Wedding planning timeline in 3 months or less
With the pandemic, its highly likely that you will have last minute plans to organise because of the late guidance around weddings and civil ceremonies. Trying to plan a COVID secure wedding can feel like a massive take-on. Things are likely to change and accepting that will be hard. There are a few rules to look out for with the re-opening of weddings and currently weddings of up to 15 people are allowed. The following now applies:
No earlier than 17 May 2021
Weddings of up to 30 people to be allowed and this does not include suppliers.
No earlier than 21 June 2021
Fingers crossed that all restrictions will be lifted on weddings but we await further news nearer the time from the government.
These dates could be subject to change so there does need to be a bit of flexibility too as frustrating as that may be.
The timeline below assumes that your wedding will take place after the 21 June when restrictions are looking at being lifted. There are a few things that you can be doing now, if your wedding is scheduled for 3 months or less and after the June date.
Quick Decisions
There will need to be some quick decisions that have to be made as soon as possible. You’ll need to prioritise fast and not get too caught up in the beginning with all the intricate details. Make things work within your schedule now, and you will be all the better for it later on!
I know what it’s like to plan your wedding in a short space of time. I planned my overseas wedding in less than 8 months. I was busy working long hours, yet wanting to have a social life too, alongside planning my wedding. As a wedding planner I created a quick timeline so that I could keep on top of the tasks I needed to do, and by when. I have included this express wedding planning checklist below, to give you an idea of some of the things you should be thinking about when planning your own wedding in a short space of time.
First things first. Consider the following…
1. Keep track of your wedding budget (use an excel spreadsheet for ease)
2. Re-confirm your wedding date and time with your key suppliers. Always ensure you keep your lines of communication open with your suppliers due to the current pandemic. Get as much information as you can about your wedding from those suppliers and have open conversations with them.
3. Ensure everything is booked with those key suppliers such as venue(s), registrar or celebrant, photographer, caterer, cake maker, florist, transport, band or DJ, hair and makeup artist, planner and stylist for example. If you are having a marquee or barn as your venue, decide whether you need any other suppliers on board such as a lighting company, furniture hire, linen, crockery, cutlery, glassware, power, toilets etc. Get these booked in asap.
It’s a good idea to get a little notebook together and start checking those all-important tasks off your list!
Other considerations to tick of the list
1.Have a think about the style and vibe of your wedding
2.Think about those “must have” items that you really would like
3.Have you chosen your bridal party?
4.Is the wedding and bridal attire ordered?
5. Think about compiling that final guest list
6. Book any other suppliers such as a prop hire, gin bar, pizza van etc
7. Reserve a block booking of accommodation for guests that may need it
8. If you don’t already have wedding insurance, then do look into this. Get cover that will protect you if your suppliers are then unable to fulfil the service you have booked.
9.Is your engagement ring insured?
10.Finalise all of your stationary
3 months before
1. Set up a gift registry
2. Book your rehearsal dinner space if you are having this (especially if at a different venue to the wedding reception) and order invites
3. Choose your cake designer if not done so
4. Book your honeymoon. Speak to your travel company about the current travel restrictions
5. Choose a musician for your ceremony if different from your reception band
6. Shop for wedding rings
7. Plan the ceremony with the celebrant/ decide readings
8. Consult with your hair and make up artist. Have you had a trial yet?
9. Order any other accessories for yourself
10. Finalise your décor and styling elements
11. Go to dress fittings
2 months before
1.Send out your invitations
2. Mail out rehearsal dinner invites if having
3. Choose your menu
4. Buy your wedding party gifts
5. Speak to your florist and work out the finer details
6. Sort out your music play list
7. Have a first fitting if not already done so
8. Decide any table gifts or favours
9. Have final meetings with your musician/DJ
10. Sort out your ceremony vows
1 month before
1. Buy veil, shoes and other accessories
2. Confirm accommodation for guests staying over
3. Schedule hair and makeup trial appointments if not done so
4. Finalise the ceremony readings
5. Finalise the stationary for the wedding day
6. Plan the activities that will happen the night before the wedding
7. Buy gifts for the bridal party
8. Sort out a day of schedule
1 -2 weeks before
1. Chase up non responses
2. Arrange your seating plan
3. Sort out final numbers and give this to the caterer. venue. cake maker, reception venue etc
4. Confirm day of schedule and then distribute to all
5. Have a final dress fitting
6. Write the speeches
7. Confirm final transportation arrangements
Remaining Calm
