If you’ve ever dreamed of saying ‘I do’ with only half a year to spare, you’re in the right place. Planning a wedding in just 6 months might sound like an impossible task, but with helpful tips and tricks from Viva Wedding Photography, you’ll be walking down the aisle in no time. So, let’s dive into the fast track of “How to plan a wedding in 6 months?” and make your dream day a reality!
Can you Plan a Wedding in 6 Months?
YES, like we said, planning a wedding in 6 months or less is completely doable! Yet, time is limited, and flexibility is key throughout the planning process. This includes choosing a date and venue, selecting vendors, flowers, attire, and more. Prepare for a fast-paced wedding planning process with a new task to handle almost every day—no time for breaks!
However, if your main priority is to get married quickly and you’re not too concerned about every single wedding detail, then a short timeline could be the perfect choice for you. Follow the wedding planning below to ensure you complete all tasks with time to spare.
How to Plan a Wedding in 6 Months Checklist PDF
Guide for How to Plan a Wedding in 6 Months
1. 6 Months Before The Wedding
1.1. Set your wedding budget
Let’s start with the basics. Begin by establishing the budget for your wedding and identifying the contributors and their respective amounts. It’s a great idea to start listing your essential items now, such as a specific photographer or a live band. This way, you can set aside additional funds for these priorities.
1.2. Reserve a wedding venue and choose a date
Selecting a wedding location is more than just finding where to host your celebration. Once you’ve reserved the venue, you’ve officially “set the date” for your wedding, allowing you to progress with various other wedding-planning tasks. You’ll need to decide whether to book separate ceremony and reception venues or to hold both events at the same location.
Make sure to inquire about the availability of the venues you’re interested in. Due to the current wedding boom and the short turnaround time, you may need to be flexible with the date and time. Weekday weddings offer unique benefits and are definitely worth considering. We highly recommend touring the venues you are interested in and asking questions about any details before committing to a contract.
Viva Wedding Tip
Begin with your preferred venue, then move on to the next best option, and continue going down the list until you find a suitable place!
1.3. Hire major vendors
“How to plan a wedding in 6 months or less?” is not an easy question; you must prepare so many things. A tight schedule might make it challenging to keep track of all the tiny things that need to be done to make your wedding day perfect. So, hiring wedding vendors will help you release a lot of stress.
Just like reserving your wedding venue, it’s important to make sure your vendors are also booked well in advance to guarantee their availability on your special day.
When choosing your wedding vendors, consider your wedding day vision and who can best assist you in your limited time. Are you in need of a full-service planner? Perhaps a day-of coordinator would be sufficient for your needs? Determine the level of support required and begin searching for vendors.
Here’s the list of main wedding vendors you might need:
- A wedding planner
- Caterers
- Officiant
- Wedding photographer and/or videographer
- Florist
- DJ and/or wedding band
- Wedding cake baker
1.4. Make a wedding guest list
When planning a wedding in 6 months or less, it’s essential to promptly determine the number of guests to invite to your wedding. Discuss with your partner to create an initial list, and then consult your parents about additional guests they would like to add. Consider the size and style of the wedding you envision while also being mindful of your budget, as a larger guest list will require more food and a larger venue.
1.5. Choose wedding attire
A wedding dress, in many cases, can take more than six months to arrive after ordering, so it’s wise to begin looking for your gown as soon as possible. Buying all wedding attire, including bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen suits, wedding gowns, tuxedos, and more, early on in the planning process is also highly recommended.
You can find more economical options by perusing ready-to-wear bridal stores, taking advantage of sample deals, or even looking into online rental services. That way, you can even choose to have your items delivered or picked up on the same day.
1.6. Book hotel room blocks and transportation for guests
For guests traveling to your wedding location, you should reverse room blocks at nearby hotels to guarantee everyone has somewhere to stay. Don’t forget to arrange transportation to and from your wedding venue. Providing transportation for VIPs like wedding party members and immediate family is essential. It’s also a thoughtful gesture to offer shuttle services for guests if the venue is not close to their accommodations.
