Can you really plan a wedding in a few short weeks?

two women looking at a laptop

Celebrating a festive proposal? Already caught the wedding planning bug? Don't want to wait two years? Having assisted couples previously with their short lead time weddings, experienced and down to earth Essex-based UK wedding planner Mary Briscoe gives some food for thought if you are considering tying the knot as soon as possible. Anything is possible if you set your mind to it even planning a wedding within a few short weeks!

two men meeting a business woman at a coffee table

The legal aspect 
The main task that you will need to handle first and foremost. If you already know that you wish to have a civil wedding ceremony and you've found the venue to host the wedding, contact the Registry Office associated with the venue as soon as possible. Without the registrars the legal wedding cannot take place. This is the same if you wish to have a church service, contact the relevant person, and get the ball rolling.

  • You must sign a legal statement at your local register office to say you intend to get married which is known as 'giving notice'.
  • You must give notice at least 29 days before your ceremony and must hold your ceremony within 12 months of 'giving notice'.
The key benefit of a planning a wedding quickly is the decision process is easier and less stressful.

Trusted Wedding Professionals
You don't have time to wade through endless quotes and options, especially if you are juggling planning your wedding with a full time job. Once you have a wedding date confirmed, which will come with the booking of your wedding venue, along with the legal wedding ceremony element, you can then begin sourcing those all-important additional wedding professionals.
Initially when contacting wedding suppliers, you simply need to establish if they are available on your chosen wedding date without going into the detail. Time is of the essence here. If they are not available ask them for recommendations. The wedding industry is a close knit community, and love nothing more than assisting one another.

couple at a table shaking hands with a supplier

Be prepared to make compromises.
But don't let these compromises leave you uncertain. You still need to be 100% confident with every single decision you make.Trust in your gut instinct.

Budget!
Regardless of whether you're planning a short or long lead time wedding you must establish your wedding budget at the very beginning of your planning journey. And stick to it. It's not sexy, it's not romantic and, let's be honest, no one likes to talk about money, but it is all about managing each other's expectations and importantly to ensure that you are starting this new chapter of your lives together on the same footing.

Priorities
Ensure you prioritise what's important to you both as a couple and individually, rather than other outside influences. Write everything down that needs to be organised to declutter your mind. Get it all down, from florist, photographer, band or DJ, venue or marquee, wedding dress, grooms' attire, honeymoon and so on....
The list will initially seem endless, however when you break it down into manageable chunks and priorities it will come together perfectly. You are essentially completing a massive jigsaw puzzle, with each piece making up a single element of your wedding.

If you get all the key elements sourced and secure first, everythig else will fall in to place and you dream wedding will emerge.

wedding couple standing by a field Credit: Images from Getty

You may also be interested in

Yankee Candle® launches limited-edition The Traitors collection

Yankee Candle® launches limited-edition The Traitors collection

Fans of the BBC's hit reality show The Traitors can bring a little intrigue into their homes this autumn with a limited-edition candle collection from Yankee Candle. Inspired by the BAFTA-winning series, the new collection features two Signature Large Jar Candles: Faithful and Traitor. Each fragrance represents a different side of the game, inviting fans to choose their allegiance while settling in for the latest round of suspicion, secrets and unexpected reveals. Faithful is designed to evoke comfort and calm, blending cashmere vanilla and rose with a warm amber base. Its soft, powdery fragrance is ideal for cosy evenings spent analysing clues and debating who can be trusted.

READ ARTICLE

Not Just Travel unveils honeymoon trends

Not Just Travel unveils honeymoon trends

Ellie Parkinson at Not Just Travel explains couples are looking beyond the traditional honeymoon, choosing journeys that tell their story. They want to wake up somewhere extraordinary, and experience something they've never experienced before, whether that's watching the sunrise over the African plains, stepping onto powder-soft sand in Zanzibar or enjoying the Italian coast. Safari is always a popular choice for honeymoons in destinations like Kenya, travelling through the Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park in search of the incredible wildlife and landscapes. Long-haul luxury is high on the wish list, with glamorous places like Las Vegas and the Caribbean always trending. Closer to home in Europe, an Italian adventure awaits, travelling through Venice, Pisa and Rome, finishing with time along the beautiful Sorrento coast.

READ ARTICLE

Traitors, Bake Off and Strictly: the TV-inspired hen dos you can actually book

Traitors, Bake Off and Strictly: the TV-inspired hen dos you can actually book

With The Traitors, Strictly Come Dancing and The Great British Bake Off all back on our screens, hen and stag parties can take inspiration from some of the nation's favourite TV shows. Chillisauce is offering groups the chance to recreate the drama, dancing and baking challenges for themselves, with experiences designed to bring a little competitive spirit to pre-wedding celebrations. Whether you fancy uncovering a secret traitor, putting your baking skills to the test or learning a new dance routine, there are options to suit a range of groups and locations across the UK. Discover three TV-inspired hen and stag party ideas, from murder mystery experiences in 26 locations to baking challenges and themed dance classes....

READ ARTICLE

ALDI launches new wick-ed £4.99 confetti Halloween candles

ALDI launches new wick-ed £4.99 confetti Halloween candles

Aldi is getting into the Halloween spirit with its new Hotel Collection Halloween Confetti Candles, priced at just £4.99 each. The 180g candles feature colourful confetti patterns and come in three designs: Ghost, Pumpkin and Black Cat. Each candle offers an approximate burn time of 34 hours, making them an affordable way to add an autumnal touch to the home. Shoppers can choose from three seasonal fragrances, each with its own distinctive blend of notes.

READ ARTICLE

Follow Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding Magazine on Facebook

VISIT SITE

Follow Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding Magazine on YouTube

VISIT SITE

Submit your wedding to be featured in Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding Magazine

VISIT SITE

Follow Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding Magazine on Instagram

VISIT SITE