Fed up with waiting because of Covid 19 or maybe you just don't want a long engagement, let's look at how quickly you can plan your wedding.
Many couples prefer to take time to plan their weddings but if you have
decided to bring your wedding date forwards then I have some great tips to
help you speed up your wedding planning.
SENDING OUT YOUR INVITES
If you are inviting guests then they will need some time to plan ahead, ideally at
least six to eight weeks .
You may find many just can't make it so be prepared for this as they have to
plan their holidays, organise work life and also a short timeline means they
haven't planned for an additional expense.
If you are planning a small wedding with close family and friends let them know
as soon as you decide you are going to do it in any case. A quick text message is
suffice rather than deciding on invitations and waiting for guests to receive
them in the post and the RSVP's. We are talking the essence of speed so many
traditions will be thrown out the window!
DECISION MAKING
Whilst it is tempting to deliberate over making decisions if time is not on your
side you must be prepared to make decisions very quickly and just get
everything booked. Decide on the ceremony and venue and everything else will
quickly slot into place.
FINDING SUPPLIERS
If you have never planned a wedding or have no idea where to start it is
definitely worth investing in some help and hiring a wedding planner.
Many will do short term planning and have a wealth of suppliers they already know and
trust. They will quickly be able to create a timeline for you and make sure all the
suppliers are coordinated on the day.
If this isn't within your budget then you will have to be flexible, a lot of suppliers
get booked up in advance so consider a weekday wedding or an out of season
wedding and you will find more suppliers maybe available at short notice.
If they are available book them, be ready to pay deposits and make sure you
have contracts with each supplier as to exactly what they will be providing for
your wedding day. As an example, the times they are to be present at your
wedding so don't forget the details.
You don't want to find you thought you had booked a photographer for 8 hours
only to find out they are only contracted for 6 hours or you thought the
catering were providing glassware only to find out on the day it isn't in your
contract with them.
BUDGETING AND MAKING PAYMENTS
Be ready to have your money ready, most couples budget over a year but if you
are planning a short time led wedding you do need access to your wedding
budget funds.
If you are hosting a wedding during a down season or a weekday with a short
term booking you maybe able to find some negotiation room with your
suppliers
ASKING FOR HELP
Be super organised and ask for help. Get your best friend to help with the
accommodation arrangements or speaking to the venue. Ask your parents to
decide on the catering details, don't forget in the old days the bride never
planned her wedding it was all done for her so let go of the micro management
and enjoy everyone helping and being involved.
They will all feel part of it too and the excitement will build up for your
wedding. If there is someone whose taste you completely trust let them be in charge of
decor, florals and organising your wedding cake.
Do remember your wedding day is all about you as a couple and it is a
celebration of your love, it is not all about what flavour the cake is!!!
Lali Prada
Wedding Planner
Photo credit
Eloy Muñoz Photography