Planning A Wedding In A Hurry: 20-Day Guide

Planning a wedding in 20 days is a challenge, but it's not impossible. You'll need to act quickly, keep things simple and small, and don't be afraid to ask for help. You'll also need to be flexible with your date, as certain loved ones may not be able to attend at such short notice. In this article, we'll cover everything from the legal requirements to the final touches, so you can have a fun, romantic, and budget-friendly wedding in just 20 days.

Keep the guest list small

When planning a wedding in 20 days, it is important to keep the guest list small. This will make it easier to plan the wedding in a short time frame and keep costs low. Reach out to your closest loved ones, such as immediate family and best friends, and find out if they are available on your desired date. With a short time frame, it is likely that certain loved ones won't be able to attend, and you have to be okay with that. As long as your VIPs, such as your parents, will be able to attend, you should move forward with your desired date.

Keeping the guest list small will also make it easier to find a venue. If you are planning a wedding with a short timeline, your best bet is to have the ceremony at your local city hall or courthouse, followed by a casual reception nearby. However, you will need to do some research on your state's marriage laws and find out if you can just walk into city hall and get married the same day, if there is a waiting period, or if you need to reserve a space in advance. Doing this research as one of your first steps will save you stress and surprises later on.

A small guest list will also make it easier to manage the details of the wedding. With a limited number of guests, you can focus on creating a more intimate and personalised experience for everyone. You can also save time and money on things like invitations and favours.

Finally, a small guest list will make it easier to accommodate any last-minute changes or cancellations. With a larger guest list, it can be challenging to make adjustments, especially if you have already made deposits or commitments to vendors. By keeping the guest list small, you have more flexibility and can adapt to any unexpected changes that may arise.

Research marriage laws

Planning a wedding in 20 days is a challenge, but it's possible. The first thing you should do is research the marriage laws in your state. You'll need to know if you can just walk into city hall and get married the same day, if there's a waiting period, or if you'll have to reserve a space at the government building in advance. This will save you stress and surprises later on.

To plan a wedding in 20 days, you'll need to keep your guest list small and you likely won't have time to send out formal save-the-dates or invitations. Reach out to your closest loved ones (like your immediate family and best friends) and find out if they're available on your desired date. With such a short timeframe, it's likely that certain loved ones won't be able to attend, and you have to be okay with that. As long as your VIPs (like your parents, for example) will be able to make it, you should move forward with your desired date.

A short engagement can be romantic and fun, and it's easy on your budget. You won't have time to stress out, so you'll be able to just enjoy the process!

Finalise your bridal look

Finalising your bridal look is an important part of the wedding planning process. With only 20 days to go, you'll want to make sure you have everything sorted, from your dress to your hair and makeup.

First, you'll want to have your final dress fitting. This is a good opportunity to do your hair and makeup, too, so you can see the full effect and make any necessary changes. If you're planning on dying your hair, do it no later than two weeks before the wedding so you've got time for the colour to settle.

When it comes to your hair, there are a few things to consider. The texture of your hair will determine the kind of style you can go for – simple hairdos are best for soft hair, while more advanced styles can be achieved with frizzy and thick hair. The climate will also have an impact on your hairstyle – you don't want your hair flying around in the wind or getting frizzy in the humidity. If you're on the shorter side, a front puff can make you look taller.

As for makeup, there are a few different looks you can go for. A minimal makeup look can give you a dreamy bridal appearance, requiring just a light base to even out your skin tone and hide any pigmentation or dark spots. For a more traditional bridal look, use a dark eyeshadow as a base and merge it with softer shades to create a seamless, gradient effect. Outline your brows to add extra definition to your look.

Book hair and makeup trials

When it comes to your bridal look, it's important to book your hair and makeup trials as soon as possible. These trials should take place around a month before the wedding, so with 20 days to go, this is a priority.

During your hair trial, you can discuss any last-minute changes or additions to your desired style with your stylist. If you're planning on dyeing your hair, this should be done no later than two weeks before the wedding, giving the colour time to settle. It's also a good idea to bring along any hair accessories or veils you plan on wearing so you can see the complete look.

For your makeup trial, it's essential to communicate your vision clearly to the artist. Bring along any pictures or references that inspire you, and don't be afraid to speak up if there's something you're not happy with. It's also a good idea to take photos of the trial look so you can see how it photographs and ensure it's something you'll be happy with on the day.

If you're happy with the results of your trials, it's a good idea to book the same stylists for your wedding day as soon as possible to ensure their availability. Confirm the timing and location of the preparations, and don't forget to discuss any additional costs or travel fees.

With just 20 days to go, it's crucial to be decisive and trust your instincts. Remember, your hair and makeup should reflect your personal style and make you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.

Chase RSVPs

Planning a wedding in 20 days is a challenge, but it's possible if you act quickly, keep things simple and small, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

One of the most important things to do is to chase RSVPs. With such a short timeframe, it's likely that certain guests won't be able to attend, and you have to be prepared for that. Focus on your VIPs, like your parents and closest loved ones, and make sure they can attend. You likely won't have time to send out formal save-the-dates or invitations, so reach out to your guests directly and find out if they're available on your desired date.

Once you have a better idea of your guest count, you can let your caterer know how many people are coming to your wedding dinner. This is crucial for planning the logistics of your big day.

In addition to chasing RSVPs, there are a few other tasks to keep in mind as you plan your wedding. First, research your state's marriage laws and find out if you can just walk into city hall and get married the same day, or if there's a waiting period. This will help you avoid any last-minute surprises.

You'll also want to take care of the final touches to your bridal look. Book a hair and makeup trial for the month before the wedding, and don't forget to include dying your hair no later than two weeks before the big day so the colour has time to settle.

Finally, remember that a short engagement can be romantic and fun, and it's definitely easy on your budget! You won't have time to stress out, so just enjoy the process and focus on celebrating your love with your closest friends and family.

Frequently asked questions