Are you planning a wedding on short notice? Sometimes life gets in the way, unforeseen circumstances pop up or procrastination takes place. No matter the reasoning, it’s absolutely possible to plan the most beautiful wedding day in a short amount of time, especially with these tips!
We’ve provided some amazing tips and tricks for last-minute wedding planning, as well as answered some common questions you might be asking yourself. If you’re interested in planning your wedding with Zazzle, we’ll be sure to include some of our top recommended wedding products that can help make your last-minute wedding planning a breeze!
Bare Necessities for a Last-Minute Wedding
We’ve put together a few bare necessities you might want to consider so the wedding can go as smoothly as possible. Here are some essentials to start with:
- Venue: The first thing to secure for your big day is where the big day is happening. Look for venues that have last-minute availability and can accommodate your guest list. You might want to consider unconventional venues such as parks, community centers, or even homes of friends or family.
- Officiant: It’s important to have an officiant for the wedding ceremony. An officiant can be someone who is ordained (a friend or family member) or a religious leader if you attend a place of worship.
- Marriage License: Make sure to obtain a marriage license before the wedding. This is needed so the ceremony can take place. You’ll want to check with your local county clerk’s office for requirements and processing times.
- Rings: The wedding rings are a big element of the ceremony. If you’re short on time, it’s common to purchase simple bands that can be easily resized or upgraded at a later time.
- Attire: While it’s nice to have that “perfect” wedding dress or a suit, it’s not necessary for a last-minute wedding. This is still such an important day, so wear an outfit that you feel comfortable and confident in! It can be as easy as a simple white dress or a nice blouse and slacks.
- Photographer: It’s not super essential to have a professional photographer, but it will be nice to have someone capture the memories of your special day. Ask a friend or family member to take photos or consider hiring a student photographer for a more affordable option!
- Food and Drink: Even a simple and low-key ceremony deserves to have some food and drinks. It can be as minimal as providing some snacks and refreshments for your guests. We recommend doing a potluck or a DIY buffet. You can even ask guests to bring their favorite dishes as a way to get them involved in your big, special day!
Tips for Last-Minute Wedding Planning
When planning a wedding on short notice, start with the main items and necessities. We’ve put together a list of must-haves you should include on your last-minute wedding day:
Wedding Invitations and Stationery
- While custom wedding invitations can take several weeks to design, create and ship and then send out, there are plenty of options that are best suitable for last-minute wedding planning. Zazzle offers a wide range of customizable digital wedding invitations and RSVPs that can be sent out quickly and easily. If you are looking to incorporate some physical products into your big day, browse through our selection of wedding stationery. It includes everything from thank you cards to table numbers, all of which can be fully customized to match any and all wedding themes.
Wedding Supplies and Decorations
- Zazzle is the BEST place to get all your wedding supplies and decorations. From wedding favors to cake toppers, you can find everything you need for your intimate wedding in one place. If time is even more sensitive than you planned, we recommend opting for pre-designed products that can be customized with your own text and colors.
Use Digital Tools for Quick and Easy Planning
- Digital tools can be a huge timesaver when it comes to last-minute wedding planning. Zazzle’s digital invitations and RSVPs are just one example of how technology can help simplify the planning process. You’ll be amazed by the amount of online planning tools available that can help you stay organized and on track!
Get Creative with Table Decor and Wedding Decorations
- Even if you don’t have enough time to shop, purchase and set up wedding decorations, there are still quick & easy ways to make sure you have your dream wedding. Consider creating DIY table decor using inexpensive materials like candles, flowers, and ribbon. Zazzle offers a variety of unique and customizable wedding decor, such as photo backdrops, table runners, and more.
FAQs – Last Minute Wedding Planning
This depends on how quickly you need to plan the wedding, and how flexible you are with all of the details. It’s possible to plan a wedding in as little as a few days or weeks, however, you might have to make some compromises on certain details such as venue, guest list, or even the date of the wedding. The key is to remain flexible and open to different options!
Yes, it is possible to book a last-minute wedding. Many venues and vendors offer last-minute availability for weddings. You can also consider unconventional venues such as parks or private homes, which may have more flexibility in their scheduling. In addition, there are many online resources available for last-minute wedding planning, including wedding planning apps and online marketplaces for wedding supplies and decorations.
The most important thing you can do for a quick wedding is to prioritize the “bare necessities” that come along with a standard wedding day. This includes the venue, ceremony logistics (officiant), and attire. Here are some tips for planning a quick wedding:
– Do an intimate ceremony with close family and friends
– Pick out a simple and elegant venue, such as a park or a backyard
– Think about having a daytime wedding or a weekday wedding, which can be more affordable and have more availability
– Consider a potluck or buffet-style reception to save on catering costs
– Shop for a wedding dress off the rack or consider renting a dress instead of buying one
– Make use of online resources for wedding invitations (digital wedding invitations) and decorations
Planning a wedding on a tight budget can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible. Here are some tips for planning a wedding for $5,000 or less:
– Plan for an off-season wedding, which can be more affordable
– Choose a venue that is both affordable and allows you to bring your own alcohol and catering
– Opt for a small guest list and an intimate ceremony
– Make use of DIY decorations and wedding favors
– Shop for a wedding dress at discount bridal stores or consider buying a pre-owned dress
– Look into alternative transportation options, such as carpooling or public transportation.
Planning a wedding on short notice can be stressful, but it’s important to remain flexible and open to different options. Prioritize the bare necessities, use digital tools to simplify the planning process, and get creative with table decor and wedding decorations.
And don’t forget to check out Zazzle’s amazing selection of customizable wedding products, including invitations, stationery, decorations, and more. With these tips and tools, you can have the wedding of your dreams even on short notice. Happy planning!
Nicole is our Content Strategist. She enjoys long walks to Taco Bell, rollerblading into the sunset, and eating Reese’s Cups for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Find her writing about iPhone cases, holiday card messaging and even music festival tips!
