Plan A Wedding In 3 Months (It Can Be Done!)
Planning a wedding in three months may seem impossible, but we’re here to tell you that it isn’t! If you’re thinking of doing it, don’t let anyone tell you you’re crazy as it actually has many advantages. Firstly, it gives you much less time to overthink things, often meaning stress and nerves are kept at bay. It can also help keep budgets and guest lists down, two things many brides struggle with. A short time period often puts less pressure on who to invite as travel restrictions come into consideration and a smaller wedding means a smaller cost.
Style
Before you do anything, decide on the style of your wedding, whether you want a romantic theme held at a grand manor house, a vintage theme so you can arrive in an old Volkswagen or a relaxed outdoorsy vibe where you are married surrounded by nature, the theme will influence your choice of almost everything else.
The Venue
Realistically it’s not going to be as easy as it would be if you had two years to find a venue, although that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. As with most things on the list, as long as you’re prepared to make compromises it is possible!
First, online research is your best friend! Limited time means you’re probably not going to be able to visit every single venue that catches your eye. Research websites, reviews, social media and anything else you can find before shortlisting your favourites, then book an appointment to view.
Speak to the venue’s wedding team about dates, specifically midweek availability. Typically, most people want to get married at the weekend and therefore these dates get booked up way in advance, so if you’re open to a midweek wedding, you’re much more likely to find availability. Alternatively, look for late booking offers, occasionally previously booked dates become available meaning the date can be offered again.
Suppliers
When you’ve chosen your venue, nine times out of ten they’ll have a recommended suppliers list and using it will save time and research. Venues usually recommend people if they have worked with them often and trust them to do a good job. Suppliers lists will often cover everything from your essentials e.g. photographers, cake makers and florists to those extra little bits such as photo booths or magicians.
As with your venue, you’ll need to be flexible and open to compromise, suppliers get booked in advance too. Again, this would be a good time to consider a midweek wedding as when the venues are more likely to be available so are your chosen suppliers.
The dress & suits
Most bridal shops will ask for at least six months if you want a custom fitted dress, so this isn’t likely to be possible, however it doesn’t mean you can’t find the wedding dress of your dreams! It is becoming increasingly popular to buy off the rail dresses, but make sure you visit as many shops as possible and don’t panic buy just because of time restrains. Many online retailers now do bridal ranges, including bridesmaids’ dresses, and don’t forget about vintage and charity shops, if you’re keeping an open mind you can find a beautiful bargain!
The groom and groomsmen won’t have any problem finding a suit with high street, online and hiring being easily available options.
Hair and make-up
If there’s one thing you don’t miss out (even with a limited time frame) it’s should be a hair and makeup trial. It’s so important to feel comfortable and confident on the day, after all, all eyes will be on you! Also, your photos will be looked at hundreds of times for years to come so you want to know you’re going to like what you see.
Helping Hand
Lastly, make use of all the help that you are offered! It’s so easy to get caught up in everything being exactly how you want it that you often feel you must do it all yourself but with a short amount of time to plan, the more help the better. If you have a crafty family member than can make your wedding favours or a friend who will photograph your big day as a wedding present, make the most of it!