Q. – We only want a short engagement period. Is it possible to throw a good wedding in 3 months?
A. – Yes. Of course it’s possible. For a short engagement, like any wedding engagement and planning time frame, you will need to define your “ideal” wedding, and know your idea and definition of a “good wedding.”
Whether the wedding will take place during peak wedding season or off-season will affect the final outcome. Either way, you’ll still have a ‘good wedding,’ one where you marry the love of your life and celebrate with your loved ones.
However, it’s almost certain that you will have to make more compromises for a wedding, especially for one that will take place during peak season, as your preferred vendor choices will already likely be booked.
1. Have Realistic Expectations
With a short engagement time frame comes less time for researching, shopping, and the like, so having a simpler ‘game plan’ will be more doable, and less stressful.
2. Good Organization Is Key
You’ll need to revise the typical wedding planning checklist. Most checklists are usually designed for a 12+ month planning/engagement period, rather than a short engagement period. A good place to start with the checklist is to change “months” to “weeks.”
3. Flexibility Is Also Key
Be flexible with things, particularly with your wedding date and venue choice.
Be flexible and open to suggestions offered up by the different wedding professionals you talk with. They want you to have a good wedding too.
4. Focus On The Top Things On Your List
I highly recommend that everyone who is planning a wedding make a priority list of all the possible wedding ‘pieces,’ (venue, catering, cake, photography, make-up, etc.), regardless if they have a long or short engagement. List them with #1 being the most important to you, #2 the second most important, and so on. Then concentrate on THE TOP THREE!
There are a lot of moving parts to a wedding. Since you’ve given yourself a short engagement period, you have less time to deal with all of the million-and-one details, so concentrating on the top three on your list will help pare your wedding planning to-do list.
5. Think Out Of The Box For Your Attire
Most bridal salons have a 6-8 month delivery time for dress orders. Avoid the extra fees of a rush order (not to mention the stress of worrying if it will come in on time) by trying sample sales, consignment shops, second-hand websites, or the formal wear department of your favorite department store.
6. Smaller Party
Be aware that it is more likely that you will have a smaller event, as the shorter time frame also gives less time for your invited guests to be able to schedule time off from work, make travel arrangements, and so on.
7. Get Help
Consider hiring the services of a wedding planner as they often know of different vendors and resources that you may not be aware of. Even a few hourly sessions can be greatly beneficial if hiring a planner for full-service is out of your budget.
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
Whether you’re just starting with your wedding plans, or your wedding is right around the corner Weddings From The Heart can help! Contact me today at [email protected] or by phone or text at 937-581-3647!
