Weddings 2020: Racing to the Altar

The new year has barely begun, and yet if you’re determined to say “I do” before 2020 is out, your planning timeline is already tight. Choosing the perfect venue, defining your event’s mood, and finding the right dress are just a few of the countless details you can’t overlook. From décor and flowers to the guestbook and place cards, every element demands your decision—promptly and without exception.

That sparkler on her finger marks the beginning of a bride’s journey. The very first piece of advice? Set your wedding date as soon as possible. Churches—and even more so reception venues—often require booking lead times that feel biblical, sometimes stretching up to two years. Once you’ve picked your month and your style, summon your patience and courage, and launch into the seemingly endless bureaucracy every wedding entails. The paperwork is extensive and draining, so carve out mental space in case you need to change your mind along the way.

…or an eighteenth-century manor equipped for both the ceremony and the post-wedding reception, or even two separate sites—one for the vows and another for the party—keep this in mind: choosing a weekday over a weekend usually means shorter notice and greater availability. Beyond that, don’t forget to handle all the official marriage formalities, which can be nerve-wracking. Make a trip to City Hall to get the guidance you need to speed up the steps that will lead you to that long-awaited “I do.”

You’ll need at least six months—sometimes eight or even ten—to bring your wedding outfit to life. Factor in multiple fittings and essential meetings with your seamstress for any alterations. But be careful not to start so early that you end up changing your mind or undergoing weight fluctuations in the meantime. If you’re on a budget, remember outlet options: two to three months should suffice for adjustments like raising a neckline, shortening a sleeve, or nipping in the waist. Give yourself room for hesitation, doubts, and even last-minute rethinkings.

The same timeline applies to him—how he’ll look beside you—and to your bridesmaids, who must coordinate their dresses with the style choices you’ve made. Allow yourselves plenty of breathing room. Once the big decisions are locked in, everything else will fall into place like a well-oiled machine, gaining momentum right up to the moment you exchange vows.

…consider enlisting professional help. Today’s wedding planners—and other industry experts—are at your service to guide you through every challenging step of this momentous occasion. A wedding planner can be your go-to resource for managing the sheer volume of tasks involved. If you choose to hire one, you’ll lighten your stress load—and make sure that radiant smile stays firmly in place.

Also read: Your First Wedding Night