Planning A Wedding In 4 Months: Possible Or Not?

Planning a wedding can be a lengthy process, and while it's possible to plan a wedding in four months, it's certainly cutting it fine. The ideal engagement length is 12 to 14 months, but every couple is different, and some plan their weddings in six months or less. If you're working with a shorter timeline, it's a good idea to condense the wedding schedule and tackle tasks together as a couple. One of the first steps is to decide on a budget and choose a venue, and it's important to send out save-the-dates early, especially if you have guests coming from out of town. You'll also need to consider your wedding dress, which typically needs to be ordered at least six months in advance, and the availability of vendors, who are often booked up far in advance.

Finding a venue and vendors

To find a venue and vendors in four months, you'll need to act fast. Start by determining your budget and creating a list of must-have items. This will help you allocate your funds and decide what you're willing to compromise on.

Next, start researching venues. The venue is a top priority, as many other details, like catering and accommodation, will depend on the location. Be prepared to be flexible, as your first-choice venue may not be available on your desired date. Consider venues that offer all-inclusive packages, as this can save time and simplify the planning process.

Once you've secured your venue, it's time to focus on vendors. Get in touch with photographers, videographers, florists, bands or DJs, cake bakers, and beauty vendors as soon as possible. These professionals can get booked up quickly, so you'll want to line them up as early as you can. Be prepared to be flexible and consider alternative options if your first choices are unavailable.

Finally, don't forget about the smaller details that can add up, like wedding rings, invitations, and wedding favours. These may take some time to organise, so get started on them as early as possible.

While planning a wedding in four months is a tight timeline, it's certainly doable with focus and flexibility.

Invitations and save-the-dates

Four months is a relatively short time frame to plan a wedding, and you may find that some vendors and venues are already booked up. However, it is still possible to plan a wedding in this time frame, and one of the first steps is to send out 'save the dates' and invitations.

'Save the dates' are typically sent out before formal invitations to give guests a heads-up about the wedding date and location. They are highly recommended, especially for destination weddings or weddings where most guests will be travelling. The timing of your 'save the dates' depends on the type of wedding you are having. For a local wedding, send your 'save the dates' 4-6 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, send them 8-12 months in advance. It is best to have your venue and date secured before sending out 'save the dates'.

You can then send out your formal invitations closer to the wedding date. The general rule is to send invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding, with RSVPs due 4 weeks before. However, some sources suggest sending invitations out 3-4 months before, especially if you have many out-of-town guests who need to make travel arrangements. If all your guests are local, you can send invitations 2 months in advance.

Your invitations should include vital information such as accommodation options, the dress code, venue address, and timings. You can also include the link to your wedding website on your invitations so guests can refer to it for more details.

Wedding dress and attire

Four months is a tight timeline to plan a wedding, but it's certainly not impossible. The key is to be flexible and organised, and to get started on the planning as soon as possible. One of the first things to consider is the wedding attire, as this can influence other aspects of the wedding, such as the venue and decorations.

Wedding Dress

It is recommended that you start researching and shopping for your wedding dress 8-12 months in advance. This is because it can take 4-6 months for a wedding dress to be produced, and you'll want to allow 2-3 months for alterations. However, since you only have four months to plan your wedding, you'll need to be prepared to shop around for a dress that you can buy off the rack. You may also need to consider a rush order, which some designers offer for an additional fee.

When shopping for a wedding dress on a tight timeline, it's important to keep an open mind and be prepared to make compromises. You may not find your dream dress during your first appointment, so be prepared to shop around. It's also a good idea to have your wedding dress budget finalised before you start shopping, so you don't fall in love with a dress that's out of your price range.

Other Attire

In addition to the wedding dress, you'll also need to consider the attire for the rest of the wedding party, including the groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, and any other participants. For the groom and groomsmen, you can rent suits or tuxedos, which can be ordered a few months in advance. For the bridesmaids, you can save time by allowing them to select their own dresses within a certain colour scheme and length.

Don't forget to purchase your wedding shoes before your dress fittings, so that your dress can be altered to the correct height. You'll also want to start thinking about your bridal accessories, such as your veil, jewellery, and undergarments. These can take a much shorter time to come in than the wedding dress, but it's still a good idea to start shopping for them a few months in advance.

Budgeting and costs

When creating a wedding budget, it is crucial to consider what is most important to you and your partner and to be flexible with your spending in certain areas. Discuss your must-haves and what you are comfortable compromising on. Be realistic and factor in daily expenses such as rent or mortgage, as well as any other significant costs on the horizon, such as medical expenses.

The venue, catering, and event rentals are typically the largest expenses, so they should be prioritized in your budget. Other costs to consider include attire, beauty services, wedding rings, jewellery, wedding cake, flowers, music, and honeymoon expenses. If you plan to hire a wedding planner, this will also be a significant expense, with the average cost being $2,100, and high-end planners charging significantly more.

With a shorter timeline, such as four months, you may need to be more flexible with your choices and act quickly. Bridal boutiques often require a lead time of at least six months for wedding dress orders, so you may need to shop off the rack or consider online options. Similarly, for bridesmaid dresses, consider allowing your bridal party to select their own dresses within a provided colour scheme to save time. For the groom and groomsmen, suit rental services can be a convenient option, with some companies offering online ordering and discounts.

To save time and money, consider purchasing a wedding package, which can make planning a wedding on a short timeline more manageable. Additionally, sending out invitations as soon as possible is essential, especially for out-of-town guests who need to make travel arrangements.

Guests and travel

Planning a wedding in four months is a challenge, but it can be done. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process, focusing on guests and travel:

Guests

• Finalise your guest list early on. This will help you with all the subsequent planning, including choosing a venue that can accommodate your desired number of guests.
• Send out "save the dates" as soon as possible, especially if you have guests coming from out of town. This will allow them to make travel arrangements, book time off work, and save money for airfare and lodging. It's a good idea to include your wedding website on the "save the date" so that guests can refer to it for more information.
• If you're sending formal invitations, it's best to send them out at least two months before the wedding. However, if you have a lot of guests coming from out of town, it's advisable to send them out even earlier to give them more time to plan their travel.
• Consider creating welcome packages for your out-of-town guests. These can include items that are fun, helpful, and themed around your wedding.
• If you have a large number of guests who need accommodations, consider reserving a block of rooms at a discounted rate. Research and provide your guests with recommendations for hotels at various price points.
• Decide on your bridal party early, as they will need time to plan their outfits. For bridesmaids, you can save time by allowing them to choose their own dresses within a specified colour palette. For groomsmen, you can select suits for them to rent online.
• Order a guest book if you want your guests to sign one.

Travel

• When choosing a venue, consider the travel logistics for you and your guests. If your wedding is in another state or country, recognise that this introduces additional elements that require an extended timeline.
• Research and book transportation for yourself and your bridal party, if needed.
• If you're planning a destination wedding, be mindful that guests may need time to renew their passports, which can take several months.

Frequently asked questions