Planning A Wedding: Is 11 Months Enough Time?

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. The length of an engagement varies from couple to couple, and there is no right length of time to be engaged before the wedding. While the general consensus is that one year is enough time to plan a standard, local wedding, it is possible to plan a wedding on almost any timeline. Some couples elope after just a few weeks of preparing, while others spend two years or more getting their big day just right. If you have less time, you can condense the wedding schedule and complete tasks earlier. If you have particular vendors or a custom dress in mind, you may not want to rush it, as these can take time to organise.

Budgeting and deciding on the type of wedding

Deciding on a budget is one of the first steps in the wedding planning process. The average wedding costs $33,000, but this can vary depending on location, with weddings in metropolitan areas tending to be more expensive. The size of your guest list will also influence your budget, as most catering services charge per head. Your venue, food, and beverages will likely be some of the largest costs, so it's important to allocate a significant portion of your budget to these expenses.

When creating your budget, consider how much you and your partner can contribute, as well as any financial contributions from family or friends. Be sure to discuss with them how they would like their money to be spent.

To save money, consider hiring a wedding planner who can use their industry connections to get you better deals on vendors. However, this can also be an additional expense, with the average cost of a wedding planner being $2,100, and high-end planners charging significantly more.

Once you have a clear idea of your budget, you can start deciding on the type of wedding you want. Consider whether you prefer a large, formal event or a smaller, more intimate gathering. The type of wedding you choose will influence your venue, attire, and other details.

If you're working with a shorter timeline, like 11 months, it's important to start planning early, especially when it comes to securing your venue and vendors. Be prepared to be flexible, as your first choices may not always be available.

• Use a wedding budget breakdown or percentage pie chart to allocate funds to different expenses.
• Prioritize booking your venue and vendors early, as these are time-consuming tasks and your first choices may be booked by other couples.
• Shop for your wedding dress at least a year in advance to allow time for alterations.
• Send out "save-the-dates" early, especially if you have guests who need to make travel arrangements.
• Create a wedding website to keep your guests informed and excited about your big day.
• Don't forget to enjoy the process and celebrate your engagement with your loved ones!

Finding a venue and vendors

While 11 months is shorter than the typical engagement length of 12 to 15 months, it is still enough time to find a venue and vendors for your wedding. However, it is important to start planning as soon as possible.

Finding a Venue

The venue is one of the most important aspects of a wedding and often takes the most time to decide on. It is recommended to start looking for a venue as early as possible, as the best venues tend to get booked up quickly, especially during peak wedding season. When choosing a venue, consider the following:

• Your budget: Your budget will dictate the type of venue you can afford and the services you can include.
• The number of guests: The venue should be able to accommodate your expected number of guests comfortably.
• The location: Consider whether you want a local wedding or a destination wedding. If you choose a local wedding, look for venues in your desired area. If you opt for a destination wedding, research venues in your chosen location.
• The style of the venue: There are many unique venues to choose from, such as banquet halls, barns, museums, zoos, and wineries. Select a venue that aligns with your wedding theme and style.
• Availability: Check the venue's availability on your desired wedding date. If you have flexibility with the date, you may have more options.
• In-house services: Some venues offer all-inclusive packages with in-house catering, drinks, and other services, which can save you time and money.

Finding Vendors

After securing a venue, you can start researching and booking vendors. The specific vendors you need will depend on your preferences, wedding size, and style. Here are some essential vendors to consider:

• Catering: If your venue does not offer in-house catering, you will need to hire an external caterer.
• Photography and videography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos of your special day is crucial. Research photographers and videographers in your area and book them as early as possible, as they tend to get booked up quickly.
• Hair and makeup: Book hair and makeup artists early, especially if you have a specific look in mind or require their services for your wedding party.
• Stationery: Custom wedding invitations, save-the-dates, place cards, and other paper goods can be designed by a professional stationery designer or created yourself using online tools.
• Wedding cake: Collaborate with a talented cake designer to create a cake that reflects your personality and wedding theme.
• Entertainment: Decide on the type of entertainment you want, such as a DJ, live band, or other performers, and book them in advance to ensure availability.
• Wedding planner: Hiring a wedding planner can alleviate stress and help you manage your budget, select vendors, and coordinate the wedding day timeline.

