Advice for Weddings
Advice for Wedding Planners
Search advice in the search box below or click one of the links below it.
If you would like to ask a question not covered here, click here.
At the very bottom of the page are some books recommended for the bride (and a couple for the groom).

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Quick Wedding

I'm planning on having a very small, inexpensive wedding in a few months and have very little time to plan it. Do you have any type of planning advice for me?

The first thing you need to do is plan the big 4 - date, location, budget and who's going to be in your wedding. The first 2 may be the hardest on short notice.

Use the EZ Wedding Planner "Plan" feature so as not to forget any details.

A photographer is important, because after all the excitement, you will be left with the pictures. If you have less than 50 guests, you can hand write invitations on stationery or call them. If you are planning a standard wedding/reception, invitations should be sent at least 4 weeks before the wedding. This could be tight when time is an issue. Ask the printers if they can rush them.

Bridesmaids can get dresses off the rack from a department store (which is quicker than ordering from bridal shop). Consider buying a bridal store demo (off the rack) or consignment shops for your dress, or renting or having it sewn for you. Try the bakery at your local grocery store for the cake - their lead time is usually much shorter than specialty bakers (one of our daughters got her cake from a local upscale grocer and it was outstanding). Use flowers that are in season, as they are always cheaper than exotic flowers and are readily available. Or, get married in a garden/arboretum with ready made flowers. DJs are easier to come by and less expensive than a band on short notice if you want music and dancing at the reception. Or, you don't have to have music - your guests may enjoy just socializing without the music. If you are getting married in a church, consider using the basement or community room for the reception. This is generally available on little notice.

Or, if you have a large home or yard, consider hosting the reception (and maybe even the ceremony) there. (Tents for outside in case of rain). You may have friends who would help with the food or, for ease - find a local caterer.

If you are planning to register for gifts, do so soon. Check on marriage license requirements and get the license. Also, some religious officiants require pre-marriage counseling - check to see and allow enough time. You can also do your own programs on your computer. Printing on colored paper and folding works great.

Be creative and have fun.


Recommended Books about Wedding Planning
  1. FabJob Guide to Become a Wedding Planner
  2. The Ultimate Wedding Planner & Organizer, 2nd Edition
  3. The Wedding Book: The Big Book for Your Big Day
  4. What I Love About You
  5. Kindle Book: Plan the Wedding of Your Dreams The Easy, No-Hassle Way - Complete with every detail.
  6. The Groom's Instruction Manual: How to Survive and Possibly Even Enjoy the Most Bewildering Ceremony Known to Man
  7. The Engaged Groom: You're Getting Married. Read this Book.
  8. On-Camera Flash Techniques for Digital Wedding and Portrait Photography
  9. Digital Wedding Photography: Capturing Beautiful Memories
  10. Bridal Bargains, 9th Edition: Secrets to Throwing a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget
To sign up for your own private, secure wedding planner software (it's free) click here.

Now 3/21/10 1:50 PM