Yes, you can totally plan a wedding in less than a year—and even stay sane doing it!

Not every couple wants (or needs) a two-year engagement to tie the knot. Maybe you’re just eager to start married life, maybe you’re working with specific dates, or maybe the idea of a drawn-out planning process makes you want to scream into a bouquet.

Whatever the reason, a short engagement is 100% doable. You just need the right mindset and a little strategy.

Here’s how to make it happen without losing your cool!

With a shorter timeline, you don’t have time to debate every little detail. Sit down with your partner and agree on your top priorities: Is it the venue? The food? The photographer? Once you know your non-negotiables, everything else becomes easier to manage.

If you’re planning in under a year, Saturdays might be booked up at your dream venue, but Fridays, Sundays, or even weekdays? More likely open and potentially cheaper. Flexibility can get you the vendors you want without the wait.

Smaller guest list = easier planning, faster RSVPs, and fewer logistics to stress over. Think quality over quantity. Plus, intimate weddings are totally in.

As soon as you’ve got your date and venue, lock in the must-haves: planner (if using), photographer, catering, hair and makeup, and entertainment. Many vendors book out early, so don’t delay on these.

Skip the long timelines for printed invites and go with digital RSVPs and wedding websites. They’re efficient, trackable, and save you precious weeks.

Venues that offer packages (with catering, styling, coordination, and more) can cut your planning time in half. It’s like a wedding cheat code with less coordinating and more celebrating.

Planning fast means you can ditch anything that doesn’t serve you. No time to DIY 100 favors? Skip it. Don’t want a bridal party? No big deal. Focus on the things that matter to you.

Having a short engagement means there’s almost no time to wing it. Use a checklist, planning app, or spreadsheet to stay on top of your to-dos. Map out the months and give yourself mini-deadlines. Trust us, it’ll make the whole thing way more manageable.

Whether it’s a wedding planner, day-of coordinator, or your ride-or-die MOH, you don’t have to do everything solo. Delegating is your best friend when time is tight.

It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of planning—especially on a tight schedule—but don’t forget the most important part: you’re marrying the love of your life. That alone makes it worth it.

A short engagement might feel like a sprint, but with the right mindset and a solid plan, it can be just as magical and way less drawn-out. Keep it focused, stay flexible, and don’t forget to have fun along the way.

You’ve got this, bride-to-be!