Wedding attire

While there is no "right" engagement length, 11 months is considered enough time to plan a wedding. The general consensus is that a year is enough time to plan a standard, local wedding, but it is possible to plan a wedding on almost any timeline.

Now, on to the fun part: wedding attire! This is one of the most important items on your 10-month checklist. You'll need to give yourself plenty of time to peruse local wedding dress salons and suit shops to find the perfect look, so begin early to allow time for browsing, fittings, alterations, and any potential customisations.

For the happy couple, the wedding dress and suit are one of the most important parts of the wedding, so it's important to get it right. It's also important to consider your wedding party's attire, especially if you're asking them to wear something specific. Give them plenty of notice, and consider how you can help them financially if you're asking them to wear something expensive.

For wedding guests, it's important to consider the time of day, location, weather, and the couple's colour palette. It's also important to stick to the dress code, whether it's black tie, semi-formal, or casual. If you're in your twenties or thirties and have lots of weddings to attend, consider renting an outfit or re-wearing something you already own.

Invites, save-the-dates, and guest lists

While 11 months is shorter than the typical year-long engagement period, it is still enough time to plan a wedding. However, it is important to get started on the planning process as soon as possible.

Creating your guest list is one of the first jobs on your wedding checklist. It is important to do this early on, as it will impact other aspects of your planning, such as the venue and budget. Start by listing every single person you would invite if money and space were not an issue. Begin with immediate family and close friends, and work outwards to include colleagues, distant relatives, and acquaintances. From there, you can start trimming down the list. Remember that every guest will require an extra chair, dinner, slice of cake, and favour, so don't be afraid to allocate some as evening guests only.

Once you have your master list, it's time to start thinking about save-the-dates. These should be sent out no later than nine months before the wedding, especially if your wedding is overseas or requires complex travel plans. Sending save-the-dates early is important, as it allows your guests to block off the day in their calendars, which is crucial if they need to make travel arrangements. It is also a good idea to reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests as soon as you have your wedding date and location.

Wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding date, or 12 weeks in advance if your wedding is a destination wedding or has a high number of guests travelling. When it comes to ordering your invitations, make sure to account for mistakes and allow enough time for printing and shipping. It is also important to set up a system to record RSVP replies and confirm all addresses and spellings.

The wedding invitation is your guests' first impression of your big day, so it's an opportunity to deliver key information and put your best foot forward with a personalized preview. If you're going custom, start working with a graphic designer or stationer early on to create your dream suite. If you're taking a less involved route, you can wait until the six-month mark to choose your invitations.

Photography, entertainment, and honeymoon planning

Planning a wedding in 11 months is certainly feasible, and you can plan a beautiful wedding in that time. However, it is important to start planning early, especially for certain aspects of your special day.

Photography

Photographers are often booked up well in advance, so it is a good idea to start looking for one as soon as you can. Once you have found a photographer whose style you like, you should get in touch with them to see if they are available on your wedding date. It is also important to discuss your timeline for the day with your photographer, so they can help keep you on schedule and ensure they capture all the important moments.

Entertainment

There are endless options for wedding entertainment, from photo booths to magicians, and it is a great way to personalise your wedding. You could opt for a fun gin bar, a dramatic firework display, or a more relaxed campfire with s'mores. If you are having a band or DJ, it is important to book them early, as with photographers, they may be booked up well in advance.

Honeymoon Planning

Your honeymoon is an important part of your wedding planning, and there are many options to consider. You could plan it yourself or use a honeymoon travel agent to design a unique package for you. Either way, it is a good idea to start planning early, especially if you need to apply for visas or if you want to ensure you get your first choice of accommodation.

Frequently asked questions