On average, people in the UK wait almost two years between saying, “I will,” and, “I do.” And almost a quarter of people are engaged for more than two years. This is a longer wait than even five years ago, and it’s probably true that the upheaval of 2020 and 2021 probably had a bit part to play in couples putting off their wedding until after the world returned to normal.
Speed-Running Your Nuptials
But it is possible to get married much quicker. Depending on what you really want, it’s perfectly feasible to get married a month after dropping to one knee. Of course, how ready you are to go from fiancé/e to spouse might be down to how long you’ve been together before one of you popped the question.
Planning a wedding can be a lot of work. The more details you want to have direct control over the more you need to plan them out, arrange for their inclusion, or put some time into DIYing them yourself. This can be daunting if you’ve given yourself a year to plan out the details. If you’re looking to get married in a few months, and you have other commitments, like work, then you’re going to need to pack a lot of planning into a short time.
If you’re fast-tracking your wedding, do consider other people. Eloping is one thing, but expecting 50 or 100 people to have the same day free in their calendar within the next few months might be a bit of an ask. So make sure you fix on the date with as much notice as possible.
Condensing The Planning
You will need to decide on a budget really early in the process, so you can settle on a venue. Be aware that your options for venue might be limited by the short notice. Of course, there’s a good chance you could get a great deal if you find a venue that’s had a cancellation.
Once you’ve got your venue booked and the date confirmed, get those invites out ASAP. Your guests will need as much notice as possible, especially if they have to travel or find child care. Don’t be surprised if some can’t make it. A response saying they won’t be able to attend shouldn’t be taken as a slight, if you’re not giving people enough notice that your wedding is coming, then real life can sometimes just get in the way.
You’ll also possibly have to spend some time hunting for suppliers who can fit you into their schedule. Remember, suppliers are just as likely as venues to be booked months in advance, finding a photographer, caterer, or DJ who are free might require some flexibility on your part. Some vendors wouldn’t be too problematic, such as florists or cake-makers who are more likely to have enough leeway to squeeze a wedding in. So, as with your guests, reach out as quickly as possible to get the best chance of your preferred suppliers being able to fit you in. Make sure you get confirmations on everything. Your short time frame does mean that you won’t have a lot of time for alternatives if a supplier falls through.
Don't Miss The Details
Having a wedding on an abbreviated timetable does mean you have to consider the timeframe for getting everything else ready. Decorations have to be decided on, rings have to be bought or made, and you and your beloved need an outfit you want to get married in. A dress or suit can take months to find and alter, so if you need one in a hurry, you might find it’s something else you need to be flexible on.
You can also make use of the “many hands make light work” rule. Bringing on board close friends and family who can help out with chasing suppliers or double-checking details can save a lot of time, and money.