How to Plan a Wedding Fast

You can plan a wedding in a few weeks if you really have to; the key is to prioritize and focus on the things you want the most for your special day. You may have to eliminate a few of the traditional details, and you will have to remain open-minded and flexible, but with a little finesse you can plan a wedding--fast.

Find a wedding venue. In a short amount of time you may not be able to get a traditional venue such as a banquet hall or wedding chapel, especially during the height of wedding season. Your church congregation building may be able to provide the location; if there is the space, consider having your reception there as well. Or try to find another location that can host the whole day for you, such as a restaurant with a large outdoor seating area or a local lodge or park. Having the wedding ceremony and reception in one place eliminates one more step so there is less to coordinate.  

Choose your dress. A traditional wedding dress requires multiple fittings, for which you may not have time. Save time and money by shopping off the rack at a department store or boutique. You can find an evening gown in white, ivory or any shade of your choosing this way, and the standard sizing should make it easy to fit. If you need alterations, have them done at a local seamstress shop all at one time instead of a bridal boutique that may require multiple visits.

Send invitations. On a short time span, you won't have time for personalized invitations that take several weeks to order. Instead, print your own; you can type them up on your computer and even pay to have them printed at a local print shop or retail store with a photo department.

Add personalized touches but eliminate the extras like embossing and multiple envelopes that take so long to put together. You can set up a blog or website and advertise your wedding that way, inviting guests to log in with a special password. Or use evite.com to set up your invitations for free and get electronic responses.  

Bake a cake or have one made for you. You may know a friend who always brings homemade goodies to the get-togethers you attend; ask her to bake a simple cake for your wedding instead of enlisting a professional bakery. Often you must order traditional wedding cakes several months in advance; a friend might be able to pull through for you in a pinch in less time than that. If you use a friend or a bakery, think outside the box for your cake. Instead of a large multi-tiered creation, try a few smaller cakes arranged together or even cupcakes. This type of baking will be easier and faster.

Enlist the help of family and friends. Play to the talents of the people you know and ask them to contribute to your wedding; the service they provide can be their gift to you. Aside from the cake baker, ask a friend who owns a nice digital camera to take your photos. Some crafty friends can arrange silk flowers into vases to decorate your tables, and a friend with a flair for hair styling can prepare you and the bridesmaids for the big day. Getting everyone involved saves time because your friends don't have multiple weddings to work for like a professional might. It also adds a personal touch to your wedding that you will remember in the years to come.  

Event Management Tips