You may think you need months, if not years, to plan your big day - but this doesn’t have to be the case. The experienced wedding coordinators here at Shottle Hall have helped some couples organise their dream day in less than 8 weeks. Here are some tips to planning a late availability wedding.
All the bridal guides talk about needing at least eight months to prepare your wedding, and the tear-out magazine calendars have a jam-packed year of tasks to be completed. But many brides and grooms find that job opportunities, military obligations, impending pregnancies, or simply unbridled passion necessitate a short engagement. And a short engagement doesn't mean you can't have a dream wedding.
With a little know-how and some help from your friends (and Shottle Hall’s wedding planners) you could have your big day organised in less than two months.
You can save time by holding your wedding ceremony in the same place as your reception. Don’t assume the best dates will have gone, but if you are flexible on date and time the options will open. Late availability weddings may be cheaper than booking two years in advance too, so it’s worth checking with your dream venue as to which dates they have left. Here at Shottle Hall we have a website page dedicated to late deals – Late Availability Weddings 2013
Traditionally, a wedding dress must be ordered at least six months before a wedding, and bridesmaids' dresses soon afterwards. However, for the bride short-on-time, there are other alternatives. Many bridal gown stores sell sample dresses, or you could even go for a ready-to-wear gown. Bridesmaids might opt for prom dresses, which are en trend and more readily available.
You will need six weeks to mail your invitations, not to mention the printing, stamping and addressing time. Look for a local printer who has a short turnaround time. But if you can't find an amenable printer, why not do it yourself? Find a software program which will ease the design process, or simply get creative. Request RSVPs via telephone, as mailed cards may not make it back to you in time for the wedding.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a cake or if local bakeries are booked, consider asking family members or friends if they would be willing to make your wedding cake. Mums, aunties and other relations may also be able to help with flowers – particularly if you opt for seasonal arrangements.
We have a dedicated section on our website with more information about our late availability weddings. Derbyshire brides and grooms can rest assured that our experienced wedding planners will help you every step of the way as you plan your whirlwind wedding.