Last minute weddings may seem stressful, but they don’t have to be that way. Organisation is the key, as the team from top wedding venue Hintlesham Hall explains…
Just can’t wait to get married? Don’t want a long engagement? If you’re planning on tying the knot at our beautiful country house hotel, Hintlesham Hall, we can help make your wedding dreams come true – fast!
The Hall is an enormously popular and unique wedding venue which offers a warm, relaxing and friendly ambience, together with efficient and attentive staff with renowned, award-winning cuisine. We will create a truly memorable occasion for you and your guests – no matter what your time limits. 
A last-minute wedding is the perfect way to stretch your budget a little further. Most suppliers are keen to fill any late space, so a deal can often be arranged! The most important tip that we can offer is to make a checklist.
This will ensure that you haven’t missed anything so your day runs smoothly and efficiently. It also gives you the opportunity to check how far you are progressing with your plans. So what should be on this list? Here’s what we would suggest…
Sort your venue and date
At Hintlesham Hall we have some great budget-friendly deals if you can get married on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, as well as some fab last-minute deals on remaining dates this year for a set number of people. You will also need to book your church or Registrar as soon as you’ve set a date.
Find your outfits
Next up is your dress. One of the most important purchases, you need to get this sorted as quickly as possible in case alterations need to be made. Look at high street stores like Phase Eight and Monsoon for bridesmaids’ dresses if you’re short on time. Ask your groom to sort the suits for himself and the groomsmen. Moss Bros is a good choice with outlets all over the country. Alternatively, you could just ask friends to wear their best suits in a dark colour if you’re really short on time.
Decide on a theme
Keep last-minute themes as simple as possible. Choose details in a classic colour scheme that you know will be available like white or ivory. Our rooms at Hintlesham Hall need little decoration as they are already beautiful to begin with!
Book your key suppliers
Your photographer, cake maker, florist, entertainment and transport need to be confirmed next. We can suggest our recommended suppliers, so all of these key people can be booked in a flash. Remember, if you get married and hold your reception in the same place, you won’t need transport!
Wedding stationery
Last-minute weddings don’t require a save the date card, so just go straight to the invitations. Keep designs simple and fuss-free so delivery will be as quick as possible.
Wedding rings
Choose your wedding rings asap so they have enough time to be ordered or made as required. You might also need a slight adjustment when you finally try them on, so work in some time for this, too. 
Phew! That’s it – apart from buying your wedding insurance to protect your special day, which we would always recommend. All you need to do now is decide on a honeymoon destination and hand your hen and stag party plans over to your chief bridesmaid and best man. Want more help on planning a wedding within six months or less? Don’t forget to download our free wedding planning spreadsheets for guests, budgets and more – they’ll help to keep you on track.
