Planning A Speedy Wedding: A Practical Guide

Planning a wedding in a short space of time can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The first thing to do is to decide on your budget, as this will inform many of your decisions. Next, you'll need to find a venue and secure your vendors, such as florists, photographers, DJs and cake bakers. You'll also need to think about your dress, as many boutiques have a six-month lead time. However, there are options for ready-to-wear bridal shops, non-bridal dress shops, or bridal rentals. It's also important to stick to a schedule and be prepared to start paying deposits or even full payments.

Budgeting

Planning a wedding can be expensive, and it's important to decide your budget ahead of time. This will help you make decisions about what to spend on each aspect of your wedding. If you're planning a quick wedding, you'll need to be prepared to start paying out fast, as many places will need deposits or even payment in full when you book.

The first step is to work out how much you can afford to spend overall. This will depend on your financial situation and how much you're comfortable spending. You may also want to consider whether you'll be receiving any financial contributions from family members or friends.

Next, you'll need to prioritise what's important to you and your partner. For example, you might want to allocate more money to the venue or food, and less to things like decorations or entertainment. It's also a good idea to have a contingency fund for any unexpected costs that may arise.

When it comes to the individual elements of your wedding, there are a few ways to save money when planning a quick wedding. For the dress, you could opt for a ready-to-wear bridal shop, a non-bridal dress shop, or a bridal rental. You could also pay a rush fee for a custom-made dress. For guests' accommodation, try to book early and reserve a hotel room block if possible, as these get booked up quickly.

Finally, don't forget to budget for any finishing touches like hair, makeup, and beauty treatments. These can add up quickly, so be sure to factor them into your overall budget.

Choosing a venue

Planning a wedding in a short space of time can be challenging, but it is possible if you're willing to think outside the box. When it comes to choosing a venue, you may need to consider alternative days such as Monday, Friday or Sunday, which can open up more options. Unconventional spaces like an art gallery, the beach, or even your backyard can also be great choices and may be more readily available.

It is important to have a clear idea of your budget before you start looking for a venue, as this will help you make decisions and narrow down your options. Many places will require deposits or even full payment upon booking, so be prepared to start paying out quickly.

When choosing a venue, it is also crucial to consider the availability of vendors. Florists, photographers, DJs, and cake bakers usually get booked well in advance, so make sure to secure them as soon as possible. You may also need to book accommodation for any guests coming from out of town, as these can get booked up quickly.

If you're looking for a more traditional wedding venue, such as a hotel or banquet hall, be prepared to be flexible with your dates and times. These venues may have last-minute cancellations or openings that you can take advantage of. It's also a good idea to ask about their payment policies, as some venues may be more accommodating with payment plans or deposit requirements.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. Wedding planners or event coordinators can be a great resource when planning a wedding in a short amount of time. They may have connections to venues and vendors that you wouldn't otherwise have access to.

Securing vendors

When it comes to securing vendors for a fast wedding, it's important to act quickly. Florists, photographers, DJs, and cake bakers are often booked well in advance, so make a list of the vendors you need and start reaching out as soon as possible. Be prepared to pay deposits or even the full amount upfront, as many vendors will require payment as soon as you book.

To increase your chances of finding available vendors, consider alternative options for your wedding venue and date. Unconventional spaces like art galleries, beaches, or even your backyard may have more availability, and choosing a weekday wedding can also open up more options.

If you're looking for a custom-made wedding dress, be aware that most boutiques require at least six months' lead time. You may be able to pay a rush fee to get a dress made quickly, or you could explore ready-to-wear bridal shops, non-bridal dress shops, or bridal rentals. Remember to schedule fittings close to your wedding date to ensure the perfect fit.

Accommodation for out-of-town guests is another aspect that needs early attention, as hotels can get booked up quickly. Try to reserve a block of hotel rooms to make organisation easier.

Finding a dress

Planning a wedding in a short space of time can be challenging, but it is possible. One of the most important things to consider when planning a quick wedding is your budget. This will help you to make decisions and you will need to be prepared to start paying out quickly.

Finding a wedding dress at short notice can be difficult, as many boutiques have a six-month lead time and last-minute appointments can be hard to come by. However, there are a few options to consider. You could pay a rush fee for a custom-made dress, or look at ready-to-wear bridal shops, non-bridal dress shops, or bridal rentals. Shopping on the high street, going vintage, or looking at sample sales are also good options for finding a dress quickly. Remember to schedule fittings close to your wedding date for a perfect fit.

When calling bridal boutiques, tell them your wedding date to see if it's feasible and ask about cancellations. It's also a good idea to consider alternative venues for your wedding, such as an art gallery, the beach, or your backyard, as these may have more availability at short notice.

Scheduling

Decide on your budget and choose a venue. Considering alternative days like Monday, Friday or Sunday will open up a number of choices. Unconventional spaces too, like an art gallery, the beach, or even your backyard, will open up more options.

Secure your vendors. Make a list of the main vendors that you need, and set about securing them as soon as you can. Florists, photographers, DJs, and cake bakers usually get booked well ahead of time.

Book guests’ accommodation. Accommodation for any guests coming from out of town is something else that would need to be sorted early, as they get booked quickly. Reserve a hotel room block if possible, for easier access and organisation.

Choose your dress. While most custom-made wedding dresses would need at least six months to be ordered, there are other options for a quick wedding plan. You could pay a rush fee if you still want custom-made. There is also the option of ready-to-wear bridal shops, non-bridal dress shops, or bridal rentals. Remember to schedule fittings close to your wedding date for a perfect fit.

Frequently asked questions