How to Plan a Last-Minute Wedding

Long gone are the days of weddings being structured and strict. Every couple has the freedom to plan and go about their wedding day in their own special way. Some plan years in advance, others prefer to go for a last-minute wedding.

Planning for a last-minute wedding is so exciting. It gives you the chance to make snap decisions without having to worry about small details and focus on the most important thing – marrying the person of your dreams.

To help you plan your last-minute nuptials, we have an all-inclusive list of things to do. So, you can be well organised on your special day.

Let’s plan your Last-Minute Wedding! – Most Importantly

Long gone are the days of weddings being structured and strict. Every couple has the freedom to plan and go about their wedding day in their own special way. Some plan years in advance, others prefer to go for a last-minute wedding.

Planning for a last-minute wedding is so exciting. It gives you the chance to make snap decisions without having to worry about small details and focus on the most important thing – marrying the person of your dreams.

To help you plan your last-minute nuptials, we have an all-inclusive list of things to do. So, you can be well organised on your special day.  

Let’s plan your Last-Minute Wedding! – Most Importantly

Talk to your better half early…

This may sound like quite an obvious thing to do, but it’s one that can get overlooked in the initial stages of planning. Take some time to sit and talk to your soon to be spouse and get their ideas and thoughts for the day to make sure you’re both happy.

You will need to discuss everything from budget to wedding size, so you are both on the same page.

Choose/Book venue 

In order to get anything done, you will need a venue. You won’t be able to invite anyone or book anything until you have placed that deposit.

Photo 08-08-2013, 10 11 48 - Cropped

Book Registrar

Depending on the time of year, registrars have a varying waiting list which can range from 4-8 weeks. Don’t risk waiting until last minute, get your registrar booked as soon as you have placed the deposit for your venue.

You can have a Celebrant take your ceremony, which doesn’t have a waiting time, but it does mean that your wedding won’t be legal. This will have to be undertaken at your nearest registry office at another time.

Select your Bridal Party

Your bridal party is there to support you from the moment they take on their role and throughout your marriage. They consist of the Father/Mother of the Bride/Groom, Best Man, Maid of Honour, Groomsmen and Bridesmaids.

It’s always a good idea to run through their responsibilities and your expectations, just to be on the safe side. Finding that your chosen best man suffers from cold sweats and stage-fright at the last moment could be a bit embarrassing all round.

Some may not want the responsibility of these roles, so keep in mind alternative friends/family members who would be happy to step in.

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Guest List

Selecting your guest list can be made a lot easier whilst planning for a last-minute wedding. Quick decisions can be made, giving you the freedom to be a bit ruthless with a quick yes/no.

Bridal Party

Invitations

Once you have your list, you need to get those invites out. The quicker you send these sent out, the quicker you can get your final numbers back. Set an RSVP date which will give you plenty of time to give to the wedding venue for your final planning meeting at 4 weeks.

Wedding Dress

Wedding dress shopping has changed dramatically over the years. Long gone are the days when everyone needed that ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ moment in the wedding shops.  Now high street and online retailers offer their own collection of dresses, giving you a larger selection and price.

Suits for Groom/Best Man/FOB

Like the wedding gown, suits can be either hired/purchased in-store or online. Faster decisions may also encourage braver decisions, 1920s plaid or Scottish kilts anyone?

Whether you go designer or high street, it’s always best to order them in advance and leave enough time for alterations.

Bridesmaid Dresses

Shopping for bridesmaid dresses can be the ultimate opportunity to take some special time out with your girls. Book a day to go around the shops, or schedule in some girl time with drinks and take-away to browse online and browse some ideas around.

There is nothing better than having a good catch up to feed off your friend’s energy and excitement about your special day.

Choose your suppliers

Booking your last-minute wedding at Seckford means you have a whole list of our recommended suppliers including DJ’s, florists and beauticians at your disposal.

Talk through your options with our wedding team and we can recommend companies who we trust to make your day incredible.

Final Planning Meeting – 4 weeks!

4 weeks before you wedding day, have a meeting with your wedding planner to go over your final decisions.

This is the perfect time to discuss guest list, menus and the little touches that make your wedding day, yours.

Hen/Stag/Sten Party

Now it’s time to let your hair down. Get your close friends and family members and book an evening/day/weekend to celebrate saying goodbye to single life. Why not do something adventurous? Short notice weekends away are so cost effective at the moment that 20 friends on a plane is definitely an option!

Sten parties have become increasingly popular. This is great for those mixed groups who don’t want a boy/girl divide.

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Don’t forget the Personal Touches

There are other bits and pieces that you need to include in your special day including a seating plan, transportation and accommodation. It’s not too late to add some extra sparkle. Keep in touch with us and download our check list to give an overview of all the bits and pieces that will finish off your day perfectly.

Wedding extras

Call our wedding team on 01394 385 678 to talk through your creative ideas for a last-minute wedding and we will help you plan the day of your dreams.

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