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WeddingsOnline.ie

There are those who view their engagement as a welcome way to prolong the excitement and limelight of their wedding day. But for some couples love strikes at the speed of Cupid's arrow and for them time is but pennies if not spent as man and wife.

If you are planning a short engagement (i.e. less than three months), do not waste time reinventing the wheel but instead take heed of the following advice from couples who've already raced down the aisle.

To begin, look at the WeddingsOnline.ie article entitled "Things to Remember: A Bride's Checklist" (you'll find it under the heading "Bride" on our homepage). This will give you a clear idea of what needs to be done within your allotted time and what needs to be tagged a "priority".

Next, be sure to keep your eye on the big picture and, as the saying goes, "Don't sweat the small stuff." You may find that the most popular baker, beautician, dressmakers, caterers, etc. are already booked up or cannot work within your time schedule. When this happens, think laterally. Do you know someone who would be proud as punch to make the cake for you even if you get it professionally iced? Have you thought of asking your local bakery to make a one-tiered cake for you with some fun decorations on top? What about the venue? Have you chosen one that is all inclusive venue - one where everything is included in the package?

Brides-to-be seem to have a genetic predisposition to prioritising their wedding dress and quite rightly so. If you're tight for time start by looking at off-the-peg gowns, rather than specially made ones, as early as possible. If you cannot find a dress you like, consider a suitable cocktail dress or borrow one from someone you know well (it's not as uncommon as you might think).

Plan your time -and that of others well. Lunch hours can be used to make phone calls, browse web sites and book appointments. Consider the expertise of family members and ask for their help in making arrangements. Then delegate, delegate, delegate. Your fiancé might be more interested in researching bands of the musical variety than those of gold or enjoy the escapism of gathering information on honeymoon destinations over the pretty but petty intricacies of flower co-ordination.

If you're getting the blues trying to book a band at short notice then get creative. Consider local dance groups (Irish, Morris, Salsa, Belly or otherwise), choirs and drama groups (preferably one-act dramas only). Dance groups which involve the audience in their repertoire are most successful. If you are inviting children to the wedding you could ask them to put on a short play with the help of a parent. Any of these options can be easily followed by pre-recorded music from your own and your friends' collections and DJ's are always another alternative.

Designing your own wedding invitations, place cards, and table planner is not only cost effective but also saves on valuable time. Try the wedding planner CD ROM, published by Global Software Publishing, suitable for use with Windows 3.1 and upwards, and available in branches of Compustore in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Donegal and Sligo. For a larger selection of DIY invitations try the Instant Cards and Invitations CD ROM, which offers a selection of over 500 design options. This is also available through Compustore.

And last, but not least, if it all seems a bit too much for you to cope with consider enlisting the help of a professional wedding co-ordination. Look no further than the WeddingsOnline.ie "We Do" directory, where you'll find more than one excellent service ready and waiting to help.