How to Plan a Wedding in Two Weeks

Whirlwind weddings can be extremely romantic. They can also be challenging. Planning a wedding on short notice requires a sequential planning process and swift decision making skills. The first step is to;

Apply for a marriage license
Many states require a waiting period of a few days between when a couple applies for a marriage license and when they are legally able wed. To view the requirements for Washington State and where you can go to obtain a license, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/courts/marriage/Applyingforamarriagelicense.aspx

Find an officiant
Couples who would like to say their vows in front of a Judge at the county Court House may sign up for a wedding ceremony time when applying for their marriage license.

To say vows in a non-government setting, couples will need to find an officiant. To find an officiant in your area, visit http://wedding.theknot.com
Alternatively, online certification programs are available for friends or family members who interested in performing the ceremony.

When booking the Officiant, find out which day(s) and time(s) they are available to perform the ceremony. This will help in researching the availability of wedding venues.

Determine the guest count
To research space availability of wedding and reception venues, you’ll need to have a rough idea of the guest count. Typically the bride, groom, bride’s parents and groom’s parents each submit a guest list to the bride with the names of family and friends they’d like to invite. It is then up to the bride and groom to decide how many total guests they can financially accommodate.

Reserve a venue
Religious institutions often require pre-marital counseling and a longer wait period before the wedding ceremony is performed. Non-religious venues generally don’t have these restrictions. For a list of venues in your area, visit ‘Reception + Ceremony Sites’ at http://wedding.theknot.com

Select the menu
When reserving the venue, your contact will let you know if you are required to use an in-house caterer, choose from a list of preferred caterers or if you may select an outside caterer that is not affiliated with the venue. If the venue places restrictions on whom you may use, they can generally supply you with Menus.

Also, ask the Caterer if they can provide the cake.

Shotgun weddings are often on limited budgets. Etiquette requires that, at a minimum, you provide guests with cake, fruit punch and coffee/tea as a thank you for attending the wedding and providing a gift. For more information on How To Choose the Perfect Menu visit http://www.examiner.com/x-5470-Seattle-Weddings-Examiner~y2009m5d29-How-to-choose-the-perfect-menu

Invite guests
As soon as you know the wedding location and times, call to notify guests of the details. If the venue requires a specific menu count (For example, how many guests are eating chicken vs. steak), be sure to ask guests their preference when receiving their RSVP.

After inviting guests to the event, consider following up with an email or letter that reconfirms the wedding details (including the start time and location) and includes directions.

Decide whether you’d like to include;
Photography/Videography – This is the most common element that last minute weddings decide to omit… and then regret later. Think about how you’ll feel in 25 years and plan accordingly. I highly recommend investing in quality photography. Other than the groom and the ring, it is the one thing you will keep after the wedding day.
Special attire –
· Brides often decide they want to buy a wedding dress at the last minute. Anticipate whether you’ll want one and begin looking as soon as possible.
· Tuxes may be rented with a few days notice.
· Purchase wedding rings.

Flowers – Do you want the bride to carry a bouquet and the groom to wear a boutonnière?Both may be ordered on short notice from a local florist. If you do not have time, consider picking up a loose bouquet at a local grocery store or outdoor market. Alternatively, the bride may carry a bible down the aisle.
Also consider whether you’d like to provide corsages and boutonnières for the bridal party and family.

Transportation – Are you comfortable driving yourself to and from the wedding site or would you prefer a chauffeured vehicle?
Wedding favors – It’s often time consuming to purchase and prepare wedding favors. Opt for a favor that is not labor intensive.
While shopping for favors, decide if you’d like to have a guest book and purchase it at the same time (remember pens).

Furniture – Let the venue know how you’d like the furniture to be set up for your wedding and reception (be sure to have them schedule guest book and gift tables).

Music – Decide whether you’d like music when you walk down the aisle or during the reception.Your venue(s) may own CD players and appropriate music that they’ll allow you to use for a nominal fee.

Honeymoon – Decide where you’ll stay for the wedding night and make the appropriate reservation.

Planning a wedding on short notice is possible! Managing the logistics will keep the bridal couple so busy that the entire experience flies by. As you are planning to be together for a lifetime, weigh whether the benefit of a swift engagement outweighs having the romantic experience of planning a wedding at your leisure.