In a perfect world we would have months (and months…and months!) to plan our wedding. But, that isn’t always the case. Sure, some people have a year or even two years until their big day, but if your timeline is shorter than that, there is often an added layer of stress that can feel overwhelming. After all, planning a wedding is hard enough. But planning a wedding in five months? Well, let us just pour that extra glass of wine for you right now.
The good news is there are several ways you can get ahead of the game when it comes to planning your wedding on short notice. The most important tip? Realize that it will ALL work out in the end, and you will get to marry your best friend no matter if you’ve had one month or one year to plan it. Once you’ve let that thought settle in, utilize these two ideas, below, to help you along the way.
1. Consider a Friday or Sunday Wedding
One of the most important things to consider when planning your wedding is not only WHERE you want to get married, but WHEN. Deciding on the year and month and day you say “I Do” will often influence not only which venues are available, but at what price. That’s because most wedding venues (especially the most popular ones) will book up months and even years in advance. For instance, a venue you love might be booked on that Saturday in June you’re looking at, but will be available the day before or after. Yes, getting married on a Friday or Sunday should DEFINITELY be a consideration for you! In fact, Friday and Sunday weddings are becoming more and more popular each year as brides look for ways to accommodate their timelines (and wallets). Venues like Brooklyn Winery might be unavailable on a Saturday, but there could be more Fridays and Sundays with openings in those prime months. Bonus? Fridays and Sundays tend to be less expensive, often with a price difference of $50 less per person, or a venue rental fee that is thousands lower. That adds up pretty quick! Aside from availability and discounts, here are other pros we’ve heard from brides (and guests!) about Friday and Sunday weddings.
You get more time with your guests
With most guests often arriving late Friday evening for a Saturday wedding and leaving on Sunday, you’ll most likely only see them at your wedding reception! A Sunday wedding will allow you to spend all of Saturday with your guests if you’re having a destination wedding.
They are easier for Jewish weddings
Since most rabbis will not marry a couple on Shabbat, that means your choices are to have your ceremony start Friday before sundown, Saturday night after sundown, or anytime on Sunday. Given the time frame of most receptions, opting to have a Friday or Sunday wedding (vs. a Saturday where the ceremony has to start in the evening) can be a better option for the couple and guests.
It’s more convenient for your guests to travel
More often than not, guests traveling to a Saturday wedding will still have to take a day off of work. If you have a Sunday wedding guests can fly in on Saturday and out on Monday, both of which are statistically cheaper days for airfares. Even if your guests are local, a Saturday lunch after a Friday wedding, or an after-party at 9 p.m. after your Sunday wedding can feel like more thoughtful (and fun!) events unto themselves.
2. Opt for a Wedding Venue That Does a Lot of the Hard Work for You
Turnkey wedding packages are a BIG plus for all brides, not just those getting married in a time crunch. But if you are short on the number of months you have to actually plan your wedding, opting for a wedding venue that handles most of the big-ticket items for you (the event management, food, beverage, tables, chairs, lighting, etc.) can be a HUGE plus. When we look at wedding venues to review for our site, we personally love when we find not only one that is gorgeous and a great value, but one that offers a comprehensive wedding package that aims to make planning less stressful. Below is an example of Brooklyn Winery’s full-service package and what it includes. (For pricing, read our review of this rustic meets industrial chic winery wedding venue here!)
- Rental of the full winery for 5 hours of event time
- Parlor Room and Portrait Room available 2 hours prior to event with sparkling wine and an antipasti spread in each
- Cocktail hour with artisanal cheese and charcuterie presented with accompaniments including house-marinated olives, maple cayenne nuts, and an assortment of dried and fresh seasonal fruit as well as 5 passed Hors d’Oeuvres
- Family-Style Plated Meal: Fresh bread and compound butter, choice of 1 salad, 2 entrées, and 2 sides
- Dessert spread of 3 mini bites, with coffee and tea service
- Ornate glass votives with candles, tables, chairs, wine barrel cocktail tables, china, flatware, linens, and glassware
- Brooklyn Winery Open Bar: Featuring Brooklyn Winery’s small batch wine, including 3 red wines, 3 white wines, sparkling wine with a selection of 4 seasonal craft beers, premium hard liquor and assorted sodas and juices
- Wine and Food Tasting: Invitation for 2 to one of their quarterly tastings
- Event Manager: Assists in outside vendor coordination, helps in planning day-of timeline, oversees event, and manages event staff
- Staffing
Are you planning a Friday or Sunday wedding? Tell us about it, below!
On Sunday, January 22, 2017, Brooklyn Winery is hosting its first Wedding Open House, giving newly engaged couples the opportunity to tour the space, sip their wines, view samples from preferred vendors and see what an actual wedding setup could look like. For further details or to RSVP, email events@bkwinery.com.
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Weird! I found this article researching the etiquette of Friday weddings and stumbled on this article. I just attended a wedding at the Brooklyn Winery about four months ago. I was extremely impressed with the facilities and staff. Great place, great piece.
Great tips <3
xo