A Memorable Wedding Planned In Just 3 Months

Planning a wedding in three months may seem like a daunting task, but it is entirely possible. In fact, 4-5% of couples plan their weddings in three months or less. To pull it off, you'll need to be organised, flexible, and able to make quick decisions. It's a good idea to create a comprehensive checklist to ensure you don't miss any crucial details. This will include tasks such as choosing a date and venue, sending out invitations, and finalising the details with your vendors. With the right approach and a bit of hard work, you can definitely plan your dream wedding in just three months.

Finalise the guest list and send out invites

Finalising the guest list and sending out invites are crucial steps in the wedding planning process. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate these tasks effectively:

Finalising the Guest List:

• Be strict with your guest list: It is easier to plan a last-minute wedding with a smaller guest list. A more intimate gathering opens up a wider range of venue options and simplifies logistics.
• Consider your budget: The number of guests will directly impact your budget. A smaller guest list may allow for more flexibility with costs, while a larger list might require stricter financial planning.
• Account for venue capacity: Ensure that your chosen venue can comfortably accommodate your desired number of guests. This is a crucial step in finalising your guest list.

Sending Out Invites:

• Save-the-Dates: Send out save-the-dates as early as possible, especially if you are having a destination wedding. This gives your guests ample time to plan their attendance.
• Invitation Suite: Work with a graphic designer or stationer to create personalised invitations that reflect the style and theme of your wedding. Finalise the design and have them ready to send out about six weeks in advance.
• Digital or Physical Invites: Decide whether to send stylish email invites or opt for traditional paper invitations. Paper invites require early planning, while digital invites offer more flexibility.
• RSVP Management: Request that your guests RSVP through your wedding website to streamline the process and save time and postage costs. Aim to have all RSVPs in by about two weeks before the wedding.
• Final Headcount: Provide your wedding planner, venue, and relevant vendors with a final headcount based on the RSVPs received. This information is crucial for catering, seating arrangements, and other logistics.

Remember, planning a wedding in three months requires careful organisation and efficient decision-making. Stay flexible, seek help when needed, and don't be afraid to make quick choices to ensure a beautiful celebration of your love.

Choose a venue and secure vendors

Planning a wedding in three months is a challenge, but it's certainly doable. Here are some tips to help you choose a venue and secure vendors:

Choosing a Venue:

• Set a budget: Before you start venue hunting, determine how much you are willing to spend. This will help you narrow down your options and make an informed decision.
• Be flexible: With a shorter planning timeframe, you may need to be flexible with your desired venue and date. Consider off-peak dates and times, such as a weekday wedding or brunch reception, which can often be more affordable.
• Research and prioritize: Make a list of venues that fit your budget and style. Prioritize the must-haves, such as location, capacity, and any specific amenities you require.
• Availability: Check the availability of your desired venues, keeping in mind that some dates and times may be more popular than others. Be prepared to be flexible with your chosen date to increase your chances of securing a venue.
• Logistics and transportation: Consider the venue's parking situation and guest access to car services or public transportation. If transportation costs might be a burden for your guests, consider providing a shuttle service or booking rides on their behalf.
• Rehearsal dinner: If you plan to host a rehearsal dinner, inquire about the venue's ability to accommodate this event one or two days before your wedding. Alternatively, book a separate location, such as a nearby hotel or your favourite restaurant, as early as possible.

Securing Vendors:

• Prioritize and book early: Identify the key vendors you need to secure first, such as the venue, photographer, caterer, florist, cake baker, and DJ. Act swiftly to increase your chances of getting your preferred vendors.
• Work with a wedding planner: Consider hiring a wedding planner or consultant to handle the vendor search and negotiations. They can save you time and provide valuable insights into vendors who meet your budget and style.
• Be prepared for premiums: Booking vendors at short notice may result in higher prices or limited availability. If you have a flexible budget, you may need to pay a premium to secure your dream vendors.
• Research and recommendations: Use online resources and word-of-mouth recommendations to research and compare different vendors. Look for extensive portfolios on their websites to get a sense of their style and approach.
• Confirm details: Once you've booked your vendors, confirm the details of their services, including arrival times, duration, and any specific requirements. Provide them with a wedding day timeline to ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Manage payments: Keep track of when and how much you need to pay each vendor. Avoid last-minute surprises by confirming payments and tipping expectations in advance.

