Can You Plan a Wedding in 4 Months?
- Author: Natali Grace Levine
- Reading time: 5 min 1 sec
- Publication date: 06/02/2022
- Updated: 03/28/2023
We’re pretty sure that all of the just-engaged couples have asked this question: is 4 months enough time to plan a wedding? From our experience, those few days (or maybe even weeks) after the proposal are filled with overwhelming joy, which later may turn into panic. How can I plan a wedding in 4 months? Is it even possible to plan anything in such a short time?
And here's the first piece of advice: don't panic! Your extra excitement doesn’t help, but on the contrary, adds problems. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is to calm down, so you can think constructively.
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Is 4 months enough time to plan a wedding
Photo by Mo Garratt Photographer
Surely it is! Although most professional wedding planners are convinced that the optimal time to plan the wedding you want is nearly a year, 19% of the questioned couples did that in 6 months or less! So, what do you have to do? First step: mentally prepare for anything that will be going on in the next 4 months. Direct your thoughts to the right path. Be prepared to compromise. Start planning your wedding with a clear mind and flexibility of thought. Maybe your perfect wedding has been planned in your head for a long time, but you should be ready to change some views. You must not only be prepared for changes in plans but also be able to make financial compromises. Don't try to keep everything under control. Take everything a little skeptical and humorous.
Wedding Checklist for getting married in 4 months
Photo byAyenia Nour Photographer
Usually, it takes a lot more time to plan a wedding, but if the desire to get married as soon as possible is so strong that you can’t wait another year - don’t back down! You can actually do a lot in 4 months. Here’s a wedding checklist that will guide you month by month to the final destination - your big day!
4 Months to go
First, you should decide on the general yet the most vital issues.
Set the budget
In terms when you only have a few months to plan - limiting yourself with a settled budget will save you some time.
Write down the guest list
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Think of how many people you can invite on your budget. You know, first you have 5 guests and a modest party, and then you remember all the relatives, acquaintances, their relatives,... Well, you understand. The sooner you decide on the number of guests, the easier it will be for you to plan.
Find and book the venue
Photo by @megankayphotography
This decision has to be made as early as possible. All the best venues in popular locations are usually booked months ahead, so don’t lose hope when your dream venue isn’t available. If you’re planning a small wedding, a venue is not a problem at all. Check out our article to find out what are the 5 beautiful places in the world where you would like to celebrate a wedding.
Deal with the legal part
Think of what kind of a ceremony you’re gonna have. Depending on the decision, get over with all paperwork that needs to be done, so you can enjoy the party!
Who will be standing next to you at the altar?
Who’s gonna be the maid of honor, the best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen? Do you need the flower girl? Invite them in person, and make them feel special and needed.
Pick up the style for your wedding
If you haven’t done that yet, it’s time. Search for some inspiration as well as trends to make up your mind.
Send out the invitations
Don’t hesitate with this step! Modern-day invitations don’t have to be on paper, it’s much faster and easier to send them via email or messenger.
Book the vendors
Photo by @celine_chhuon_photography
Everyone you’re gonna need at your wedding must be invited a few months ahead. Otherwise, there’s a possibility that they won’t be available on the date you chose.
Shop for wedding attire
Mind the fact that while you plan, your preferences may change. Always arrange the try-on. Sometimes that fantastic dress you’ve seen on the internet seems less fantastic when you actually wear it. Don’t forget to dress up for your wedding party!
3 Months to go
The previous month was full of responsibilities. This one won’t be different.
Choose the makeup and hair
Photo by @trishajay_photography
When you have the dress it’s time to think of what makeup and hair will fit the look. Talk to your vendors, so they can help you with the choice.
How are you going to entertain the guests?
Relax, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. We already have a list of 60 60 cool entertainment ideas for your wedding guests!
Plan the honeymoon
If you’re into it of course.
The Bachelor/ette party
Photo by Jennifer Palpallatoc Perrault
You already have lots of things to handle, pass this responsibility to your maid of honor and best man for example.
2 Months to go!
We’re getting closer! Are you nervous? Drink some chamomile tea darling and let’s go!
Wedding rings
If you have no idea what your symbols of eternal love should look like - consult with some jewelers.
Arrange the seating chart
Think of who will match vibes among all your guests.
1 Month to go!!!
Photo by Ashley Ice
Yay, the finish line! You’re almost there, just a few more issues to deal with.
Write the vows
The promise of love till death tears you apart. Make sure you make your partner cry (tears of joy, of course).
Plan the big day hour by hour
From the beginning till the end, make sure everything goes smoothly.
Confirm everything
Check on each aspect of the wedding to make sure everything’s alright.
What is the shortest time to plan a wedding?
Photo by Mei Lin Photographer
When planning your wedding you want to make sure that every detail is perfect. It’s better to start planning at least 4 months before the big day. But if your 1-year-long engagement feels like forever and you can’t wait even another week - we have great news! You can actually get married in 6-8 weeks! Amazing, right? Send the invitations first (text messages are totally fine), book the venue and vendors and follow all the steps we mentioned above (just 5 times faster).
How to plan a wedding in 4 months on a small budget
Photo by @alicialaceyphoto
Let’s look at this from a different perspective. You go to the store to buy some groceries and have $100 in your wallet. In which case will you spend less money: if you write a list of everything you need or put in the cart anything you can see?". The answer is obvious - a detailed list made at home will save you from spontaneous expenses. The same situation can be accurately projected to the process of planning a wedding.
The average U.S. couple spends around $19,000 on their wedding. And we’re not counting the honeymoon yet. Here are some practical tips on how to reduce your wedding budget:
- Decide the must-haves to be at your wedding. Kick out all unnecessary things.
- Think of a more budget venue, like your backyard.
- Reduce the guest list
- Ask your friend who plays in a band to perform at your wedding instead of getting you a gift (as an example)
- DIY wherever it’s possible - invitations, homemade desserts, etc.
All in all, to plan a wedding in 4 weeks (or even less) is possible! As you can see, it doesn’t have to be costly. Plan your big day wisely! Good luck!
