
Do you want to plan your wedding in just six months? It is a difficult task, but it can be done. Most traditional wedding planning timelines are designed for a couple with a year (or more) to get the details ironed out; sometimes that’s just not realistic especially if you get engaged over the holidays and are dreaming of a summer wedding. Can you really pull off a fantastic wedding in just six months? You bet.
You might be surprised at how simple the process is (since you don’t have time to second guess your decisions). You can see a step-by-step guide on how to plan your wedding within six months. Each month is broken down into tasks.
6 Months
Decide Your Budget
First things first. Decide on the budget and who will contribute. You should make a list now of the items you absolutely must have (such as a photographer or live band) since it is possible that extra money will be allocated to these items.
Select Your Venue
You can find a great venue in a short timeframe, even if most venues are booked a year or more ahead of time. Consider alternative dates, such as a Sunday or Friday . This might help you get that country club or ballroom you’ve always wanted. You can also consider non-traditional venues, such as a restaurant or art gallery.
Secure Your Main Vendors
You’ll need to book your wedding vendors as soon as possible. Contact photographers and videographers as soon as possible. Also, contact florists and bands or DJs.
Select Your Dress
You can find more affordable options by checking out a bridal shops, salon a… You can find more affordable options at ready to wear bridal stores, salon samples sales or non-bridal designers. Schedule fittings nearer to your wedding day so that your dress fits perfectly.
Book a hotel room block for guests
You’ll need to reserve a block of rooms if you expect a large number of guests from outside the area. It’s a way to reserve a group of rooms for your guests. Often, the rate is discounted because a large number of people are reserving these rooms.
Plan Your Engagement Photo Shoot
As soon as you have chosen a photographer, start planning your engagement photo shoot. You can then use the engagement photos for your wedding site, or even save-the-dates if you wish.
5 Months
Create a guest list
You’ll need an idea of how many guests you want to invite to your wedding in order to prioritize your budget and choose the right venue. Talk to your parents and make a preliminary guest list. Consider , the style and size of your wedding. Also consider your budget. More guests means more people to feed.
Hire a wedding coordinator
Hire a month coordinator to help you organize your planning documents, checklists, and vendors. Hire a coordinator or planner to help you organize your documents, create a list of tasks, and recommend vendors. You can still benefit from a professional even if you are handling most of the details yourself.
Establish Your Wedding Party
There are others who will be walking down the aisle with you. You can ask your friends to be by your side when you get married. While dresses for bridesmaids are available and can be delivered in a shorter time frame than a wedding gown, they take some time to make. Consider ready-to-wear options or have your’ maids choose their own dress from a specified colour palette.
Send your Save the Dates
Send out your save-the dates as soon as you’ve chosen a venue. Choose digital save-the-dates (since there will be plenty of time to create custom invitations but not enough time for save the dates), or semi custom printed designs by companies that offer a faster turnaround (think Minted, or the Wedding Shop on Shutterfly). Many companies will print the addresses of your guests on the envelopes, so that mailing is as simple as peeling and adhering stamps. You should start designing your wedding invitations early to ensure that they are delivered in plenty of time for mailing. Don’t forget your wedding website and your registry before you send out those save-the dates.
Create Your Wedding Website
You’ll need to have your wedding site up and running for guests to refer to. Include your wedding story, cute photos and important information to your guests. This includes maps, dress codes, venue information and registry details.
4 Months
You can now hire the rest of your vendors
There are still other vendors you should consider. It’s time to book hair and makeup artists, rental companies and transport for yourself and your family.
Order Your Wedding Bands
If you are getting married within six months, or in a year-and-a-half, you can shop for bands at this time. Many wedding bands are made to order, so it may take up to 90 days to make and deliver your band. Shop at the same store that your partner bought their engagement rings if you want a matching set. Or, spend an afternoon visiting several jewelry shops to find your perfect match.
3 Months
You can do a menu and cake tasting
It’s half-way through your wedding planning in six months. You deserve a reward for the work you’ve done. Why not celebrate by doing one of the most fun wedding planning tasks, sampling your menu or cake?
Plan Your Honeymoon
You’ll be ready to relax after the wedding. Are you worried about flight costs? You can find affordable flights and great beaches by searching within U.S..
Airbnb is a great way to find a place to stay in any part of the world. Bookings are usually quicker than at hotels or resorts.
Invite your guests to the party
Sending out invitations is easy once you’ve designed and ordered them. Send out invitations 12 weeks in advance for a destination marriage. Eight weeks is enough time for a local wedding.
2 Months
Party
It’s time to plan your bridal party, bachelor or Bachelorette parties. These parties shouldn’t require too much planning, but they should be scheduled at least a month before the wedding to avoid last-minute anxiety.
Order your Marriage License
This little piece of paper can be a big deal. Visit the county clerk to get your marriage certificate.
Try out your hair and makeup
Schedule a hair and makeup trial for your wedding. Schedule an hair and makeup test to ensure your glam squad fully understands the vision you have for your wedding day.
1 Month
Pack your bags for the Honeymoon
It’s almost a month until your wedding and your honeymoon. Pack your bags during this time so that you won’t be worried about them on the night of the wedding.
Confirm all the details
Confirm the timing and order with your vendors. Create a wedding day schedule to ensure that all vendors, parents and bridal party are on the same page.
Finalize your seating chart
All of your RSVPs for your wedding should be in by now. You can then finalize your seating plan and order your escort card to be printed.
Enjoy the Moment
You’ll have a wedding planned in just six months. That is no small feat. It’s your last month as a fiancee instead of a wife, so it is a very special time. Try not to over-stress.