Weddings are one of the most significant life events that take a lot of time to plan out and get right. Some couples can plan things out well in advance and still face problems. However, sometimes you want to get married sooner rather than later.
Planning a wedding in 6 months or less is possible, but you’ll need to time everything out perfectly. And that means ordering your outfits, budgeting for the event, and deciding who is invited as soon as possible.
Here’s how to plan a wedding in a short amount of time.
Make a Checklist of What You Want
First and foremost, you’ll need to make a checklist outlining what kind of wedding you want. The feasibility of your wedding plans will depend on how much or how little you need to be done before the big day.
Is it going to be a local or a destination wedding? How many people do you expect to attend? Have you scoped out any venues?
Think about what kind of wedding traditions you’ll partake in, as they can affect the entire event.
For example, going with a particular color scheme will mean that your bridesmaids and groomsmen must find specific outfits to match your ensemble. Instead, you could allow your guests to wear whatever nice clothing they want for a more casual vibe.
Figure Out Your Budget
Once you know what kind of wedding you want, you’ll need to see whether or not you can afford it. Look at how much you currently have in your savings and how much you’ll be able to save up in the coming months.
Some of the various wedding costs include renting out the venue and arranging transportation, food, and drinks. This doesn’t consider optional expenses such as hiring a videographer or a florist.
You’ll also want to consider how much you expect your guests to spend. Setting a destination wedding doesn’t make sense if half of your guest list can’t afford the trip.
Factor in Your Guest List
Get a rough estimate of everyone that plans to attend your wedding. This will help you determine the number of seats and the amount of food and drink to purchase for the event.
Most weddings give guests about four to five weeks to RSVP. However, you’ll want to send invitations out about a month before that.
There’s also the option of including your family in your wedding plans. You can give the role of ring bearer to a family member or even have someone perform at your wedding.
Pick a Date
Find a date that works not only for you but also for your guests. A fall wedding may sound nice, but teachers and students may struggle to attend. You’ll also have to consider how the weather changes in your region during certain times of the year.
In addition, think about peak and off-peak dates. It’s very common for couples to wed in the spring or summer. Even the winter holidays are a busy time.
Order Your Attire as Early as Possible
What you wear is one of the essential parts of any wedding. There will be a lot of guests, and they’ll take a lot of photos. You need to look your best.
Start shopping for wedding dresses the second you get engaged. It can take anywhere from six to eight months to order, and that doesn’t take into account the time it takes to find one you like.
Book a Wedding Venue and Vendors
Anyone planning a wedding in 6 months must find a venue early on. Couples book these locations up to a year in advance, and obtaining a reservation with short notice will be very difficult.
Meanwhile, getting the best vendors can be equally tricky. The best ones will also get booked months in advance. You may also find that it takes some time to vet vendors properly.
Hire a Wedding Planner
If planning a wedding is too stressful, you can always rely on a professional wedding planner. They’re the ones with the most experience organizing these events and often come with a breadth of known vendors and resources.
You only need to tell them what you want from your wedding. Show them your checklist and tell them about any traditions or themes you’re interested in. Tell them about any special considerations, such as dietary restrictions or what kind of venue to look for.
Choose an All Inclusive Venue
If you’re short on time, one of the best options is to find a wedding venue that can give you everything you’ll need. All-inclusive venues can help you with almost every aspect of your big day.
You will get access to ample indoor space and be assigned an event specialist to handle your planning. The venue will provide customized menu selections, professional staff, and a floor plan. Some amenities to expect include complimentary décor and different dining options.
Remember that utilizing an all-inclusive space means you can’t bring in outside caterers, food, or beverages. You may also be limited in how much you can customize the venue. But immediate wedding plans don’t come without some compromise.
Plan a Wedding in 6 Months or Less
If you need to plan a wedding in 6 months or less, you’d better start when you can. Write out a list of everything you need and make some calls. Even better, hire a planner that agrees to work under your strict time constraints.
The Madison Event Center is your best option for a last-minute wedding venue. We offer multiple space options, wedding packages, and more. Contact us to book a date and schedule a tour.