Planning A Wedding: How Soon Is Too Soon?

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, and the amount of time needed depends on the type of wedding desired. While some couples spend two years or more planning their big day, others elope after just a few weeks of preparation. The general consensus is that one year is enough time to plan a standard, local wedding, but it is possible to plan a wedding in 10 months or less. A couple who are flexible about their vendors and have a small, casual wedding might be able to plan their wedding in 10 months, but those who want a classic American wedding with top-choice vendors may find that 10 months is not enough time.

Budgeting and insurance

Planning a wedding in 10 months is certainly possible, but it requires a well-structured plan and a strict budget. The first step is to define your vision for the wedding and set a budget. This budget should be realistic and based on current wedding cost trends. It should also take into account any financial contributions from family members.

There are many online budget templates and spreadsheets available to help you get started. These tools allow you to input your total budget and allocate funds accordingly. It is important to be mindful of hidden costs, such as gratuities, vendor tips, and extra decorations, which can quickly add up and push you over budget.

To avoid overspending, prioritize the aspects of the wedding that are most important to you and allocate your funds accordingly. For example, if photography is a priority, you may need to cut costs elsewhere, such as reducing the number of floral centerpieces or the number of guests.

Wedding insurance is another important consideration. This type of insurance protects you financially in the event of unforeseen problems, such as sudden cancellations or damage to property. It gives you peace of mind and ensures that you are covered in case anything goes wrong.

Finally, it is crucial to start booking vendors as early as possible, especially if you are planning within a short timeframe. A full-service wedding planner can be beneficial in this regard, as they can help you secure the best vendors that match your style and vision.

Wedding attire

Planning a wedding in 10 months is a very achievable task. It is important to stay organized and begin planning early to ensure that you have enough time to make decisions and allow for any necessary alterations. One of the first steps is to decide on a venue and book it. This will help you to determine a theme and dress code for your wedding.

Now, let's talk about wedding attire.

The wedding attire for the couple getting married depends on the theme and dress code of the wedding. It is important to start shopping for wedding attire early, especially if you need to order a dress or suit and allow time for fittings and alterations. Here are some tips for the couple's wedding attire:

• The bride should consider the time of day, season, and weather when choosing her wedding dress. For example, a beach wedding calls for a different outfit than a wedding at a ritzy hotel.
• The bride should also be mindful of the colour palette of the wedding party to ensure that she doesn't blend in with the bridesmaids or groomsmen.
• The groom should also consider the time of day, season, and venue when choosing his suit. For example, a suit and tie are typically required for cocktail attire, with darker hues for chillier months or evening events, and lighter colours for warmer weather or daytime celebrations.
• It is important to break in your wedding shoes to ensure comfort on the big day.

As a guest, it is important to consider the dress code, time of day, season, and venue when choosing your wedding attire. Here are some tips for guests:

• Avoid wearing black unless it is okay with the couple or part of the wedding theme.
• Avoid short, flowy gowns in windy locations.
• Be mindful of the colour palette of the wedding party to ensure you don't blend in with the bridesmaids or groomsmen.
• For cocktail attire, guests should aim for a polished and dressy look without being too elaborate.
• For men, a suit and tie are typically required for cocktail attire, with darker hues for chillier months or evening events.
• Comfortable shoes are a must, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time on the dance floor.

Remember, it is important to start planning and shopping for wedding attire early to ensure that you have enough time for any necessary alterations or adjustments.

Venue and vendors

When it comes to wedding planning, the venue is a crucial aspect. It is recommended to choose a venue 12 to 14 months in advance as they can get booked up quickly, especially if you have a specific date in mind. If you are planning within a 10-month timeframe, act fast and be prepared to be flexible with your desired date.

Once you have your venue, you can officially set a date and start hiring other vendors. It is beneficial to hire a wedding planner to coordinate all the details and bring your vision to life, especially if you are short on time. They can also help with your purchases and keeping within your budget.

Next, you should prioritize securing the services of vendors who provide services and are, therefore, a scarce resource. This includes a DJ, photographer, bartender, and caterer. These vendors are in high demand and often get booked up quickly, so it is best to secure them as soon as possible. If catering is not included at your venue, this becomes a priority.

Other vendors to book sooner rather than later include your wedding stationer for save-the-dates and invitations, a hair stylist and makeup artist (don't forget to schedule trials), and a cake baker for a tasting and to secure your order.

If you are planning on having a band, it is a good idea to book them now, and the same goes for any musicians you want to perform at your ceremony.

As you get closer to your wedding, you will need to confirm the finer details such as flowers, playlists, and menus, as well as final attire fittings and delivering catering numbers.

Guest list and invites

10 months is plenty of time to plan a wedding. In fact, wedding planning experts suggest that 10 to 14 months is the "sweet spot" where you won't feel completely rushed but will still be able to secure your favourite vendors.

Now is the time to finalise your guest list and send out your save-the-dates. This will help you get an idea of the number of guests you're working with, which will be useful when it comes to budgeting and planning other aspects of the wedding, such as catering and venue size. It's important to have conversations with your partner about who definitely needs to be there and who doesn't. If you're looking for a guide on how to make your guest list without drama, there are many resources available online.

Once you have your guest list finalised, it's time to send out your save-the-dates. This will allow your guests to plan and ensure they can attend your special day. It's important to note that everyone who gets a save-the-date should also get a wedding invite. No exceptions.

With a shorter engagement, you'll likely have fewer options when it comes to available vendors, so it's important to start researching and booking the key players for your wedding as soon as possible. This includes your caterer, photographer, florist, stationer, musicians, videographer, and wedding planner, if you choose to have one.

While you don't need to send out your official invitations just yet (this is usually done six to eight weeks before the wedding), it's a good idea to start thinking about the design and ordering them so that you're ready to send them out when the time comes.

In the coming months, you'll also want to finalise your seating plan and create place cards, escort cards, and custom menus for your guests. You'll also need to provide your final guest count to your caterers and plan for any day-of payments.

Finalising details

Finalising the details of your wedding is an important step in the planning process. Here are some key areas to focus on when finalising the details of your wedding:

Venue and Guest List

Finalising the venue is crucial, as it impacts other aspects of your planning, such as the guest list and vendors. Once you have your venue, confirm the number of guests it can accommodate, and finalise your guest list accordingly.

Budget and Vendors

Determine your budget and allocate funds to different areas, such as catering, photography, florist, stationer, musicians, videographer, and so on. Secure your vendors as soon as possible, especially during busy periods, to avoid disappointment.

Wedding Attire

Start shopping for your wedding attire early. This includes not just the dress but also shoes, accessories, and any customisations. Allow time for fittings and alterations to ensure the perfect fit.

Legalities

Book and attend a meeting with your registrar. Register your intention to marry, pay for your marriage certificate, and complete any necessary paperwork.

Timeline and Schedule

Create a detailed timeline and schedule for your wedding day. This includes finalising the order of events, such as wedding speeches and readings, as well as coordinating with your vendors on their arrival and setup times.

Final Touches

In the final weeks leading up to your wedding, confirm the big-impact items, such as flowers, playlists, and menus. Attend final attire fittings, make any necessary deposits, and finalise catering numbers.

Remember, it's important to stay organised and give yourself enough time to plan. Break down tasks into a structured checklist to make the process less overwhelming and more enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions