How to Plan a Wedding on Short Notice

Planning a wedding is an exciting yet often overwhelming task, especially when you're working on a tight timeline. Whether you’ve had a sudden change of plans or simply want to keep your engagement period brief, planning a wedding on short notice is definitely doable. With the right approach and a clear strategy, you can pull off a beautiful celebration without the stress. Here are a few tips to help you plan your dream wedding on short notice.

Bride and groom on gravel path at beautiful private estate barn wedding venue with panoramic view at sunset with rolling green lawn and woods in the background in Buffalo, NY

1. First things first: Determine your budget. Even if your wedding is only a few months away, it's essential to set clear expectations from the start. Your budget will dictate your choices for venues, vendors, and other elements like decor, attire, and food.

• Date: Consider flexibility in your date. Weekdays or off-peak seasons often offer better availability for venues and vendors.

• Budget: A tight timeline may require prioritizing certain elements (such as venue or food) over others (like extravagant décor and photography).

Bride and groom on park-like rolling green lawn in front of beautiful barn wedding venue in Buffalo, NY

2. Choose Your Venue

Finding an available venue and caterer will be the trickiest part of planning a wedding on short notice. Look for places that offer inclusive services, such as a venue that can also provide catering. At Notting Hill Farm, we have an exclusive caterer, Zambistro, one of Western New York’s BEST caterers. When you book with us, your date is automatically secured with Zambistro, and we work hand-in-hand as a team to ensure a flawless day. Eliminating the need to shop for a caterer will drastically reduce planning time.  Additionally, since we include a day-of coordinator with venue rental, booking with Notting Hill Farm means you will have booked three vendors at once, drastically reducing the time you need to spend planning!

3. Simplify Your Guest List

Elegant and stunning seating chart with flowers in blush tones with whitewash wood and wood beams background at elegant barn wedding venue in Buffalo, NY

The larger the guest list, the more complex the planning becomes, especially with limited time. Keep things simple and intimate—focus on close friends and family. This will make your venue and catering decisions easier, and you won’t have to worry about complicated seating arrangements.

4. Book Essential Vendors

Once the venue is booked, certain vendors need to be booked next: officiant, photographer, and catering are at the top of the list. With a tight timeline, focus on local professionals who have experience with short-notice weddings. Reach out directly to confirm their availability and ask for package deals that might simplify the planning process.

• Officiant: If you're in a rush, consider getting married at a courthouse or hiring a local officiant who can work with your schedule.

• Photographer: A professional photographer can be a non-negotiable for your wedding day memories.  Narrow down your search of available photographers by posting on local facebook wedding groups; you will surely receive numerous responses from available photographers.

• Catering: Look into larger caterers who are able to service multiple events per day. This will enable you to find one with availability, and not compromise on service or quality of food.

5. Find Your Wedding Attire

Wedding dress hung from window in gorgeous bridal suite with tufted gray sofas and blush flowers at best barn wedding venue in Buffalo, NY

The dress and suit are important, but they don’t have to be a complicated or time-consuming purchase. Many bridal boutiques and department stores offer off-the-rack options that can be altered quickly, so you won’t need to wait for months.

• Wedding Dress: Consider buying off-the-rack or from a sample sale, and make alterations to fit your body shape. Local bridal stores or chain shops often have expedited services.

• Groom's Attire: A well-fitted suit or tuxedo from a local tailor or even a high-quality rental can be just as good as custom-made, especially when time is short.

6. DIY or Simplify Your Décor

Decorating a venue on a tight schedule doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Focus on simple, elegant touches that don’t require much time or effort. Think minimalistic florals and candles. If you're crafty, consider DIY options like homemade centerpieces or personalized wedding favors.

• Tip: Hire a wedding planner, even just for the day of, if you can. They can help execute your vision smoothly and take care of last-minute details.  At Notting Hill Farm, we INCLUDE a day-of coordinator in all of our venue rental packages, so your short-notice wedding will be event LESS stressful.  You won’t lift a finger at Notting Hill Farm!

7. Stay Organized and Delegate

With limited time, staying organized is key. Create a checklist and keep track of deadlines for each task. Make use of planning apps like Trello or Google Docs to help you stay on top of things.

• Delegate: Enlist friends and family members to help with tasks. Perhaps a friend can take on the task of finding the perfect wedding cake, while others can help with invitations or putting together favors. The more help you get, the easier it will be.

8. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

When you’re planning a wedding on short notice, it’s essential to keep things in perspective. Perfection isn’t the goal—celebrating your love and commitment is what matters most. Focus on what’s important to you.  When you book your wedding at Notting Hill Farm, WE focus on the details FOR you.

9. Have Fun and Enjoy the Process

Lastly, even though you’re on a tight timeline, don’t forget to enjoy the process! A wedding is a celebration of your love, and it should be filled with joy, not just stress. The key is to remain flexible and relaxed, and you’ll have a wedding day to remember, no matter the timeline.

By staying organized, simplifying your choices, and focusing on what really matters, you can create a meaningful and beautiful celebration without the pressure. Remember that your wedding is about you and your partner, so enjoy the journey, no matter how quickly it unfolds!  We hope you enjoyed this blog about How to Plan a Wedding on a Short Timeline.  For more wedding inspo, visit our Instagram at instagram.com/weddingsatnottinghillfarm.

Photo credits: Photo 1 - Matt Emery Portraits; Photo 2 - Jeff Welt Weddings; Photo 3 - Moonshine Photography; Photo 4 - Alyssa Flood Photography