You just got engaged over the holiday break - you’re living in the moment and having a blast showing off your ring to all of your loved ones. We know that some couples prefer to plan their wedding over a longer period of time, but we still meet couples who want to tie the knot within a year! Many might question, is even possible? But, we’re here to tell you that YES, it is possible to plan a 2024 wedding! Maybe you are at the perfect transition stage for a wedding, or just like the ring of saying “yes” in the new year, but it is possible to make your dream wedding happen, even on a time crunch. 

#01

Before the planning even begins, talk with her partner about your top must-haves. Once you pick 3-5 of your most important wedding wants, it will help you make a realistic plan of what can be accomplished. If you must have a venue, you’ll need to check and see if they are open or how far they are booking out weddings and events. Oftentimes, venues can be booked solid for the next year, before the clock strikes midnight! So make a list and determine what you absolutely want at your wedding and if it’s possible to book your favorite vendors in your set time frame. 

#02

Sit down with your partner to discuss finances. Many couples need time to combine their households after engagement occurs and this includes discussing each of your finances. We know that finances can be the biggest stressor in a relationship and it is vital that you ensure there is enough time to create your wedding funds. You don’t want to miss any vendor due dates or not create a budget that will work for you. If you want to make a wedding happen within the 2024 year, be sure to be reasonable about what you can achieve. Create a budget and stick to the budget. Do not overextend or estimate your budget into something unreasonable. Wedding bills can pile up quickly and many vendors require a deposit. Plan accordingly if you want to make a wedding happen within the New Year! 

#03

Talk to your family and friends about potential dates. One of the best parts about getting married is who you celebrate with! Planning a wedding in a short amount of time can mean friends and family may have to book tickets or make travel arrangements quickly. You want to talk to those who may need to travel in order to chose dates that may ease their travel and save money on their pocketbook. You also want to coordinate with family and friends to ensure that all the important or must-have folks will be in attendance. 

#04

Don’t rush to ask your wedding party right away. One of the biggest mistakes or regrets brides and grooms have is asking friends and family to be in your wedding party too quickly. Let’s face it, friendships change and unfortunately, some come and go. We’ve had brides in the past have to make last-minute changes to their wedding party or wish they would have included someone else. You definitely don’t want to have a negative conversation with any individual prior to the wedding, so think carefully and wait to ask until you can clearly envision your wedding day. 

#05

Most importantly, enjoy ALL of the moments. There is only one brief time that you and your fiance will spend engaged. Soak up all of the moments and work to enjoy the planning process. You will have a lifetime of wedded memories, but your moments to just be engaged will fade. So, plan that engagement party, enjoy the bubbly, take the pictures, and bask in engagement bliss! 

If you’re looking to get married within the 2024 year and need some help with the planning process, we’d love to support you with your journey! Whether you want to wed within the next month, or want to plan something later in the year, let our team at Elegant Affair guide you! Don’t forget to check with your family and friends if you want to tie the knot in 2024, you definitely want all your loved ones to attend, don’t rush through the engaged bliss moments, and take your time with planning. You may think that you need to hurry through the process but just breathe! Congratulations to all of our new engaged couples – ENJOY!

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 18 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.