Planning A Small Wedding: A Year-Long Guide

Planning a wedding in less than a year is not only possible, but it's also a great idea. Many couples walk down the aisle anywhere from 12 to 18 months after getting engaged, so there's no need to wait two years for your wedding day. If you're planning a small wedding, you'll have more freedom with your decisions, but it can also be overwhelming. To get started, sit down with your partner and discuss your wedding style, venue, guest size and budget. You might also want to think about activities you want to include on your special day and choose a location that's significant to you.

Budgeting

Planning a wedding in less than a year is totally doable and usually the norm. In fact, it's a great idea because you don't have to wait as long for your wedding day and honeymoon. However, it's important to get started as soon as possible and be flexible with your choices.

One of the most important aspects of planning a small wedding is budgeting. Here are some tips to help you stay on track financially:

Firstly, sit down with your partner and have a serious conversation about how you both envision your wedding. Discuss the style, venue, guest list, and most importantly, your budget. Be open and honest about what you can afford, and allocate your funds accordingly.

Next, prioritize your spending. Decide what aspects of the wedding are most important to you and allocate more funds to those areas. For example, if having a particular venue is a must, you may need to compromise on other areas, such as the number of guests or the type of food served.

To keep track of your spending, create a detailed spreadsheet or use a wedding planning app. List all the expected expenses, from the venue and catering to smaller items like stationery and decorations. Update the spreadsheet or app regularly to ensure you're staying within your budget.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. Wedding planning can be overwhelming, and there are professionals who can assist with budgeting and planning. Friends and family can also be a great source of support, whether it's helping with DIY decorations or offering their services for free or at a discounted rate.

Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating your love, so focus on what's truly important to you and your partner, and don't get too caught up in the details. With careful planning and budgeting, you can have the small wedding of your dreams within a year.

Venue

Planning a wedding in a year is totally doable and usually the norm. You just have to get started a little sooner and be flexible with your choices.

The venue is one of the most important aspects of your wedding day. When choosing a venue, consider your wedding style, guest size and budget. Sit down with your partner and have a serious conversation about how you both want the wedding to look so your budget is allocated properly.

If you're planning a small wedding, you might want to choose a venue that is special to you. Many couples choose locations based on the significance they have in their lives. This could be the inn where your family vacations every year, a place that you and your future spouse visit all the time, or even your own backyard.

If you're looking for a unique venue, consider a local ski resort or a place that reflects your shared passions. For example, one couple chose a ski resort so they could enjoy mountain biking on their wedding day.

When choosing a venue, keep in mind that you may have to be flexible with your choices, especially if you're planning your wedding in less than a year. Be open to different dates and locations, and don't be afraid to think outside the box.

Guest list

Planning a small wedding in a year is totally doable. The first step is to sit down with your partner and have a serious conversation about how you both want the wedding to look and how much you can afford. This will help you allocate your budget properly.

The size of your guest list will determine many other aspects of your wedding planning, including your venue and your budget. Small weddings generally have 50-75 guests, although some sources suggest that a small wedding is one with fewer than 50 guests.

Start with a list of the immediate family members you absolutely want to include, such as parents, grandparents, siblings and their partners, and a handful of best friends. Then, agree with your partner about which extended family members you can include. Keep it to your very closest friends whom you can't imagine not celebrating with.

Remember, you don't have to invite anyone you don't feel close to currently. If you're worried about offending people who don't make the list, take steps to reassure them that they are loved and valued, and remind them that there will be other opportunities in the future to celebrate with you.

Activities

Planning a small wedding in a year is totally doable and usually the norm. In fact, most couples walk down the aisle anywhere from 12-18 months after getting engaged.

When it comes to activities, it's important to think about what you and your partner want to include on your special day. Consider choosing a location that is significant to you both. For example, one couple hosted their small wedding at a local ski resort so they could enjoy their shared passion for mountain biking. You could also choose a place that holds a special memory, such as a family vacation spot or a place you and your future spouse visit often.

Another activity to consider is the wedding style and guest size. Sit down with your partner and discuss how you both envision the wedding so that your budget is allocated properly. This will help guide your decisions and ensure that your wedding reflects your unique style and personality.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, remember that you don't have to plan everything alone. Reach out to friends and family for help or consider hiring a wedding planner to guide you through the process. With their expertise, they can help you create a timeline and checklist to ensure that everything runs smoothly on your big day.

Timing

Planning a wedding in a year is totally doable and usually the norm. In fact, most couples walk down the aisle anywhere from 12-18 months after getting engaged. So, if you're looking to get hitched in a year, you're in good company!

To make sure you stay on track, it's important to get started on your planning sooner rather than later. This means sitting down with your partner and having a serious conversation about what you both want your wedding to look like. Be sure to discuss your budget, guest list, venue, and any activities you want to include. By allocating your budget properly and deciding on the overall style of your wedding, you'll be able to create a timeline that works for you.

When it comes to timing, flexibility is key. Keep in mind that your first choices for venues or vendors may not always be available, so it's important to have a few backup options. Additionally, give yourself enough time to make decisions by setting deadlines and creating a wedding planning checklist. This will help you stay organised and ensure that you're not rushing through the planning process.

While there is no "perfect" amount of time to plan a wedding, with a year to work with, you'll be able to create a day that's truly special and unique to you. Remember, the most important thing is that you and your partner are happy with the end result. So, take your time, enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but with the right timing and organisation, you'll be well on your way to a beautiful and memorable day.

Frequently asked questions