Planning a Wedding in 3 Months or Less
Cross off these tasks & you’ll comfortably plan a wedding in 3 months
Planning a wedding requires couples to juggle many tasks all at once, and in-between visits to florists, wedding dress shop appointments, and negotiating with multiple suppliers, it's easy to forget what has to be done by when. Now, if you’re trying to do all of that within 3 months, suddenly it becomes a lot more challenging.
Planning a wedding in a matter of weeks is challenging, but certainly possible! You just need to be willing to make quick decisions and maybe some compromises…
To help you get up to speed quickly, we've put together the essential things you need when trying to plan a wedding in three months. Along with a wedding planning timeline that accounts for a 12-week lead up to your big day, but you could adapt this checklist for use for a shorter or longer timeline too.
Three-Month Wedding Planning Timeline
To accomplish a 3-month wedding planning timeline, we’ve taken a regular year-long plan and condensed it down. Many of the tasks on this list link to our very own Kent Wedding Centre suppliers, so please feel free to click through as you go and check them out.
And remember, you don't need to do everything on this list - tailor it to your big day, and the kind of celebration you're having!
3 Months Before Your Wedding
Arrange the legalities - this one is essential to do first!
Create a guest list
Decide on a date
Book your venue
Text/email a save the date to your guests and gather guests' addresses
Book a celebrant
Hire a planner or stylist (if required)
Book a caterer
Book a photographer and/or videographer
Book a band and/or DJ
Book a florist
Go wedding dress/suit shopping - ordering a wedding dress with less than 3 months until the wedding is considered a rush order, and will be very tight, delivery and alterations-wise.
‘Propose’ to your wedding party (if you're having one) and start arranging their outfits
Get in touch with hire, decor, or lighting companies
Order your wedding cake
Research stationery
Book wedding accommodation
2 Months Before Your Wedding
Book your honeymoon (check your passports and arrange vaccinations if required)
Send your wedding invitations and gather RSVPs
Plan your ceremony
Book your ceremony musicians
Choose a date for your hen or stag parties (a joint one is a good idea if you're really tight for time)
Arrange a hair and makeup trial and make bookings
Book wedding transport
Buy wedding rings
1 Month Before Your Wedding
Finalise your outfit; lingerie, shoes, accessories
Make final wedding dress alterations
Finalise your wedding party outfits
Confirm details on flowers and decor
Create a plan for setting up and taking down your wedding reception/ceremony
Make an on-the-day timeline
Book last-minute beauty; nails, waxing, tan, haircut, etc
Go for a menu tasting and finalise the reception menu
Organise gifts for family, wedding party or any helpers
Complete any DIY or craft projects
Review final RSVP list and call any guests who have not yet responded
Two Weeks Before Your Wedding
Book a restaurant for the night before/lunch the day after big day
Call all wedding suppliers to confirm arrangements
Confirm numbers with your venue and caterer
Make the table plan
Supply venue or planner with any supplier requests or updates
Finalise ceremony booklets and on-the-day stationery
The Week of Your Wedding
Confirm on-the-day timeline for the couple, wedding party and suppliers
Give the venue coordinator, planner, or wedding party your timeline and contact info for all suppliers
Do last-minute pampering and beauty prep
Do full wedding dress rehearsal from underwear to veil
Collect suits; check you have all the ties/socks/cufflinks
Pack an overnight bag for the reception
Pack for the honeymoon
Make any last-minute confirmations/changes with suppliers
Make bank transfers or organise cash for any final balances to be paid on the day
The Day Before Your Wedding
Drop off place cards, table cards, menus, gifts, table plan, and décor to reception coordinator
Provide all wedding professionals with an emergency phone number to call on the day of the wedding
Ensure the cake is on track to be delivered to the reception venue - have someone else look after this one!
Iron out any ceremony details
Chill out and have a nice dinner
Get a good night’s rest!