overall budget.

Stick to Your Plan:

Once you have created your budget and made a plan, stick to it! It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and start adding extra items or upgrading your choices. Remember your priorities and be disciplined with your spending. If you have allocated a certain amount for a specific item, try to stay within that budget to avoid overspending.

Planning a wedding on a budget requires creativity, flexibility, and careful planning. By following these tips and tailoring them to your unique situation, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding without breaking the bank.

Choosing a date and venue

Pick a Season

Deciding on a season for your wedding is a good place to start. Consider the climate and weather conditions during different times of the year at your desired location. If you want an outdoor wedding, choose a season with mild weather and clear skies. You can also consider your desired wedding theme and style when selecting a season. For example, a summer wedding can be fun and tropical, while a winter wedding can be opulent and snowy. Fall is currently the most popular time of year for weddings, with October being the most popular month.

Consider Your Budget

Your budget will play a significant role in choosing your wedding date and venue. Peak wedding season is typically between May and October, so prices tend to be higher during these months due to high demand. If you're looking to save money, consider choosing an off-peak date or month, such as January, March, April, or November. Saturday nights are also the most expensive, so you may want to consider a weekday wedding if you're on a budget.

Brainstorm Symbolic Dates

If there are any dates that hold symbolic value for you and your partner, consider those as potential options. For example, you may want to get married on the anniversary of your first date or the day you became an official couple. Keep in mind that your venue options may be limited if you're set on a specific date, so be prepared to be flexible.

Select Your Venue Type

There are various types of wedding venues to choose from, each offering a unique atmosphere and experience. Here are some common types of venues to consider:

• Hotels or resorts: Ideal for accommodating out-of-town guests, with the added convenience of in-house catering and amenities.
• Country clubs: Offer beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, often with golf courses and on-site catering.
• Barns and farms: Perfect for a relaxed and rustic vibe, with natural scenery as your backdrop.
• Vineyards: A great option for wine lovers, often with accompanying wineries for indoor activities.
• Historical sites: Celebrate your wedding at a historic estate or architectural landmark.
• Religious settings: Utilise your place of worship, such as a synagogue, church, or mosque.
• Beaches: Provide a stunning and memorable natural backdrop for your ceremony.
• Unique venues: For an out-of-the-box wedding, consider a sports stadium, campground, or warehouse.

Create a Guest List

Before finalising your venue, it's essential to have a preliminary guest list. This will help you choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate all your guests. Ensure there is enough space for free movement, mingling, and dancing. As a rule of thumb, your venue's maximum capacity should be slightly higher than your expected guest count.

Visit and Evaluate Venues

Create a list of potential venues that match your desired style, budget, and guest count. Schedule visits to each venue and take note of the amenities and services they offer. Pay attention to the staff's behaviour and professionalism, as they can make or break your wedding day. Don't be afraid to ask questions, such as their availability, rental prices, decorations, catering options, and noise policies.

Be Flexible

While it's important to have a vision for your wedding, try to remain flexible with your date and venue choices. Being open to different dates and venues will increase your options and may even help you find a gem that exceeds your expectations.

Start Your Search Early

Wedding venues can get booked up quickly, especially during peak season. It's recommended to start your search for a venue at least a year in advance to ensure you have a wide range of options.

Remember, choosing a date and venue is a highly personal decision. Consider your goals as a couple and what is most important to you. With careful planning and flexibility, you can find the perfect date and venue to create a memorable wedding day.

Finding a wedding dress

If you're planning a wedding in a shorter timeframe, you may need to be flexible and do some research to find a last-minute wedding dress. You could try calling bridal salons to ask how quickly they can order and receive a dress, and whether they offer rush fees to speed up the process. You could also ask if they have any sample sales or older sample dresses that they're selling off the rack. Department stores like Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue sell long white gowns in their evening sections, and often have tailors on staff who can help with quick alterations.

Another option is to look for a dress online. Trusted online dress retailers, like BHLDN, Floravere, and David's Bridal, offer a wide selection of styles and sizes, and can ship relatively quickly. David's Bridal, for example, has thousands of gowns in stock and can ship in as little as two to four business days. If you have a bit more time, you could also look for secondhand dresses on sites like Nearly Newlywed.

When you're shopping for a last-minute dress, be prepared to compromise. The less time you have, the more flexible you'll need to be when it comes to style, details, and designer. However, with some creativity and flexibility, it's definitely possible to find a beautiful wedding dress, even on a tight timeline.

• Try on different silhouettes and styles to find what you like and don't like.
• Be adventurous and try on styles you might not normally gravitate towards.
• Take pictures of the dresses you try on to help you make your decision.
• Be picky and vocal about what you want – it's your day, and it's important to find a dress that makes you feel beautiful and excited.

Inviting guests

The number of people you invite to your wedding will impact your venue selection, wedding style, and, most importantly, your budget. The more guests you invite, the more you will likely spend, so it's not a decision to be taken lightly.

