Whether you're leaning toward a shorter engagement or you're on a time crunch for other reasons, opting for a short-notice wedding is absolutely doable — and can make for some beautiful memories despite the whirlwind of planning.
By: Meghan Ely 
Photo: Mandee Johnson
To help keep you on track and guide you in the right direction, we polled some of our industry experts to share their expertise on what it takes for a short-notice celebration.
"Keep design choices streamlined. Don’t go down a rabbit hole of ten linen swatches and twelve centerpiece variations. Pick a vibe (romantic garden, modern, cozy rustic, etc.) and stick with it. Decision fatigue is real when time is tight, and you lose a lot of momentum when you get stuck on one thing." —Jaclyn Watson, Jaclyn Watson Events
"Researching, double-checking reviews, and delving into each vendor category can be time-consuming. A helpful tip is to ask a trusted vendor for recommendations in the other categories you still need to book. You're leveraging your trusted partners to help you narrow down your search to find the best vendors. The vendors are already vetted, and you can trust they'll deliver quality service." —Mary Angelini, Key Moment Films
"Also, planning a short-notice celebration takes away a lot of your margin for error and the extra time available for do-it-yourself projects. So, the better plan is to hire a coordinator who has done this a thousand times. They know what they're doing. Already have experience and won’t get bogged down by a learning curve. Coordinators/planners are efficient, and you certainly need efficiency when planning a wedding on short notice." —McKenzi Taylor, Electric Sugar Elopements
"While paper invitations may be a lovely formality, be mindful of your quick timeline and lean on electronic communication as well. A digital save-th-date will spread the word about your wedding most efficiently, and electronic RSVPs will get responses back in a much quicker turnaround. Plan to collect email addresses or phone numbers from your guests as well, so you can send out any last-minute decisions or changes instantly, to ensure everyone has the same point of reference." —Rachel Ceaser, Savoir Fête
"Some logistics when planning a short-notice celebration are to consider guest count and deadlines. Not only will you want to set a budget, you'll want to set deadlines to hold yourselves accountable since you won't have as much time to plan or prep. Once you are sure of the number of guests, the budget you want to spend, the vendor availability, etc, consider how much time it may take for people to get back to you. Additionally, consider that those who may not be local may have even less flexibility than those who are local to where you're hosting your celebration." —Jennifer Symula, Symula Media Group
"A short timeline doesn't mean settling — it means simplifying. The reason these celebrations often feel more intentional and intimate is that you don't have time to get swept up in the overwhelm — you have to choose with clarity. When hiring vendors, look for people who specialize in small weddings or elopements, who respond quickly, and who ask great questions right away. That usually signals someone who can roll with last-minute pivots and still make the day feel effortless." —Natasha Cardinal, The Cardinals
"Intimate weddings at established venues with in-house catering and provided rentals and logistics can be pulled off by a professional planner in literal weeks, but larger productions that require any tenting, custom builds/decor, or many different vendors or companies working together should still have at least a 3-month timeline, and that is definitely while working with an experienced planner. And lastly, hear me loud and clear: having a wedding at a private home is not less money or logistics, it is more. Always more. I've planned weddings at historical estates and some of the most expensive homes in Los Angeles, and rarely did they have the kitchen, bathrooms, and power grid needed to pull off a 200-person wedding." —Margaux Fraise, Harmony Creative Studio
"If your venue has a minimum guest requirement, you might want to plan to have a B list of guests to invite, especially when the celebration is short notice, there will likely be a higher percentage of guests that will not be able to attend without being given advance notice. Be prepared that short-notice celebrations might come with a higher price tag. Wedding vendors are often booked months in advance, so reaching out with a limited timeline could mean expedited or rush fees will be necessary to accommodate the short time frame to complete work. It might be a good idea to anticipate some extra rush fees when initially setting the wedding budget." —Kelley Nudo, Momental Designs
"If you are unable to hire a planner and need more support, it will be important to assign tasks to your trusted bridal party and family members so you don’t become overwhelmed along the way. Be cognizant that you may need to pay for rush fees or additional premiums for last-minute staffing." —Kristen Gosselin, KG Events & Design
Ultimately, having a short-term engagement means more than just being quick on your feet — it's about being rigid with your priorities, knowing that shorter doesn’t necessarily mean inexpensive, and communicating efficiently with your loved ones. As long as you're prepared for a few curveballs, planning a short-notice celebration can be the right choice for you and your spouse if needed!
Meghan Ely is the founder of OFD Consulting, a public relations agency specializing in publicity, speaking engagements, and thought leadership for wedding and event professionals. She is a longtime wedding industry speaker, traveling globally.
