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Sometimes when love strikes, it strikes fast. You may find you and your partner wanting to plan an impromptu wedding to tie up that knot and get on with life. Because... why wait?! The last thing you want to do is start piling on stress, though. With a little organization and creativity, your special day can be beautiful and memorable, even on short notice.
Here's your ultimate last-minute wedding checklist to ensure you have everything covered for a seamless celebration.
Prioritize your Must-Haves for the Big Day
Start by identifying the things that matter most to you as a couple. Is it the venue, the fashion, the guest list, the food, or the social media likes? Write down the non-negotiables and rank them in order of importance. Now circle the top 3. These are the only three you are going to focus on and the rest is whip cream on top, if you can pull it off.
If it's not in your top 3 must-haves, be flexible and don't stress over it. This is going to set the tone for the rest of your planning.
Delegate Your Tasks Wisely
Tap into your closest friends and family to be your support network. Assign specific clusters of tasks to your loved ones that's up their alley. Call Uncle Butch and have him fire up the smoker for Texas-style barbeque. Have mom coordinate with the venue. Figure out who can manage the guest list and plan the decor.
Lightening your own load a bit will allow you to focus on the most important parts of your day, like self-care, working on your vows, planning your new combined life with your spouse.
Set up some basic technology so that everyone can communicate together when tasks are complete or still untouched on the list. Platforms like WeddingWire and The Knot have tools that can help you manage your budget, checklist, guest list and more.
Don't forget to download our last-minute wedding checklist: Plan a wedding in six months or less (w/ downloable checklist)
Book an Outside-of-the-Box Venue
This one's been red hot for the last couple of years, as couples have embraced the art of micro-locations to celebrate their love. There's most likely a rich list of boutique or unconventional venues in your area to have a gorgeous wedding. Think about Airbnb / VRBO properties that have a reception center, an event building or a gazebo. Consider a local, vintage warehouse or an old mill with big antique windows and tall ceilings. Maybe your city has an outdoor garden or pond that you can use for your ceremony. This is one of the surest ways to save big and have incredible results.
Simplify Your Decor Plans
Our rule of decor in last-minute wedding planning is simple: Less is more.
Focus on a few eye-catching statement pieces instead of overwhelming the location with all of your ideas combined. Consider using a unique aisle runner like bohemian carpets, burlap runners, a velvet red carpet, whatever suits your taste as a couple.
Check out: these untraditional ideas couples are doing at their weddings
Think ceiling to floor. Plan a few key pieces above eye level, at eye level and on the ground, such as a few highlighted floral arrangements and some DIY table toppers for your guests. Install a few twinkling string lights overhead or set down some lanterns on the ground for a romantic glow in the atmosphere. Set up a faux ivy wall in the reception area for photos.
The sky is literally the limit but keep the list small and simple.
Use Quick Catering Solutions
When you're working on a short timeline for your wedding, keep in mind that smaller vendors like a local restaurant or winery (preferably walking distance to the wedding location), a food truck that serves your favorite dish can not only save you on cost, but create a more intimate experience.
Maybe you want to even plan a potluck reception with your favorite theme for dishes.
Get Creative for Photos & Videos
You might struggle to find a professional photographer last minute and maybe you don't want to spend the budget on it anyways. If so, there are all kinds of ways to capture permanent memories that are just as desirable and even more special in some ways.
Consider having a themed DIY photobooth or a backdrop for selfies. Set out Polaroids and bowls around the tables for guests to take their own pics to drop in. Or, delegate photography to that one friend who has an eye for composition.
Expect the Unexpected
Surprises are almost a guarantee with last-minute weddings. That's OK, though. Life is surprises. But come prepared with an emergency kit that includes things like sewing items, tapes and ties, a first-aid kit, extra make-up, umbrellas, fans, a vacuum and whatever else will ease your mind, so you can focus on tying the knot!
Takeaway on our Ultimate Last-Minute Wedding Checklist
Remember, your wedding is supposed to be a beautiful and sentimental day that revolves around you and your soon-to-be-spouse, your family, friends and the essence of love. It's not about perfection or even about keeping up with tradition. By keeping your eye on your few must-haves, delegating wisely during the planning period, and embracing the chaos, you'll have one of the most memorable days of your life and none of your loved ones without the unnecessary stress.
If you're planning a last-minute wedding and need a gorgeous, easy, boutique wedding venue, let Olde House be a part of your big day. Book now
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