1.7. Set a date for your engagement shoot
You should begin scheduling your engagement shoot as soon as you have decided on a photographer. This allows you to utilize your engagement photos on your wedding website or save the date invitations if desired.
1.8. Select your wedding party
Choose the friends and family members you want to be part of your wedding party and invite them to attend. If you intend to ask your bridesmaids or groomsmen for a lot of help, which is usual when working with a 6-month wedding planning timeline, be open about it from the start.
1.9. Create your wedding registry
Setting up a wedding registry and connecting it to your personalized wedding website can simplify gift-giving. Create a wish list of necessary items for newlyweds or set up a “HoneyFund” registry to assist with funding the honeymoon.
1.10. Build your wedding website
Make sure your wedding website is ready to go before sending out the save-the-dates so that guests can easily find the information they need. Make sure to include important details for your wedding guests, such as maps, a dress code, venue information, and registry details, in addition to your love story and adorable photos.
1.11. Send out save-the-dates
Although sending save-the-dates is not required, we suggest considering it. Given the short six-month timeline for the wedding, it’s important to notify guests of the date ASAP. Save-the-dates do not have to coordinate perfectly with the rest of your invitation suite. They only need a few key details: the couple’s names, the wedding date, the general location (city and state are sufficient), and your wedding website address.
Viva Wedding Tip
Don’t hesitate to utilize e-announcements, as they can help save time for couples with busy schedules.
1.12. Shop for your wedding bands
Don’t forget to pick up the rings as well! Once you have your engagement ring, it’s time to start looking for your wedding rings! For custom-made jewelry, it’s important to plan ahead and allow for a 6-month lead time to ensure your pieces are crafted to perfection and ready for your wedding day.
However, six months won’t be necessary if you want to pick it up at the store. But completing this task now is a wise decision as the next three months leading up to your wedding will be extremely hectic!
Viva Wedding Tip
If you’re interested in getting a matching set, it’s best to start with the store where your partner bought your engagement ring.
2. 5 Months Before Your Wedding
2.1. Start planning your honeymoon
If you intend to go on a honeymoon soon after your wedding, you should start organizing it now. You don’t need to make any reservations just yet, but it would be helpful to have the conversation and decide where you want to go and for how long.
2.2. Plan the menu for the wedding reception
It’s time to decide on the menu for your guests on the big day. Make sure to schedule a menu tasting with your caterer if you haven’t already done so. You have the freedom to select from a variety of hors d’oeuvres, entrees, desserts, and more.
2.3. Order wedding invitations
Select the official invitations you plan to send out to your future wedding guests. Custom invites may take some time to arrive, so order them at least five months in advance.
Ensure request a sample invitation during the ordering process to ensure the design and wording meet your preferences. Don’t forget to order additional invitation suites if needed moving forward. Also, think about how you will handle addressing all the envelopes and determining the necessary postage.
Viva Wedding Tip
You can save time by ordering online, or you can visit a local stationer for personalized help.
3. 4 Months Out For Wedding Planning
3.1. Book day-of vendors
Once you have the main vendors confirmed, you can begin arranging any extra services and vendors required for your special day, such as:
- Makeup artist
- Hairstylist
- Event coordinator
- Transportation
3.2. Finalize your ceremony details
Collaborate with your officiant to determine the structure of your wedding ceremony, which customs to include, and whether to personalize your vows or stick with traditional ones.
3.3. Order wedding ceremony programs
Once you have finalized your ceremony order, you can buy programs to hand out on the wedding day.
3.4. Start decor shopping
Begin searching for essential items for your wedding day, like centerpieces, favors, linens, and more. It’s important to place your order ahead of time to ensure timely delivery before the important event. Some venues may provide payment plans or special deals for wedding events. Plus, there are unique items available at several stores specifically for weddings!
4. 3 Months Left
4.1. Send out wedding invitations
After finalizing all the details for your wedding, the next crucial step on your 6-month wedding checklist is sending out the invitations! Make sure to provide your guests with ample time to plan and organize their schedules.
