Nerves

Congratulations Kyla!

You're going to need to book a venue asap if you haven't already, to make sure that date is still available. That's where you want to start. So figure out what kind of budget you're working with, approximate the number of guests you can afford to host, and then set out to find the venue!

You don't have a date until you have a venue. You should set a budget and a guest list and find a venue ASAP. Venues and some vendors book up 1-2 years in advance.

As the others have said, go ahead and do your budget and book your venue. Catering also books quickly in some areas. You also want to probably start looking at dresses because depending on the designer some take a few months to come in.

I agree with the other girls as well: get our budget, guest list, and venue ASAP.

But if one of my co-workers could plan her wedding in 6 weeks, you can do yours in 7 months. You got this girl!

View Quoted Comment I will be using my mom’s dress actually. We’re thinking of having our wedding outside in a big hay field that his parents own.

Congratulations girl! Take a deep breath... it’s totally do-able. I’m planning mine in under 6 months so I understand how daunting the task seems.

agreed with everyone else, the venue is the key to being able to move forward. So yes, you’ll need your budget and a rough guest list in order to find a venue that suits your needs. If you’re having a hard time finding a venue that’s not booked, look at some untraditional options like an Airbnb or VRBO listing that is open to hosting events.

I ran into some challenges finding an affordable videographer that wasn’t already booked. But I still got a great deal on mine! And the next step for me was finding a good photographer as well.

Caterer was next for me since my venue doesn’t provide it. I didn’t sweat this too much because I knew if all else fails, I could do Olive Garden and still have delicious food. I ended up with a Mexican food buffet that I’m really excited for.

Dont sweat the small stuff like decorations and centerpieces (unless they’re super important to you) because these are details the guests don’t remember.

oh, and if you plan on having bridesmaids and groomsmen, I think it’s pretty appropriate to ask them now. My girls have been so helpful in the process especially when I ask them to lend me their creative eye on how something looks!

Good luck, and WW is a great resource when you need a little extra help!

View Quoted Comment We have our date, and that will not change. As for our venue, we are thinking about having it in a hay field his parents own, as it’s going to be a country wedding. Thank you for your advice!

Date twins!!

Great advice already posted and it'll come together faster than you think. You got this!

We've got venue, will cake taste in a week, have my dress, know the food and photog were using. Still lots to do but when you get the big stuff out of the way that definitely helps ease the stress levels.

Thank you so much for your help! It’s greatly appreciated!

Well it sounds like you have your venue, so that’s a big thing knocked out!! Right now I’d focus on the budget, work on a guest list and start looking for a caterer and photographer

Congratulations! You're a week before me!
Definitely knock out all of your major needs as soon as possible. With such a close date, you'll need to get your vendors locked in asap.
If you're using his parents field, you need to look into all of your rentals (chairs, tents, tables, whatever you need to host your guests). Catering, dress alterations (if needed), music/entertainment, photographer, guest accomodations (if needed).

I would take a look at the checklist you can find on the app, tailor it to your needs, and get going as time does fly. Good luck!

View Quoted Comment Date twins!! Oh my gosh! That’s awesome! Congratulations!

Kyla — congrats !!

if you’re planning on a backyard wedding make sure you’re prepared for all the things required to hold guests in an outdoor setting (floor, tent, etc). I dreamed of a backyard wedding but it ended up being way too pricey for me!

No worries, I'm in the same boat! Got engaged on 12/14/18 and my wedding is June 9 (I took whatever date the venue had available in June lol!) Since you already have your venue, everything else will fall into place. The Thumbtack app has been a Godsend! You can find soooooo many affordable small business vendors on there who are much more flexible on price. (My budget is $7K). There's no need to freak out. As long as you secure the vendors you desire quickly, it'll work out. Some things idc about (like centerpieces) so I'm doing it myself with the help of friends. Other things, you'll want to splurge on based on what's important to you. I've quickly learned only focus on what's important to you and your FH. Enjoy!

View Quoted Comment Oh my gosh! You got engaged on my birthday! Congratulations! Thank you for the advice!

View Quoted Comment

Understand that this will require A LOT of rentals. Chairs, tables, linens, plates, silverware, glasses, tent, bathrooms, dance floor, just to name a few. That's what I'd price out first to make sure have it in the field is the right decision.

View Quoted Comment Any other venue is too expensive.

View Quoted Comment My point is that rentals are super expensive. It might be cheaper to find a community center or hall (ie not a typical wedding venue) that already has some of the things you'd have to rent (like bathrooms, tables, chairs, etc) rather than renting everything.

View Quoted Comment Totally understand that venues are expensive but LB’s point is that your backyard reception will ALSO be expensive. You want to make sure you can afford it before you set your date and set it in stone.

I'm having a "short" engagement too. I'm old, I don't want to wait any longer!

Some tips:

1. Use pre-fab checklists - I use the one on The Knot and it's been really helpful. Just delete the things that are not relevant.

2. Check out an all-inclusive venue like a hotel. Others have mentioned it but backyard weddings can add up really quickly when you consider rentals and food. A hotel could be an answer.

3. Think of non-conventional days - we're getting married on a Friday evening, which made it easier to find vendors.

4. Buy a dress off the rack - there are many inexpensive options - David's Bridal, Azazie or ASOS are good options. Do not buy into the "it takes 6 months to make a dress" thing.