Plan the honeymoon

Planning a honeymoon in three months may seem like a daunting task, but it is definitely doable! Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect honeymoon:

Choose a destination

The first step is to decide on a destination that both you and your partner will love. Consider the type of experience you want to have. Do you want to relax on a beach, explore a new city, or go on an adventure? Keep in mind the weather and seasonality of your chosen destination. If you're planning to get married during hurricane season, for example, you may want to delay your honeymoon to a Caribbean island until the weather improves.

Start planning early

The earlier you start planning your honeymoon, the better. While you may not have eight to twelve months to plan, as recommended by some sources, you can still secure great deals and ensure availability by starting as soon as possible.

Set a budget

The average cost of a honeymoon is $5,100, so setting a budget will help you plan accordingly. You can use a honeymoon registry to add to your travel funds, or you may choose to save up in advance. Consider using a travel-friendly credit card to take advantage of perks like rewards, discounts, and travel insurance.

Book your accommodations and transportation

Begin booking your accommodations and transportation as soon as possible. For domestic flights, book one to four months in advance, and for international flights, book three to eight months in advance. If you're planning a lavish staycation, you won't need to worry about this step, but if you're looking for a more DIY trip, Airbnbs, hotels, and resorts offer a range of options.

Plan your activities

While the honeymoon is a time to relax and enjoy each other's company, you may also want to include some activities or experiences. Booking these in advance will ensure you don't miss out. Consider a couple's massage, a sunset boat ride, or a private dining experience on the beach.

Consider a travel agent

If planning a honeymoon on top of your wedding feels overwhelming, consider enlisting the help of a travel agent. They can handle the research and planning, provide insider advice, and often have access to exclusive offers and connections to create a comprehensive itinerary.

Remember, the most important thing is to plan a honeymoon that excites both of you and allows you to create special memories together.

Final fittings and beauty appointments

With three months to go, it's time to confirm your skincare and beauty appointments, including nails, brows, and waxing. You should also start your fortnightly manicures, especially if your nails need some extra care.

Two months before the wedding, it's recommended to have a final facial, brow treatment, and wax. This should be no later than five days before the wedding, to allow time for your skin to recover in case of any reactions.

One month before the wedding, schedule your final fittings and finalize the fashion for your wedding party. This is also the time to schedule beauty and grooming appointments for the weeks leading up to the wedding, such as haircuts, manicures, pedicures, and waxing.

Two weeks before the wedding, get a hair trim and a colour touch-up. This appointment is for a quick tidy-up, not a drastic change. If you plan to use semi-permanent hair extensions, they should be installed at this point. If you're using temporary extensions, give them a trial run to understand how they look and feel.

One week before the wedding, confirm that you have a clear morning schedule and that everyone involved in the wedding is on the same page. Finalize the styles and accessories for the wedding party and address any last-minute questions or concerns with your stylist. Avoid making any drastic changes at this point.

A few final touches in the days leading up to the wedding include getting your final spray tan about 2-3 days before, and washing your hair the day before. Prioritize rest and hydration, and remember to trust your chosen hair and makeup artists to create your desired look.

Marriage license and final payments

Planning a wedding in three months may sound stressful, but it is certainly possible. With just a month to go, there are a few crucial tasks to tick off your checklist. One of the most important is ensuring your marriage license is in order. This requires both applicants to appear in person, bringing along the necessary forms of identification and other relevant documents. For instance, if either applicant was previously married, they must provide proof that they are no longer married. It is also essential to decide on the type of marriage license you require. A regular marriage license involves an officiant presiding over the ceremony and signing the license afterward, while a self-uniting license allows the couple to officiate their own ceremony, signing the license with two witnesses.

In addition to securing your marriage license, now is the time to finalise your seating arrangement and confirm the finer details with your vendors. Reconnect with your vendors to provide your final song choices to the musicians, go over your desired shots with your photographer, and confirm pick-up times with your car service. It is also important to review your contracts and payment schedules and coordinate the final payments and tips for your vendors.

With just a month to go, it is also essential to finalise your wedding fashion. Schedule your final fittings to ensure that everything fits perfectly, and don't forget to organise beauty and grooming appointments for the weeks leading up to the wedding. This includes haircuts, manicures, pedicures, and any other treatments you desire.

As your wedding day approaches, it is crucial to stay organised and ensure that all the final details are in place. Send your final layout and numbers to the venue, confirm the number of tables and centrepieces with your florist, and provide the catering headcount to your chefs and bakery. Don't forget to include your wedding party and families in the weekend plans, providing them with a full, written itinerary.

Frequently asked questions