If you're planning a last-minute wedding, you might not have time for a calligrapher or stationery artist to design physical invitations. In this case, sticking to a digital option or something that can be ordered quickly is key. If you're having a small wedding with just close family and friends, you can start a group message and keep an Excel sheet of who responded and who didn't. You can also send friendly follow-ups in the group, and people will have easy access to any information they need.

If you're inviting a larger group of people, go with a digital wedding invite option. Virtual wedding invitations can be emailed or texted in bulk, ensuring everyone gets theirs in a timely manner. Including a way for guests to RSVP online will also keep the process moving forward at a fast pace.

If you're sending physical invitations, it may take a few days for your guests to receive their invites and a few more days for you to receive their RSVPs. Keep this in mind when setting your RSVP date.

When it comes to figuring out who to invite to your wedding, it's a good idea to put your friends and family members into groups based on your relationships with them. Think of it like concentric "circles of trust." Your inner circle is at the centre, followed by those less essential to the guest list.

Some couples set ground rules for their guest list, such as only inviting people they have seen in person or talked to on the phone in the last year. If that doesn't work for you, you may have to look at each potential guest on a case-by-case basis.

• Immediate family: parents, siblings, grandparents, stepparents, step-siblings, and half-siblings.
• Best friends and chosen family.
• Close family: aunts, uncles, and first cousins.
• Family friends.
• Friends from different parts of your life: childhood, school, sports, work, clubs, social or religious groups, etc.
• Distant relatives you enjoy the company of and think will add to your day.
• Acquaintances like social media contacts, former colleagues, and neighbours you don't know well.
• Coworkers whom you don't consider friends and only see on Zoom or at the water cooler.
• People with whom you have strained relationships.
• Exes, unless you're both still friends and your past relationship is water under the bridge.
• People who invited you to their wedding but are no longer close friends.

The great plus-one debate is always a tricky subject, but anyone who is in a serious relationship (engaged, married, living together, dating for over a year) should be invited with a plus-one, whether you know the partner well or not. If you want to allow all of your single guests to bring a date and can afford it, go for it—but this is not required.

People have very mixed opinions on inviting kids to weddings. Whatever you decide, we recommend making a rule and sticking to it—no exceptions. And yes, you are allowed to only invite children who are in the wedding party and not others.

If you're having a small wedding, you might only invite immediate family and best friends. If you're having something a little bigger, you might expand that to include close family and friends. It really depends on the vibe you're going for and who you want to be present.

Another option is inviting only immediate family and closest friends to the ceremony, but expanding the guest list for the reception. This is a great solution if you want an intimate, private wedding but have a lot of people you "must" invite.

Planning the honeymoon

Create Your Honeymoon Vision:

Start by discussing what you and your partner envision for your honeymoon. Do you dream of a secluded beach getaway or an adventurous safari? Would you prefer a relaxing trip or one filled with activities? It's essential to communicate openly and give each other space to share your ideas without judgment.

Determine Your Honeymoon Rhythm:

Discuss the pace of travel that suits you both. Do you want a jam-packed itinerary with several activities, or do you prefer a more relaxed schedule with free time? Be honest about your preferences and find a balance that works for both of you.

Establish Your Honeymoon Budget:

The average cost of a honeymoon is $5,100, according to The Knot 2022 Real Weddings Study. Create a realistic budget by considering your savings, potential contributions from loved ones, and any credit card points you can utilize.

Select Your Accommodations:

Decide on the type of accommodations that align with your budget and preferences. Would you prefer an all-inclusive resort with luxurious amenities, or would you rather immerse yourself in nature with eco-lodges? Consider the location and any specific amenities or experiences you desire.

Hire a Honeymoon Planning Service or Travel Agent:

If planning feels overwhelming, consider enlisting professional help. Honeymoon planning services and travel agents have extensive knowledge and industry connections to create a tailored itinerary and secure the best options for you. They can also provide valuable support in case of emergencies or last-minute changes.

Choose Your Destination:

With your vision and budget in mind, narrow down your dream destinations. Consider the seasonality and peak travel times for your desired locations. Opt for shoulder seasons, which offer better prices and fewer crowds, but be mindful of any weather-related risks.

Book Your Travel and Accommodations:

Start planning and booking at least six months in advance to secure your preferred options. Research and book flights, reserve your accommodations, and make any necessary travel arrangements, such as rental cars or language apps for international travel.

Create a Detailed Itinerary:

Work with your partner to create a day-by-day itinerary that suits your interests and travel style. Include a mix of activities, excursions, and relaxation time. Book any tours, restaurant reservations, or special experiences in advance to avoid disappointment.

Prepare for Your Trip:

Take care of all the necessary logistics, such as passports, visas, travel insurance, and any required vaccinations. Make a packing list, confirm your reservations, and arrange for pet or house-sitting services. Exchange some currency for your destination, and don't forget to leave a copy of your itinerary and house keys with a trusted friend or family member.

Remember, your honeymoon is a special trip to celebrate your new life together. Take the time to plan, be flexible, and enjoy the process of creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Frequently asked questions