Why wait to say ‘I do’?
Although the idea of planning a wedding in a year or less may seem completely bonkers, it can be done and is more common than you might think. Lots of couples now choose shorter engagements so they can get to the good bit – the marriage – without years of planning.
The good news is that planning a wedding within a shorter time frame does not have to break the bank. With the right venue, a clear plan and some decisive choices, you can absolutely plan your wedding in 12 months.
Here are our 12 reasons to plan your wedding in 12 months.
1) It needn’t take over your life
The longer you have to plan a wedding, the greater the risk of becoming completely overwhelmed as you spend hours poring over Pinterest boards, scouring Instagram and changing your mind countless times. It does not have to be this way. A one year timeline encourages you to focus on what really matters and enjoy the build up.
2) It encourages you to be more decisive
With 12 months to plan, you need to be more focused because there is no time to agonise over every detail. It can be a great exercise in decision making for you and your partner. Your chosen venue will also be able to point you towards trusted local suppliers and share advice based on hundreds of weddings.
3) Many couples already plan in a year
Planning a wedding in 12 months might sound ambitious, but many couples are engaged for around a year. A one year engagement is tried, tested and totally doable. It can even be a huge money saver if you are flexible on dates.
4) You can avoid wedding burnout
When you spend years planning a wedding, it is easy to stress over everything from the big decisions to the tiniest details. You can reach a point of wedding burnout where everything grinds to a halt and the idea of one more choice or phone call feels unbearable. A shorter planning window keeps things moving and helps you stay excited.
5) You might be able to bag a great deal
If you are willing to get married within the year, you may find some brilliant offers. Venues with remaining dates for the following year might have late availability offers, and you may be able to secure better rates with other suppliers too.
6) It suits you if you are not a planner
If you are already dreading the organisational side and planning really is not your cup of tea, there is no need to drag it out. Reduced planning time and regular deadlines are a great way to stay focused. Wedding fairs and open evenings also make it easy to meet lots of suppliers in one go. You can walk in with nothing booked and walk out with a cake, DJ, band and hairstylist.
7) You keep more of a buzz around your big day
With less time between your guests receiving their save the date and you saying your vows, the excitement stays high. Your wedding will feel like a real date in everyone’s diary, not something that drifts into the background for years.
8) You know more than you think you do
Some people say they have dreamed of their wedding day since they were little. Even if that is not you, you will have picked up ideas from other weddings and events, and from Instagram and Pinterest. You probably have a clearer idea of your tastes than you realise. Trust your instincts and let them guide your choices.
9) You know exactly what your venue will look like
If you book a venue for the same time the following year, you will have a clear idea of how it will look on your day. When you visit for a viewing, you can see how the gardens look and how the venue is dressed for the season. It is a great way to choose your colour palette and styling.
10) You minimise post wedding blues
If you spend several years planning, the wedding can end up consuming your time, thoughts and conversations. When it is over, you might feel a bit deflated and unsure what to do with all that spare headspace. With a shorter planning time, you can enjoy the build up, have an incredible day and then gently return to your usual work and home life without such a huge readjustment.
11) Your guest list will stay more stable
Over a long engagement, friendships and relationships can change. You may make new friends you want to invite or drift away from others. With a one year plan, there is less chance of your guest list changing over and over again. You can make decisions once and stick to them.
12) You will be married sooner
If you have been daydreaming about saying “I do” ever since you said “yes”, a shorter engagement lets you get there more quickly. Rather than waiting years, you can start married life and all the adventures that come with it within the year.
A shorter engagement will not suit every couple for financial or personal reasons, but it is absolutely possible. With the right support from your venue and suppliers, you can plan your wedding in 12 months and still enjoy every step.
Get in touch to find out the dates we have available within the next 12 months.




