Planning A Wedding In 3 Months: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding in 100 days is a challenge, but it's not impossible. It's important to stay focused and organised, and to make sure your checklist has the essentials on it. You'll need to act quickly, keep things simple, and don't be afraid to ask for help. This guide will take you through the process, from getting your marriage license to planning the timeline for the day, and everything in between.

Getting a marriage license

When researching the rules for your state, pay attention to any specific documentation or identification you may need to provide. This could include birth certificates, passports, or other forms of ID. Additionally, there may be requirements around witness signatures or notarisation, so be sure to familiarise yourself with these details.

Another important consideration is the validity period of the marriage license. In some states, the license is only valid for a certain period after it is issued. For example, it may be valid for 30, 60, or 90 days. This means that you should time your application carefully to ensure the license remains valid for your wedding date.

If you are planning a destination wedding or getting married outside of your home state, be sure to research the requirements for that specific location. The process and requirements may differ, and you may need to allow for additional time or follow unique procedures.

By staying organised and proactive, you can ensure that obtaining your marriage license is a smooth and stress-free process. It is a crucial step in making your wedding day official, so be sure to give it the attention it deserves.

Decorations

If you're planning a wedding in 100 days, it's important to stay focused and make sure your checklist has the essentials.

You can keep things simple and small, which will be easier on your budget and less stressful. You could opt for a simple colour scheme and choose decorations that fit within that, such as balloons, streamers, and flowers. You could also ask your florist about centrepieces for the tables.

If you're having a sit-down meal, you'll need to think about table decorations. This could include place cards, candles, and favours for your guests. You could also add decorations to the chairs, such as sashes or flowers.

Finally, don't forget about lighting. Fairy lights or lanterns can add a romantic touch to your venue and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Thank you cards

Planning a wedding in 100 days is no easy feat, but it's definitely doable. One of the most important things to remember is to stay focused and organised.

One task that you can get a head start on is your thank you cards. It's a good idea to order or design your thank you cards, address the envelopes, and even write the first few sentences on each card. This way, you can fill in the rest after the wedding when you receive gifts from your guests. This will ensure that your thank you cards are personalised and meaningful. You could also include a photo of the guest at the wedding as a special touch.

When it comes to the design of your thank you cards, consider choosing a style that reflects the theme and colours of your wedding. This could be anything from a classic and elegant design to something more fun and whimsical. You can also add personal touches, such as a favourite quote or a message that reflects your personality as a couple.

If you're short on time, there are plenty of online resources and templates available to help you create beautiful thank you cards. You can also enlist the help of your bridal party or family members to address envelopes or stuff and stamp the cards.

Remember, it's important to send thank you cards as soon as possible after the wedding. Your guests will appreciate receiving a timely thank you for their attendance and gifts.

Wedding style

Now is the time to start thinking about the look and feel of your wedding. This includes the decor, the outfits, the flowers, the food, the music, and the venue.

First, decide on a colour scheme and a theme. This will help to create a cohesive look for your wedding. Do you want something classic and elegant, or fun and quirky? Are there any colours that are particularly meaningful to you and your partner? Once you have a colour scheme and theme in mind, you can start to plan the decor.

For the decor, consider centrepieces, custom-made napkins, and any other special touches you'd like to add. If you're ordering items online, make sure to check delivery times so that you can plan accordingly. You might also want to think about any DIY projects you'd like to take on, such as making your own centrepieces or favours.

The outfits are another important part of the wedding style. Start by choosing your wedding dress or suit, and then consider the outfits for your bridal party. Will they all wear the same colour or style, or will you give them some freedom to choose their own outfits? Don't forget to think about accessories, shoes, and jewellery too.

Flowers are another key element of wedding style. Decide on the types of flowers and colours you'd like, and whether you want fresh or dried flowers. You might also want to consider using flowers in your hair or as part of your decor.

When it comes to food, think about the type of cuisine you'd like to serve and whether you want a sit-down meal or a more casual buffet. If you're having a cake, decide on the flavour and design, and whether you want a traditional tiered cake or something more unique.

Music is another important aspect of setting the mood for your wedding. Decide on the type of music you'd like, whether you want a live band or a DJ, and create a playlist of your favourite songs.

Finally, the venue will also play a big part in the style of your wedding. If you haven't chosen a venue yet, consider the type of atmosphere you want to create and whether you want an indoor or outdoor wedding.

Budgeting

Planning a wedding in 100 days can be a stressful experience, but budgeting is a great way to keep things on track. Firstly, you should decide what your priorities are. Whether you have $1,000 or $100,000 to spend, you can have a beautiful wedding day. Think about the three things that are a must-have for you and your partner, whether that's your dream dress, the catering, or a videographer.

Next, you should consider your guest list. The number of guests will determine how much you need to budget for your venue, food, drinks, invitations, and favours. As a general rule, you should plan to budget at least $100 per guest. If you're trying to keep costs down, one of the easiest ways to do this is to invite fewer people.

Now you know your priorities and your guest list, you can start to allocate a percentage of your budget to each expense. You should also create a timeline for savings and work out when you need to pay for each item. This will help you avoid wasting money and ensure you don't start married life in debt.

Finally, don't forget to factor in the cost of your marriage license. Some states let you get your license 60 days before the wedding, and you might need to make an appointment. Research the rules in your state as soon as possible to ensure you can get your hands on a license in time.

Frequently asked questions