Some moments in life simply can’t wait, and love is one of them. Whether it’s the thrill of a romantic proposal, the serendipity of an auspicious date, or just the realisation that you don’t need a year of planning to celebrate your commitment, planning a wedding in under 30 days is no longer reserved for movie scripts. In fact, some of the most magical celebrity weddings have come together at lightning speed, proving that spontaneity and style go hand in hand.
Take Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker, who embraced spontaneity with a courthouse ceremony and kept it perfectly on-brand with their rock-chic personalities. This couple remind us that love isn’t about long timelines—it’s about making every moment count. If you’re ready to dive headfirst into the exhilarating, chaotic, and oh-so-rewarding journey of planning a last-minute wedding, this guide is for you. With the right mindset, a little creativity, and a touch of celebrity-inspired flair, you can pull off a wedding that’s as unforgettable as your love story. So, grab your planner (or a really organised friend) and let’s get started!
Week 1: Dream big, decide fast
The first week is all about creating the framework for your wedding. With only a month to go, it’s essential to get your priorities straight.
Set your intentions
Start your planning journey with a heart-to-heart conversation with your partner. What truly matters to you both? Is your dream wedding an intimate, romantic escape or a lively celebration with your closest family and friends? Consider the story of Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker, who had a spontaneous Las Vegas wedding complete with Elvis impersonators before hosting a courthouse ceremony and a grand Italian celebration.
Lock in the essentials: Budget, guest list, and the date
Quick weddings thrive on simplicity and streamlined decisions. Start by creating a concise guest list, ideally comprising your immediate family and dearest friends. Set a realistic budget that prioritises your must-haves, like a meaningful venue, great food and an exceptional photographer. Next, choose a date that balances sentimentality and practicality.
Book your venue
With the clock ticking, flexibility is your best friend. Popular wedding venues might be hard to secure on short notice, but unconventional spaces can bring charm and intimacy to your big day. Think about meaningful locations—a family backyard, a friend’s rooftop with a view, or even a local café where you shared your first date. These personal touches can add warmth and character. If your budget allows, boutique hotels often have last-minute openings for small ceremonies, and they often come with built-in perks like catering and décor. Your venue doesn’t need grandeur—it just needs to resonate with your story.
Week 2: Assemble your dream team
With the basics in place, it’s time to get down to business. This week is all about assembling the people and elements that will bring your vision to life.
Secure vendors
With a tight timeline, efficiency is key when booking vendors. Start by listing your top priorities—photography, catering, and floral arrangements often top the list for last-minute weddings. Call local vendors, explain your situation, and don’t be afraid to ask if they have availability for a spontaneous event. Many professionals are happy to accommodate smaller-scale weddings, especially during off-peak seasons or midweek dates.
Choose your wedding look
Finding the perfect outfit within weeks can feel overwhelming, but spontaneity doesn’t mean compromising on style. Look for ready-to-wear bridal collections or explore boutique designers who cater to quick turnarounds. Vintage or pre-loved options can also be a charming and sustainable way to secure your dream look quickly. Consider Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, who added a personal twist to their ceremonies by including cultural elements and accessorising with meaningful pieces. Personalise your look by incorporating heirlooms, bespoke jewellery, or a custom veil that tells your story.
Send invitations
In today’s digital age, getting the word out quickly is easier than ever. Instead of waiting for traditional paper invitations, embrace technology to save time. For an even more personal touch, create a short video message with your partner announcing the big day and sharing details. Taglines like “We couldn’t wait to say ‘I do!’” or “Love just couldn’t wait—join us for our whirlwind wedding!” can add a fun, celebratory tone to your invites. Make sure to follow up with a group chat or email thread to ensure everyone gets the memo.
Week 3: Curate the experience
Plan the ceremony
The ceremony is the heart of your wedding day, and even with a spontaneous timeline, it can be deeply personal and meaningful. Start by deciding on the structure: will it be traditional, modern, or a blend of both? If you’re religious or spiritual, look for an officiant who can accommodate your needs and timeline. Civil ceremonies are often quicker to arrange, but you can add personal touches like customised vows, meaningful readings, or symbolic rituals.
Personalise the reception
Your reception is where the celebration truly begins, so make it fun, warm, and uniquely yours. With a limited timeframe, focus on simple but impactful décor. String fairy lights around trees or across ceilings for an enchanting ambience. If you have time, a monochromatic floral arrangement in bold colours like deep reds or sunny yellows can make a dramatic statement.
Curate a thoughtful menu
For the menu, think about what reflects your relationship and keeps logistics simple. Food trucks serving gourmet tacos, wood-fired pizzas, or artisanal desserts can add a playful twist while cutting down on formalities. And for drinks? A signature cocktail inspired by your love story can be a sweet touch—something like “The First Kiss Martini” or “Forever Spritz.” Music is another way to infuse personality. Whether you hire a small band, curate a playlist, or ask a friend to DJ, make sure the tunes match the mood—from romantic slow dances to high-energy hits that’ll get everyone on the floor.
Create a timeline
Even spontaneous weddings benefit from a bit of structure, so drafting a clear timeline is crucial. Start by breaking the day into segments: the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, speeches, and dancing. Allocate extra time for any unexpected delays—especially when dealing with hair, makeup, or transportation.
Share the timeline with your vendors, ensuring everyone is on the same page. To make things extra special, add small surprises for your guests. A handwritten note at their seat, a spontaneous dance-off, or a quirky late-night snack bar (hello, mini doughnuts!) can make the celebration unforgettable.
Week 4: The final countdown
The final week is all about tying up loose ends, finalising the details and mentally preparing to fully embrace the joy of your big day. This is when everything you’ve planned starts to come together, and you can focus on the anticipation and excitement of the upcoming celebration.
Finalise and confirm
In the last week before your wedding, organisation is key. Begin by confirming all the details with your vendors. Double-check the timing for the ceremony, reception, and any special moments—such as the first dance, cake cutting, or speeches. Go over the final payments and ensure all invoices are settled. Don’t forget your outfit! Confirm that your dress or suit is ready, free from wrinkles and that any alterations are complete. This is the moment to gather all your accessories—shoes, jewellery, veil/dupatta, cufflinks, or any sentimental items you plan to carry with you on the day. Place everything in one spot, ready for the big day, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Enjoy the little moments
With all the heavy lifting done, now it’s time to focus on the final moments before you say “I Do.” Take a deep breath and reflect on the journey that brought you here. Take some time for yourself as well. Set aside a few hours to disconnect from the hustle of last-minute planning. A final pre-wedding date night or simply snuggling on the couch watching your favourite movie can offer the perfect way to centre your thoughts and emotions before the whirlwind of the day begins.
Whether your wedding is planned in a month or over several years, what truly matters is the love and joy you bring to the day. It’s not about how much time you had to prepare or whether every detail is picture-perfect—it’s about the laughter, the memories, and the celebration of your unique love story with those who mean the most to you. So, as you step into your wedding day, embrace the beauty of spontaneity. Revel in the chaos, savour the small, unscripted moments, and remember that at the heart of it all, love is your guiding star. After all, isn’t love the ultimate celebration of life’s most wonderful surprises?
