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.
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
Borrow or Rent Your Wedding Outfit
Create a Wedding Guest List
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
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 |
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
