📋 Get the Wedding Quick Start Guide!

How to Handle a Rushed Wedding

When you shop via links on our site, we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. Learn more.

Planning a wedding on a short timeline? Don’t fret! Our guide offers valuable tips to prioritize, make quick decisions, and keep things simple.

Jessica Bishop Headshot

Planning a wedding can be a wonderful experience for couples, but when you have to do it in six months or less, it can be a daunting task. Perhaps you have an unexpected job relocation or other life events that have forced you to plan your wedding within a shortened timeline. Or maybe you have a preference for a short engagement. Whatever your reason may be, planning a wedding in a hurry requires a set of specific actions and considerations.

Make Planning a Rushed Wedding a Breeze: Tips and Tricks for Couples Planning a Wedding in 6 Months or Less

Planning a rushed wedding can be overwhelming because there is limited time to make all the necessary arrangements. Take our expert advice to help them navigate through the challenges and ensure a successful and memorable wedding despite the time constraints. Below are invaluable tips on how to handle a condensed planning process without compromising your special day’s magic.

1. Set a Realistic Timeline

Determine your desired wedding date and work backward to allocate time for essential tasks such as booking venues, hiring vendors, and sending out invitations. Be sure to factor in time for unexpected delays and adjustments. Remember, you don’t have the luxury of a year or more to plan, so every second counts.

2. Prioritize Your Must-Haves

The first thing you must do when planning a wedding on a short timeline is to list your “must-haves.” Be it the venue, photographer, or guest list, ensure that you know what’s most important to you. Prioritizing your must-haves will help you decide what you need to focus on first. It will also help you avoid getting overwhelmed by planning everything at once.

You can start by researching venues and deciding on the most accessible and affordable one for you. Remember, a rushed wedding does not mean you have to compromise on quality; you can still have the wedding of your dreams.

3. Be Open-Minded

Another essential aspect of planning a rushed wedding is to be open-minded. When you’re working with a limited time frame, you may have to compromise certain aspects of your wedding day. For example, your desired venue may not be readily available on the date you like. In such cases, you need to be flexible and consider alternative options.

Be open to the possibility of having your wedding ceremony and reception at two different locations, or even having a non-traditional wedding. Remember, the most important thing is that you and your partner get married, and everything else is secondary.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Planning a wedding is a huge task, which requires a lot of effort, time, and attention to detail. When you’re doing it on a shortened timeline, you may feel overwhelmed and stressed. But guess what? You don’t have to do it alone.

Don’t be shy to ask for help from family and friends. They can help you with tasks such as research, planning, and organizing. You can also hire a wedding planner to help you manage everything, from finding the right vendors to coordinating the event the day of. Remember, there is no shame in seeking assistance when you need it.

5. Make Quick Decisions

When planning a rushed wedding, time is of the essence. You have a limited time frame to make decisions. To make sure everything goes quickly and smoothly, avoid overthinking or indecision. Research and gather information in advance, create a shortlist of options, and make timely choices to keep the planning process moving smoothly.

You need to be decisive and make decisions as soon as you can. Work with your partner and prioritize the most important aspects of your wedding. You also need to have a plan B in case things don’t go as planned. This way, you can avoid delays, missed opportunities, and extra expenses.

6. Shop Off-the-Rack Options

When planning a wedding on a tight timeline, off-the-rack attire options are a lifesaver. For brides, numerous bridal shops offer beautiful ready-made gowns that you can purchase and take home the same day, with even more online options to have your dream dress shipped straight to your door.

The same goes for grooms; many retailers offer stylish wedding suits that are immediately available. This step not only saves time but also eliminates the waiting period for customized attire, which often requires several fittings and can take months.

Be mindful, however, that alterations might be necessary. If so, opt for simple modifications that can be done quickly, such as adjusting lengths or taking in seams. Avoid complex alterations or customizations that may take longer.

7. Choose Readily Available Decor Items

Similarly, for decorations, you might have to settle for what’s readily available rather than custom-ordering items. Personal touches can still be added, but they should be things that can be implemented quickly and easily. For example, personalized signs can be printed within a few days, or table centerpieces can be assembled using readily available items.

8. Keep Things Simple

Finally, when planning a rushed wedding, it’s essential to keep everything simple. Reducing the number of guests, the decorations, and other aspects of your wedding can save you time and money. Instead, you can focus on the most critical aspects of your wedding: the love you have for your partner, the exchanging of vows, and celebrating the day with your loved ones. A simple wedding can still be a beautiful affair.

Planning a Wedding in a Hurry?
Get our 6-Month Wedding Timeline

6 month wedding planning checklist

Want a copy of our printable
wedding planning timeline
and checklist?

Sign up for our email list and get a free copy of our 6-month wedding planning checklist!

Planning a wedding on a short timeline can be quite challenging, but it can also be a fun and exciting experience. By prioritizing your must-haves, being open-minded, asking for help, making quick decisions, and keeping things simple, you can still have the wedding of your dreams. Remember, what matters most is the love you share with your partner and the memories you will create on your special day.

We hope that this blog post has given you valuable tips and tricks on how to handle a quickie wedding. Good luck, and happy planning!


Jessica Bishop Headshot

Jessica Bishop is the founder of TheBudgetSavvyBride.com, and has worked in various areas and roles within the wedding industry since 2007. She is the author of the best-selling book,The Budget-Savvy Wedding Planner & Organizer and also hosts The Bouquet Toss Wedding Planning Podcast. Jessica's expert wedding advice and savvy savings tips have been featured by Good Morning America, COSMOPOLITAN, Glamour, and more.