Quick Wedding

I'm planning on having a very small, inexpensive wedding in a few months and have very little time to plan it. Do you have any type of planning advice for me?

The first thing you need to do is plan the big 4 - date, location, budget and who's going to be in your wedding. The first 2 may be the hardest on short notice.

Use the EZ Wedding Planner "Plan" feature so as not to forget any details.

A photographer is important, because after all the excitement, you will be left with the pictures. If you have less than 50 guests, you can hand write invitations on stationery or call them. If you are planning a standard wedding/reception, invitations should be sent at least 4 weeks before the wedding. This could be tight when time is an issue. Ask the printers if they can rush them.

Bridesmaids can get dresses off the rack from a department store (which is quicker than ordering from bridal shop). Consider buying a bridal store demo (off the rack) or consignment shops for your dress, or renting or having it sewn for you. Try the bakery at your local grocery store for the cake - their lead time is usually much shorter than specialty bakers (one of our daughters got her cake from a local upscale grocer and it was outstanding). Use flowers that are in season, as they are always cheaper than exotic flowers and are readily available. Or, get married in a garden/arboretum with ready made flowers. DJs are easier to come by and less expensive than a band on short notice if you want music and dancing at the reception. Or, you don't have to have music - your guests may enjoy just socializing without the music. If you are getting married in a church, consider using the basement or community room for the reception. This is gen erally available on little notice.

Or, if you have a large home or yard, consider hosting the reception (and maybe even the ceremony) there. (Tents for outside in case of rain). You may have friends who would help with the food or, for ease - find a local caterer.

If you are planning to register for gifts, do so soon. Check on marriage license requirements and get the license. Also, some religious officiants require pre-marriage counseling - check to see and allow enough time. You can also do your own programs on your computer. Printing on colored paper and folding works great.

Be creative and have fun.