Things keep changing!

So, we had planned to have our wedding in August.  We wanted to get married in late summer, and really wanted enough time to plan and really research everything to get the best deals possible. 

Well, now that my fiance's sister is moving to Hawaii, he says he wants to get married before she moves, and that will be in April! That gives me less than 4 months! I just don't know if I can do it.....I know it's important to him, and I adore her and want her there too, but I've never planned anything this big before....The most I've even entertained for was 7.  I"m just feeling really overwhelmed.  On top of that, our budget went down since we wont be able to save as long.  I'm just totally frustrated.  And he doens't want to help plan at all.  He understands that it's suppoed to me my day but I still need his help.

Any tips on planning a wedding for about 30-40 guests on a pretty tight budget of $5,000-$7,500 in FOUR MONTHS???

*Cries*

Aw, don't cry! 

It is definitely possible. A couple friends of ours got engaged the week before Christmas, and the groom also wants to get married in April for a variety of reasons. His bride is freaking out a little, too! 

I think as long as you can get your venue and dress situated, everything else will fall into place. (The only reason I mention the dress is that sometimes it can take a few months for them to come in after ordering.) 

I think your budget is more than reasonable for a guest list of 30-40 people. You should be able to do something very nice with that budget! I would think restaurants and other small venues would be perfect and more than willing to accommodate your group. 

Aww! I can imagine how frustrated you are, but it will be ok!!

msdl has offered some FANTASTIC tips! Definitely think about your dress because of ordering time frames. Have you been able to do any research yet, or have any ideas on what kind of vibe/look you are going for??

We are all here to help you out! 

Take a deep breath, hun, it will all work out, somehow.  You may have to adjust your "vision" a bit to something else, but it can still get done in that timeframe, even in L.A. The first thing to do is find a venue - then it will all come together.  I think you had talked about going to see a couple of Italian restaurants?  You might have to consider a date that is a Friday or Sunday.  And msdl is right about the dress, but you can get some that are "in stock" or also consider one that is off the rack, like from Nordstrom or David's Bridal.  This is totally possible to do, we'll all try and help you here at PW!

Well, I set up an appt at maggianos.  They offer the ceremony and reception in the same place, and for an all inclusive venue is about $40 per person! They serve family style dinner which is great for such a small party and it's our number one place right now.  We're deff going to look more into resturaunts, as long as they do the ceremony on site.  I'm feeling a little more calm now about it, I think I can do it.  I'm looking online at David's Bridal and similar places that I can get my dress off the rack to get an idea of the styles I like, and so far I've found three dresses I love that are under $700! I'm a little stressed about the DIY projects getting done in time, but I think I can do it.  

You girls are so helpful and sweet.  It's nice to have a place to be frustrated haha! April is a good month anyway, and it's considered off season in most places which might get me a good discount. :P

You can most definitely DO THIS!!!  I love all of msdl's ideas and we will be here cheering you on!!! 

I planned our wedding 20 years ago in just 2 WEEKS! I know you can do it! A spring wedding will be beautiful!

I am thrilled for you. I am sure you will be glad that it is closer!

YOU CAN DO IT! YOU CAN DO IT!! YOU CAN DO IT!!! 

The ladies above gave you great advice. I also read somewhere that when planning a wedding on short notice, the best tip you can use is NEVER look back on your decisions. When one is made, it's final and you don't waist anymore time worrying about this. 

For the DIY, I don't know how much you're planning to do, but for myself, I did: 12 pomanders for the church, programs, BM's shirt, hangers for my bridesmaids' dresses and mine, table chart, menu, centerpieces, cardbox, I spy game for every table, table numbers & emergency basket. I didn't start those project until late march/april and I got married on July 14th. So I think you can make it, and if needed, ask for help! People will be happy to help you I'm sure!

Wow, that does throw you for a loop a bit, but it is totally doable!! Definitely secure the venue and dress like the other ladies suggested. Sometimes it's better to have less time for DIYs b/c then there's no procrastination! LOL. Make lists and you will be set!! How exciting!

So happy to hear the update! Having a wedding for such an intimate number of 30 - 40 guest at the budget you set is totally doable!!!!! And I have to give a thumbs up to David's Bridal. I got my beauty on sale for 399.00! I am so excited for you and once the venue is secure, you will breathe a sigh of relief and all will fall into place! As for your DIY venture, I think you have plenty o time! As Elise said, just make a list of what you need to do and knock each one down!