Wedding Planners Reveal - How To Plan A Wedding Within 3 Months!
BY Apoorva | 20 Dec, 2024 | 127 views | 9 min read
Planning an Indian wedding in just three months? Sounds like a whirlwind, right? But don’t worry—it's totally possible! With a little creativity, a lot of hustle, and insights from top wedding planners, you can pull off the shaadi of your dreams without compromising on the grandeur. Whether you’re tying the knot in a cosy mandap or hosting a royal affair, this guide will help you navigate the chaos, save time, and still dazzle your guests. Ready to dive into some tried-and-tested tips straight from the experts? Let’s get started!
Bowtie Hospitality shares
- Pick Your Non-Negotiables and Lock ’Em In -
With three months on the clock, we’re not checking off every box on the dream list. Choose your top 2-3 essentials—be it the venue, food, or decor style—and let those be the constants. Everything else? Flexible. It’s called wedding triage!
- Go Digital or Go Home
It’s 2024; It’s time to go all-in on digital planning. Google Docs, shared WhatsApp threads, our master planning sheets… these aren’t just tools; they’re sanity savers.
- Pre-Designed Packages for Décor
Custom designs are great, but not when you’re drowning in Pinterest ideas two weeks in. Pre-set packages are the gold standard for short timelines!
- Sneak in Some Date Tricks
For a three-month planning spree, weekday or off-peak dates are magic. You’ll get more flexibility with venues and more options with vendors and you might even score some sweet price breaks.
- Have One Family Rep for Final Calls
Trust us, having one person to handle approvals keeps things moving.
- Think Intimate, Celebrate Big
If you’ve got dreams of a 500-person bash, it’s edit time! Think cosy, personal, and unforgettable, with fewer people to track down for RSVPs.
- Stick to Local Vendors
Local teams know the drill, they’re quick to respond, and they’re ready when you are.
- Add DIY Personal Touches
Want that unique vibe without the timeline headache? Go DIY for the smaller details!
- Remember the Moments, Not the Minor Details
When time’s tight, don’t sweat the small stuff. In the end, you’ll remember the people, the energy, and the fun way more than whether the napkins matched the floral arrangements.
The Wedding Ties shares
Set your priorities straight. When time is short, clarity is key. Identify your top priorities early and focus your energy and budget on what truly matters.
- Decide your non-negotiables—venue, food, or guest list.
- Keep the guest list intimate to simplify arrangements.
- Opt for a pre-made or minimalist theme to save time on decor decisions.
- Book your planner within the first week—they’ll help organize your checklist and timeline.
- Focus on major elements like your venue, caterer, and photographer within the first two weeks.
- Consider weekday or off-season dates for more availability.
- Look for package deals from vendors to save time and effort.
- Limit yourself to two key choices, such as attire and decor.
- Use visual aids like mood boards or Pinterest to stay aligned with your vision.
- Delegate smaller tasks to family or close friends to lighten your load.
- Simplify Decor and Catering - Simplicity is your best friend when planning in a hurry.
- Rent pre-designed decor or book an all-inclusive venue to save time.
- Opt for a pre-set menu to skip lengthy tastings.
- Focus on one standout feature, like a floral arch or an elegant dessert table.
- Download wedding planning apps for managing tasks, timelines, and vendor communication.
- Send digital invitations to save time and printing costs.
- Use shared spreadsheets to track your budget and progress in real-time.
Classique Events shares
Planning a wedding is a monumental task in any timeframe, but with just three months, things need to be planned down to the finest detail!
- Define Your Priorities and Set a Budget
The first thing to do is sit down with the couple and their family to discuss their must-haves and nice-to-haves. This helps us establish a realistic budget. We then break the budget down by key categories - venue, decor, catering, and entertainment - so there’s no guesswork later. We create a week-by-week timeline that highlights critical milestones, ensuring we stay on track while leaving room for any last-minute adjustments.
- Book Your Venue and Secure the Date Quickly
We recommend considering non-weekend dates to increase availability. We often source all-inclusive venues that can simplify the entire process by covering catering, decor, and lighting in one go.
- Fast-Track Vendor Bookings
Photographers, caterers, and florists are often in high demand, so we swiftly reserve top-notch professionals offering bundled packages or rapid response times. This keeps everything moving smoothly, even when the schedule is tight.
- Go Digital for Invitations and RSVPs
With a three-month window, digital invitations are a lifesaver. We help couples design personalized invites. Our team sets up RSVP tracking systems, often integrating Google Forms or wedding websites, to monitor responses in real-time.
- Prepare Backup Plans for Key Elements
Because three months can come with a few surprises, we make sure to have backup options for every key element, from weather contingencies to alternative vendors. We also conduct a final checklist review with all vendors a week before the wedding to confirm every detail is in place, so couples can enjoy a stress-free lead-up to their big day.
Eventador Productions shares
Your CHECKLIST is extremely important if you have stipulated 3 months to plan your wedding.
- Divide your wedding planning into 3 zones & be mindful of the budget, in the 1st Month, book your venue through a wedding planner who can offer you the best deals and negotiate with the venue on your behalf. You are already halfway through once have hired a planner and got your venue done.
- Now, it’s zone 2, and it’s time to book the decor, entertainment and a good photographer. Your planner will get you through the best vendors to save time. Your baraat band needs to be booked in time since it’s a dynamic market. Book your makeup artist as soon as your venue gets closed.
- Then Zone 3, all the other services - mehendi, safa, pandit ji etc can all be done effortlessly. Don’t underestimate the power of a good planner, you will be able to plan it all effortlessly.
Save The Date shares
- Set Up Wedding Planning Hub
Launch a custom wedding website to centralize RSVP tracking, itinerary details, wardrobe and other tech usage guidance etc for guests. Start preliminary discussions with vendors to confirm the couple’s vision and destination logistics.
- Venue Selection, Entertainment & Decor Visioning
Arrange virtual or in-person venue visits and finalize initial decor and entertainment themes. We provide mood boards and layout sketches, helping the couple visualize how each space will come alive with their chosen aesthetic.
2 Months Before the Wedding
- Curated Menu Tastings and F&B Planning
Organize tastings to finalize the menu, focusing on locally inspired, seasonal dishes and premium beverages and bars. Collaborate with hotel operations as well as chefs to customize every detail, ensuring a top-tier dining experience that reflects the couple’s taste and the destination’s essence.
- Personalized Guest Itineraries & Experiences
Send detailed event itineraries with wardrobe suggestions for each function and coordinate VIP transportation. Arrange personalized guest experiences, like welcome kits featuring local treats, sightseeing recommendations, and concierge assistance for any additional needs.
1 Month Before the Wedding
- Luxury Accommodation & Guest Comfort
Ensure all guests are assigned to desired accommodations with amenities like private check-in, welcome messages, gift hampers and special requests. Coordinate with the hotel for a warm, seamless arrival experience that includes luxury touches.
- Final Walkthrough & Rehearsals
Conduct an in-person or virtual final walkthrough with the couple, reviewing layouts, decor, and the event flow. Complete any last-minute adjustments to ensure every detail aligns with their expectations for a flawless experience.
Aishal shares
- Set your budget. When planning a wedding with just three months in hand, the first step is to establish your budget and divide it into different categories. Major wedding expenses include guest accommodation, venue, food, decor, and entertainment.
- Book a venue. Indian weddings are typically held on limited dates, so securing the required venue can be a challenging task.
- Once the venue is finalized, create your wedding invitations and prepare the guest list according to the functions. Start sending out the invitations.
- Finalize the decor, entertainment, caterer, makeup artists, and other necessary vendors.
- Have a final meeting with all the vendors 15 days before the wedding and assign different responsibilities to friends and family to oversee each area.
- Enjoy the day!
Tips:
- Consider hiring a wedding planner to manage all the details.
- Don’t forget to research each aspect to find the best options that suit your preferences.
Your Eden Planners shares
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially when you have only three months to make it happen.
- Set Clear Priorities
When planning a wedding in a short span, it's essential to prioritize what matters most to you as a couple. Make a list of your top priorities, whether it's the venue, food, decorations, or photography. Focus on the must-haves and allocate your time and resources accordingly.
- Choose a Venue with an All-Inclusive Package
Selecting a venue that offers an all-inclusive package can save you time and effort. These packages usually include catering, decorations, and audio-visual equipment, making it easier to plan and coordinate logistics. Be sure to ask about any hidden costs or restrictions before making a final decision.
- Keep Your Guest List Small
A smaller guest list means less stress, lower costs, and more flexibility when it comes to choosing a venue and catering options. It also allows you to focus on what really matters – celebrating your love and commitment to each other. Be ruthless when it comes to cutting your guest list – remember, it's your special day!
- Assign Tasks and Delegate Responsibilities
With a short planning timeline, it's crucial to assign tasks and delegate responsibilities to your partner, family, and friends. Create a timeline and task list, and make sure everyone knows their role and responsibilities.
- Be Flexible and Open-Minded
Planning a wedding in three months requires flexibility and an open mind. Be prepared to make last-minute decisions, and don't be too hard on yourself if things don't go exactly as planned.
Planning a wedding in three months can be challenging, but with the right mindset and expert guidance, you can make it happen.
So are you ready to tie the knot in 3 months?
*All images for representative purposes only.