Planning a short-lead wedding - is it possible?
Photo by Rick Liston
You’ve become engaged to the love of your life and you’re getting married, congratulations! You’ve announced your engagement to your loved ones, spent time together in newly-engaged bliss and now you're tentatively beginning the process of planning your wedding. You’re enquiring with suppliers and are quickly realising that there is a lot of work to be done, and starting to wonder if it’s going to take years to plan your wedding. You’re brimming with excitement and just want to be married already - you don’t want to wait years before saying ‘I do”!
If this story sounds familiar you are absolutely not alone. More and more we’re noticing a shift where couples tell us that they are wanting a shorter engagement, with some even enquiring after dates that are as soon as three months away. There is one a question that almost all couples interested in getting married within six months pose to us:
“Is it possible that my wedding can be organised that quickly?”
Our answer is simple:
“Yes!”
To gather insights into how it’s possible to plan a wedding in a shorter amount of time we spoke to a member of our wedding team, Caity Clarkson.
Photo by Rick Liston
First of all, can you tell us about the availability of wedding dates at Stones of the Yarra Valley?
“Stones is an incredibly iconic venue and many of our dates book out in advance. However, there can be outliers that make a short lead wedding a reality, such as dates that suddenly become available or a date that just never happened to be booked. It’s always worth asking the question!”
Photo by Rick Liston
One concern of couples is that there may be no suppliers available for their wedding date, what are your thoughts on this?
“It’s a completely understandable concern! We have a curated preferred supplier list which we provide our couples when they book, which can assist couples with finding excellent suppliers for their wedding. Whilst we can’t guarantee the availability of the suppliers on our list for particular dates, the weddings industry is huge, and if one particular vendor is not available on a selected date, then they often have wonderful contacts that they can refer couples onto.”
We also have our very own in-house florist, The Providore Styling, who you can always reach out to knowing that they have an extensive background in creating incredible installations only for Stones of the Yarra Valley. They, like any florist, are subject to availability, but our weddings team can speak with them directly regarding any short-lead dates.
You will need to book your suppliers (e.g. photographer, florist, celebrant and musicians) but, if you select from our styling inclusions, all we need you to provide us with is your place cards and seating chart, it really is that simple”
What does Stones of the Yarra Valley do to help couples with the planning process?
“We’ve simplified the planning process by including many gorgeous styling items which couples can select from to dress their reception space. From table linen to candlesticks, easels for signage to a cake table, these are just some of the little things that can usually add up. At Stones, they are already included and add to the rustic, Tuscan ambience that we are known for.
Included within our venue hire fee is also two Stones Coordinators on-the-day (a Ceremony Coordinator and Wedding Reception Coordinator), as well as a Stones Administrator who will be allocated to your wedding 6 – 8 weeks prior to your day to make that planning process as easy and enjoyable as possible.”
What would you say is the biggest benefit to having a short engagement?
“There is a romanticism and beautiful spontaneity to marrying sooner. Rather than extending the planning, you can make decisions quickly, stress less and experience your day whilst still in the love-bubble of your engagement!”
If you’re interested in a wedding at Stones of the Yarra Valley we do have some gorgeous short-lead dates available.
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