Planning a wedding can be stressful, even more so if you are working within a shorter than typical time frame. However, it is more than possible to plan a beautiful wedding in only a few short months. I planned my self-catered wedding in 6 months, so here are some tips and helpful resources to help you plan the big day of your dreams in record time.
Sort the legalities
First things first, if you’re planning a legal marriage ceremony both you and your partner will need to complete official forms. If you want to be married in a church there may be additional requirements also, such as attending a number of services and giving notice to the parish. There is usually a minimum notice period of 28 days before your proposed wedding date, so be sure to have all the necessary documents, evidence and fees sorted before anything else if you’re working to a tight deadline. If not, you could always do the celebrations first and then head to your city hall for a quick and simple legal ceremony at a later date.
Be flexible
Many venues are booked up for weddings at least two years in advance, but there is no harm in asking around to see if there are any cancellations. If you can be flexible, you may find a day sooner than you expected.
If you don’t have time to have your dress handmade, buying one off the rack and having it altered is just as precious. To be super economical you could even rent your attire, or opt for a more casual style that you will be able to wear to other events in the future. My original 30s wedding dress was shipped from the USA via eBay, and with a little bit of a makeover worked perfectly for me!
With regards to the cake, you may need to scale down your ideas as traditional fruit wedding cakes can take up to eight weeks to make. Intricate sugar flowers and toppers can also be a lengthy process, so it may be wiser to plan a more minimalistic design. Why not use real flowers on the cake to perfectly match your aesthetic, and opt for flavoured sponges which can be whipped up quickly and are equally delicious as fruit cake?
Keep it simple
It is hard work to coordinate the schedules of multiple suppliers with your venue, especially last minute. Keep things simple by using your creativity to create your own unique elements. Know somebody with gorgeous handwriting? Ask them to write out their name cards and seating plan. Failing that, you can print them yourself at home and find some beautiful free fonts online.
Wildflowers make stunning centrepieces, and small handmade bags of pretty fabric filled with sweets make wonderful favours for adults and children alike. Rustic weddings are very trendy, and there is a timeless elegance to a minimalist wedding.
Focus on planning the elements most important to you and your partner, and try not to worry about the rest. Most importantly, make sure you take care of yourself and keep track of your mental health and well-being throughout the process. With a little creativity and a realistic mindset, we are sure you can successfully plan a wedding in only a few months.
