Recently, I was asked what is the least amount of time I had to plan a wedding from start to finish. I said three months. That particular bride asked if I would be able to plan an entire wedding in a month. I told her anything is possible. We just have to start crossing off things on our to do list (like yesterday) and continue to do so for the entire month. If you don't think it can be done, here are the steps as outlined in an article from
The Knot.
1. Knock out the three big essentials: budget, guest list, and style.
2. Find and book a reception site, and set a date.
3. Start a wedding website and set up a registry.
4. Send out invites.
5. Find a wedding dress.
6. Decide on a suit or tux for him.
7. Pick your bridal party and tell them what to wear.
8. Create an outline of the other vendors you need to hire, and start inquiring about your date.
9. Book your photographer.
10. Book your videographer.
11. Book your cake baker (and caterer if it’s not apart of your reception contract).
12. Book your florist (and arrange for any rentals).
13. Book a hair and makeup artist.
14. Book your DJ or band.
15. Plan the ceremony with your officiant and outline the program.
16. Decide on your honeymoon. Book flights and hotel rooms.
17. Shop for wedding rings and order them.
18. Plan the rehearsal dinner and invite your bridal party (email or call with info and put it on your wedding website).
19. Check in with your vendors and finalize plans with each of them.
20. Buy your veil, shoes and accessories -- and decide on your "something old, new, borrowed, and blue."
21. Get your final guest list count of who’s coming and assign them to your seating chart (if you’re having one).
22. Work on day-of paper elements including the ceremony program, escort cards.
23. Confirm all final payment amounts, delivery and location times with your vendors.
24. Buy gifts (or favors) for guests, bridal party, parents and each other.
25. Shop and pack for the honeymoon.
26. Prepare your wedding toast or thank-yous to family and friends.
27. Create a day-of schedule and contact list for parents, bridal party and vendors.
28. Apply for your marriage license together. You usually can’t do this until a few days before the wedding anyway.
29. Put together an overnight bag for the wedding night.
30. Put final payments and cash tips for vendors in envelopes and give to a friend to distribute.
Get married!
While I generally agree to these guidelines, I also believe you can do some of these things out of order (with the exception of steps 1-8.) If you are planning a wedding in 30 days make sure you also ask your wedding party to help you. Delegate, delegate, delegate! You don't want to be (even more) burned out by your wedding day! Remember always have fun! Now, go get married!
Photography: Ashley Williams Photography
~Monica Hui
Owner, Lead Planner and Designer
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