By Terry Meadows

Is your wedding date suddenly closer than you expected?

Or are you simply ready to say "I do" without the long wait?

You might be feeling a bit panicked or at least a bit anxious. Or perhaps you’ve simply decided you don’t want to wait or fuss over every detail of a wedding that typically takes months to plan.

Since 2010, we've been crafting unforgettable weddings, and we've helped many couples plan their big day in under three months. We're here to make sure every detail is taken care of, so you can relax and enjoy the journey to your wedding day with confidence.

Planning Your Wedding

Typically, couples have a year or more to plan their wedding, allowing them the luxury of time to focus on every detail. With a shorter timeline, it’s important to recognize that you may not get everything exactly as envisioned, and flexibility will be key.

However, this doesn't mean compromising on quality. Instead, it’s about setting your priorities early and being open to alternatives if needed. As long as you’re not fixated on every minor detail, planning a wedding within this time frame is entirely achievable.

Further reading

How Much Does a Wedding Cost in 2025?

Choose an All-Inclusive Wedding Venue

An all-inclusive wedding venue can save you time and stress, especially if it truly covers every detail. Be aware that some venues may claim to be all-inclusive but still require you to coordinate with approved vendors.

If you're selecting your own vendors, prioritize those who respond quickly—delays might signal they won’t be as efficient with your tight schedule.

Hire a Wedding Planner

Hire a wedding planner to guide you through every step, taking the stress of decision-making off your shoulders. Their expertise and connections with vendors will save you time and effort, eliminating the need to sift through countless options. Plus, they'll provide valuable advice and suggestions to ensure your day is seamless.

Further reading

Do I need a wedding planner or coordinator?

Quick Start Planning Guide Timlines, Checklists, Strategies, Tips

Borrow or Rent Your Wedding Outfit

Bridal shops require a six to nine-month lead when buying a wedding dress. For a quicker, cost-effective option, consider renting or borrowing a wedding dress. Many bridal boutiques and online platforms offer designer gowns for rent, saving you time and money. Borrowing a dress from a family member or friend adds sentimental value and can be tailored for a perfect fit.

Create a Wedding Guest List

Consider trimming your guest list, as more venues are available for smaller groups. It’s easier to accommodate a small group in a large venue than to squeeze a large group into a smaller space. You’ll also have the option to explore restaurants or intimate event rooms, which might otherwise be unavailable with a larger guest count. Plus, a smaller guest list often means fewer late RSVPs to manage.

Further reading

Creating a rough wedding guest list: who to consider?

Consider a Weekday Wedding

With the majority of weddings taking place on weekends, you have a whole five days open to you for your wedding day. There is less demand on these days, and therefore many more options and openings for you.

Minimize the D.I.Y.s for Your Wedding

With so much happening over the next three months, it’s wise to limit the number of do-it-yourself tasks you take on. If you have friends and family who can help, don’t hesitate to ask for their support. Otherwise, select a few manageable projects and seek outside help for the rest.

Further reading

Expert DIY Wedding Planning Tips for Your Dream Day

Wedding Checklist by the Week

Click on our downloadable wedding checklist above or use this chart below

Week	Tasks	Notes
12	Set your wedding budget and priorities list	This dictates the size of your wedding, the number of guests, and where you want to spend most of your money
	Choose a venue - the size is based on your guest list	Choose 3 venues and arrange for tours
	Set your wedding date and time
	Hire a wedding planner
	Select your wedding party	Maid of honor and bridesmaids, best man and groomsmen, flowergirl and ring bearer
	Bride's and bridesmaids' wedding dresses and schedule alteration fittings	Wedding dress, bridesmaids' outfits, veil, shoes (needed for fittings), accessories,
	Groom's and groomsmen suits and and schedule alteration fittings	Suits, ties, and shoes, cufflinks
	Create wedding website	Central place for all announcements and updates
	Order and send Save the Date notices	Online announcements save time
	Order invitations	Design online versions
	Book venue wedding night accommodation	See if venue have a (complimentary) bridal suite

11	Hire a catering vendor	Select menu and set up a tasting date, beverage and bar options
	Hire a florist
	Hire a photographer
	Hire a videographer
	Book musicians
	Rent furniture, flatware, glassware, and linens	Check to see if venue include these in a package
	Create guest list
	Purchase wedding insurance
	Apply for destination wedding travel documents (if required)	Order expedited service for passports, visas, etc.

10	Organize Destination wedding accommodation and transport (if required)	including block booking for guests
	Purchase wedding rings and schedule a fitting
	Hire a cake vendor	See if the caterer includes the wedding cake, and set up a tasting date
	Set up Registry online or in-store	Add a URL link to your wedding website
	Book guest hotel room blocks
	Rent bathroom trailers (if required)

9	Hire an officiant
	Send bridal shower guests addresses to the maid of honor

8	Send wedding invites
	Buy wedding rings

7	Schedule transportation for ceremony and reception	Limos, shuttles to ceremony and reception
	Order favors and thank you gifts

6	Schedule makeup and hair appointments	Schedule test runs
	Plan honeymoon and travel arrangements
	Apply for marriage license	Research online for requirements. Valid for 60 days prior to the wedding day

5	Book rehearsal dinner
	Organize childcare arrangements and activities

4	Choose ceremony readings, write vows, and reception speeches
	Bachelor & Bachelorette party	Your maid of honor and best man organize the celebrations
	Buy day-of accessories	Guest book and pen, toasting champagne flutes, cake servers, unity candle, ring pillow, etc.

3	Start creating seating chart
	Follow up tardy RSVPs
	Finalize shot list with your photographer and videographer
	Finalize your song list for the ceremony and reception with your musicians/DJ
	Review times and locations with limo/shuttle service

2	Give a final headcount to your caterer and other rental vendors
	Finalize with your vendors	Check that everything is on schedule. Make sure your wedding planner or someone you trust has a copy, too.
	Print seating chart table/cards
	Assign somebody to collect your gifts and belongings after the reception
	Assign somebody to oversee the return of rental items, including tuxes, the day after the wedding
	Set up your support team	They handle problems or issues during the ceremony and reception in your place

1	Give your wedding planner a final timeline
	Pack for the honeymoon
	Pack emergency kit	Ibuprofen, Bandaids, sewing kit, wet wipes, laundry wipes/spray, pen & paper, small water bottle
	Review contingency plan with venue in case of bad weather

Day before	Ceremony rehearsal
	Rehearsal dinner
	Pick up rental tuxedos (if required)
	Make gratuity envelopes	have a wedding party member hand them out after the reception
	Deliver special items to venue and wedding planner	decorations, wedding favors, ceremony items, posters, etc. with written instructions
	Check the weather report and pack essentials for inclement weather
	Have your marriage license and rings ready and in a safe place

Further reading

Creating Your Wedding Budget: A Comprehensive Guide

Preparing for a 3-Month Wedding

Planning a wedding on a short timeline can be challenging, but with flexibility and smart choices, you can still create your dream day. Be prepared to compromise on some details while keeping your priorities in focus.

At Zion Springs, we offer a comprehensive all-inclusive wedding experience, but we also provide insights into other wedding styles to help you make the best decision. Explore other articles on our Answers and Advice page for more tips on planning your perfect day.

All photos in the article are by our in-house Zion Springs photographer