Planning a wedding in one month can be a challenging and stressful task. There are however many tips and tricks that can help you effectively manage the time. This article looks at advice on how to plan a wedding in one month.
If you need to plan a wedding in one month it helps to be highly organized and decisive. You don't have the luxury of spending 3 days deciding between off white or ivory. It is highly advisable that you clear anything unnecessary from your schedule and make the task your top priority for the month. Also remember to delegate tasks to anyone who can help like your groom, your mother, mother in law and bridesmaids.
When making initial enquires do so quickly via the phone or Internet, only go and visit suppliers that you know are available and that you are very keen on. The following is a list of advice specific to each task:
Legal paperwork
One of the first things you need to organize is the legal paperwork. Many countries and states require you to lodge your intention to marry a certain time frame before the ceremony date. In some places this is no less then 30 days so if you want your union to be legal get to the registry office pronto.
Ceremony and reception venues
These can prove the most difficult to book in a short time frame. If you have been a member of a church for many years they might be able to fit you in or phone around looking for cancellations. Also consider having your wedding on a weekday rather then a Saturday or Sunday because many venues are booked over 12 months in advance for the weekend. If you know someone with a large property consider hiring a marquee and a catering company.
Wedding apparel
Unless you personally know someone who will put in many late nights to tailor your dress then you are going to have to buy or hire one straight off the rack. Most bridal boutiques require you to order your gown a minimum of two months in advance. Don't despair though these days it is quite popular to purchase a designer gown that looks gorgeous on you instead of a wedding specific dress. In Australia many girls who plan their wedding ages in advance still dream of buying a Collette Dinnigan dress rather then purchasing their dress from a bridal boutique. Menswear and basic bridesmaid's dresses are fairly quick and easy to hire. (As long as you pick attendants who can make themselves readily available to you for the month)
Photography and videography
these are the memories that physically last beyond the day so they are important to most people. Phone all the decent suppliers ASAP someone may have a cancellation or again if you choose a weekday to wed on they will probably be available.
Invitations
It usually takes a couple of weeks to order or make your wedding stationary let alone mailing it and allowing your guests time to respond. If the wedding is within a month you might be best off sitting down and phoning people, explaining the situation and sending the details to those that are sure they can make it. Be prepared that due to the short notice some people may be unable to come and try not to take this to heart.
Rings
Remember the rings you purchase might need to be re-sized which can take a couple of days so don't leave this any later then one week prior to the ceremony.
Cake and flowers
Most wedding cake suppliers will probably be able to make your cake in a short time frame as long as you don't want something too complicated. You just need to find someone who has time free in their schedule. If worst comes to worst many bakery style companies are now making wedding style cakes at fairly short notice. Most florists only need to order flowers a couple of days in advance as long as you choose in season flowers. You could also consider going yourself or asking a friend to go to a flower market on the day. Long stemmed flowers tied with a piece of ribbon have a simplistic elegance.
The honeymoon
The good thing about organizing a honeymoon at last minutes is that you can take advantage of last minute travel deals. It is probably a good idea to let a travel agent handle the details though because they can take care of all the little things like organizing transfers and the likes.
Celebrants, music and other suppliers
Once again ring around for cancellations or choose a weekday to get married on.
If it all seems like too much to handle and your intent on still taking the plunge so quickly then there are companies and wedding coordinators that specialize in last minute weddings. They will take care of all the details for you. You simply pick what package you would like and virtually just turn up on the day.
Finally remember whatever happens on your wedding day, if you're marrying the love of your life then it will be a beautiful, special day no matter how the planning turns out.