byronreese
By Jenny Harrington
How to Plan a Wedding in a Month
Make the most of every day leading up to your wedding ceremony and reception by creating a checklist and scheduling days for specific tasks.
Coachen/sxc.hu
By Jenny Harrington
OverviewA wedding is a time to rejoice. Traditionally weddings are planned six months to a year in advance, but there are many reasons why you may choose to speed up the process. You can plan a wedding in a month, but keep in mind that very little gets done the week before the wedding, effectively giving you only three weeks to plan and prepare for your special day.Step 1Decide on the location and secure it by day 3 of your month countdown. If it is not peak wedding season (June through August), you may be able to find a church for your wedding. Otherwise consider holding it and the reception in a hotel, at a state or national park, or at your home or the home of a friend or family member.Step 2Mail the invitations by day 3. You will not have time to order fancy invitations. Purchase an invitation kit at a stationery store and print your own at home. Request RSVPs via telephone, as mailed RSVP cards may not make it back to you in time for the wedding. A smaller guest list is easier to handle for last-minute planning.Step 3Get your paperwork in order by day 5. Contact the county clerk where you are getting married and find out the requirements for a marriage license. The process can take a few days, so start this as soon as possible.Step 4Find an officiant by day 7. Your pastor or a hired officiant will need to fit your wedding into his schedule, so the sooner the better. If you cannot find an officiant, one option is to go to the county courthouse to have the legal part of the marriage done prior to the wedding celebration and have a friend or family member deliver the vows at the wedding.Step 5Choose your wedding party by day 10. You will not have time to order and fit dresses for the bridesmaids, so choose a color and design theme for them to wear. Most women have black cocktail dresses, and these can double as bridesmaids’ dresses. Choose an accessory, such as a scarf, to coordinate the bridesmaids’ look. Groomsmen can wear suits in the same color with matching pocket handkerchiefs to give them a polished look. The scarves and handkerchiefs can double as bridal party gifts.Step 6Rent the groom’s tux and purchase the bride’s dress by day 12. Off-the-rack is the way to go, and you will have time for minor alterations. The groom can also wear a nice suit and the bride can look for a dress at formal wear or prom shops. Don’t forget accessories such as shoes, and remember to pick out rings while you are shopping.Step 7Order the cake by day 15. You may not be able to get a cake from the nicest bakery in town in time for the wedding that is now two weeks away. Grocery stores and smaller bakeries make attractive cakes quickly at the last minute, so they are a good option for a quick wedding.Step 8Arrange the reception dinner by day 15. A five-course catered meal is most likely not possible. Contact restaurants in your area and inquire about their carryout meal services, or serve attractive deli platters from a grocery store or warehouse club.Step 9Purchase your flowers by day 20. Cash-and-carry florists often have simple bouquet and corsage designs available that they can prepare in a few days. Choose common flowers such as roses and seasonal flowers, as fancier blooms may need to be ordered and won’t arrive in time.Step 10Purchase your centerpieces, favors and partyware by day 23. Visit a party supply shop or a craft store for these items. Fill small bowls with favor bags and use these as the centerpieces, saving both time and money compared to purchasing these separately. A month is often not enough time to rent things like glasses and plates, so purchase disposable versions, which are available in attractive designs at party stores.skill4tipDo not be afraid to delegate to those willing to help you. The groom, your parents, your future in-laws and friends are more than willing to help.
Remember that even the most well-planned wedding doesn’t go exactly right. Laugh at any little mistakes and enjoy the day.tipsDo not be afraid to delegate to those willing to help you. The groom, your parents, your future in-laws and friends are more than willing to help.tipsRemember that even the most well-planned wedding doesn’t go exactly right. Laugh at any little mistakes and enjoy the day.keywordwedding planning month quick marriagekeywordsweddingkeywordsplanningkeywordsmonthkeywordsquickkeywordsmarriageResourcesreferenceWedding Planning
© Copyright 2009. All Rights Reserved.
Contact Us | Terms & Conditions | Back Issues | HappyNews.com
REFERENCE/RESOURCE:
REFERENCE/RESOURCE:
REFERENCE/RESOURCE:
