Can you really plan a wedding in a few short weeks?
Celebrating a festive proposal? Already caught the wedding planning bug? Don't want to wait two years? Having assisted couples previously with their short lead time weddings, experienced and down to earth Essex-based UK wedding planner Mary Briscoe gives some food for thought if you are considering tying the knot as soon as possible. Anything is possible if you set your mind to it even planning a wedding within a few short weeks!
The legal aspect The main task that you will need to handle first and foremost. If you already know that you wish to have a civil wedding ceremony and you've found the venue to host the wedding, contact the Registry Office associated with the venue as soon as possible. Without the registrars the legal wedding cannot take place. This is the same if you wish to have a church service, contact the relevant person, and get the ball rolling.
You must sign a legal statement at your local register office to say you intend to get married which is known as 'giving notice'.
You must give notice at least 29 days before your ceremony and must hold your ceremony within 12 months of 'giving notice'.
The key benefit of a planning a wedding quickly is the decision process is easier and less stressful.
Trusted Wedding Professionals You don't have time to wade through endless quotes and options, especially if you are juggling planning your wedding with a full time job. Once you have a wedding date confirmed, which will come with the booking of your wedding venue, along with the legal wedding ceremony element, you can then begin sourcing those all-important additional wedding professionals. Initially when contacting wedding suppliers, you simply need to establish if they are available on your chosen wedding date without going into the detail. Time is of the essence here. If they are not available ask them for recommendations. The wedding industry is a close knit community, and love nothing more than assisting one another.
Be prepared to make compromises. But don't let these compromises leave you uncertain. You still need to be 100% confident with every single decision you make.Trust in your gut instinct.
Budget! Regardless of whether you're planning a short or long lead time wedding you must establish your wedding budget at the very beginning of your planning journey. And stick to it. It's not sexy, it's not romantic and, let's be honest, no one likes to talk about money, but it is all about managing each other's expectations and importantly to ensure that you are starting this new chapter of your lives together on the same footing.
Priorities Ensure you prioritise what's important to you both as a couple and individually, rather than other outside influences. Write everything down that needs to be organised to declutter your mind. Get it all down, from florist, photographer, band or DJ, venue or marquee, wedding dress, grooms' attire, honeymoon and so on.... The list will initially seem endless, however when you break it down into manageable chunks and priorities it will come together perfectly. You are essentially completing a massive jigsaw puzzle, with each piece making up a single element of your wedding.
If you get all the key elements sourced and secure first, everythig else will fall in to place and you dream wedding will emerge.
Entering your marriage era? Forget wedding favours; McDonald’s launches Limited Edition ‘Wedding Flavours’
The nation's brides and grooms can live happily ever after, as prayers are answered with personalised McDonald's sauces for their Big Day. With some of the biggest celebrities making their way down the aisle this summer, it's safe to say 2026 has been the year of saying "I do" – and now McDonald's is bringing the flavour to the wedding season. How many epic weddings end with guests making a grand finale pit stop at a Maccies en route home? Well now you won't have to detour, McDonald's is going to literally bring the ceremonial rite of passage to the actual wedding party.
READ ARTICLE
Bye Bye Sweet Caroline: The Classic Anthems BANNED From UK Weddings
The era of the predictable wedding singalong is officially dead, according to new data from entertainment agency Jonny Ross Music. New figures have revealed that Britain's couples are ruthlessly blacklisting the nation's favourite party anthems from their big days. A shocking analysis of playlist requests shows that legendary floor-fillers are being banished to the 'Do Not Play' list. Modern couples are ordering DJs to completely snub overplayed staples like 'Uptown Funk' and 'Mr Brightside'. But Brits are not turning their backs on the dancefloor. Instead of relying on default reception cheese, millennial newlyweds are demanding authentic club vibes that replicate a proper night out.
READ ARTICLE
The British Wedding Tradition Most Guests Never Question
Most wedding guests have heard the phrase "wedding breakfast", but very few stop to question it. After all, the meal is rarely served in the morning. It usually comes after the ceremony, often in the afternoon, and can involve anything from a formal three-course dinner to sharing boards, canapes, grazing tables and dessert stations. So why do we still call it a breakfast? According to Nick from Country House Weddings, the answer goes back centuries and is tied to religion, fasting and the way weddings were once celebrated in Britain. Breaking A Very Specific Fast The word "breakfast" does not originally mean a morning meal. It simply means breaking a fast.
READ ARTICLE
Yankee Candle - quick on sale now!
If you're looking for thoughtful gifts for your bridal party or stylish wedding favours, now is the perfect time to shop. A selection of Yankee Candle fragrances is currently available at 30% off on Amazon until 10 July. The discounted range includes romantic favourites such as Wedding Day, alongside fresh summer scents including Cherry Blossom, Sage & Citrus, Tangerine & Vanilla, Red Raspberry, Fluffy Towels and Lavender Vanilla. Those planning autumn or winter weddings can also stock up on seasonal fragrances including Warm Cashmere, Autumn Wreath, Christmas Cookie, Snow in Love and Mistletoe.