For a destination wedding, it’s recommended to send out invitations 12 weeks before the wedding date. Eight weeks is ideal for a local celebration.
Viva Wedding Tip
Consider setting the RSVP deadline around 3 weeks before the big day.
4.2. Do cake and menu tastings
You’ve already put in three-quarters of the work necessary to solve the question about how to plan a wedding in six months, so you deserve a reward for all your hard work. A wedding reception menu and cake tasting are among the most enjoyable aspects of the wedding planning process.
Arrange a meeting with your cake baker to sample cake options and choose your preferred flavors. Schedule a meeting to go over the reception menu with your caterer or venue, whoever is responsible for providing food for the event. Then, discuss the cocktail menu and choose a signature drink that complements your theme.
4.3. Book honeymoon
You should schedule your flights and accommodations as soon as possible, regardless of whether you plan a full trip or a mini-moon. And when planning your wedding and honeymoon, don’t forget to ask for time off!
When it comes to your accommodations, contemplate checking out websites like Airbnb worldwide. These spaces are often quicker to reserve compared to most hotels or resorts.
4.4. Prepare guest favors
Choose the type of wedding favors you want to give your guests. There is a wide variety of wedding favors available for couples to choose from, ranging from edible to decorative to homeopathic options. Make sure to place your order for custom wedding favors at least three months before the wedding to guarantee they arrive on time. If you want to save money, you can make guest favors on your own. Just make sure to give yourself enough time to gather and assemble all the materials.
5. 2 Months Before D-Day
With only two months left in the 6-month wedding planning timeline, it’s time to start finalizing all the details.
5.1. Schedule dress fittings
Plan your wedding dress fittings early if you haven’t already. This will give you plenty of time to get any necessary adjustments done before the big day. Don’t forget to measure any accessories you might need, like a veil, headpiece, or jewelry.
Ensure your husband and the rest of the wedding party have fittings planned as well.
5.2. Do hair and makeup trial
If you plan to have your hair and makeup done professionally for the big day, now is the time to schedule a trial run with your stylists. Feel free to voice your concerns and communicate with them if you’re not completely satisfied—it’s best to make adjustments early rather than on the wedding day.
>>> Recommend reading: Top 43 Delicious Wedding Food Ideas To Impress Your Guests
5.3. Attend pre-wedding events
There are some pre-wedding gatherings to attend, including bridal showers and bachelor and bachelorette parties. Your wedding party and relatives will most likely handle the organizing for these, allowing you to sit back, relax, and rejoice!
5.3. Create wedding song lists
You can select certain unique songs to play during your wedding day, such as the wedding party song, the first dance, and other memorable moments, but we don’t suggest making a full playlist (trust the pros on that).
5.5. Obtain your marriage license
Marriage license laws vary from state to state. Ensure both you and your partner have thoroughly researched these procedures to determine the appropriate time to initiate the marriage license process. If you or your spouse plan to change your name, ensure you know those regulations clearly.
5.6. Prepare your wedding vows
If you and your spouse want to write personalized vows, do not leave it until the last minute. Planning ahead and writing your vows a few months in advance will give you ample time to rehearse them!
>>> Further reading: Wedding Checklist For Groom: Ensure Your Day Without A Hitch
6. 1 Month To Go
At this point in your 6-month wedding planning timeline, you can start to relax a bit since you’ve already handled most of the important elements. Now is the time to pay attention to finish up all of your preparations, check your supplies, and make sure everything is in order.
6.1. Confirm vendors and suppliers
Reach out to wedding vendors, suppliers, and entertainers about a month prior to the wedding day. Confirm the venue’s check-in times, review the big day’s schedule, and make sure everyone is on the exact same page.
6.2. Organize seating chart
As you receive RSVPs, consider creating a seating chart to plan where your guests will be seated during the reception. When providing escort cards or displaying a seating chart, make sure to include table information for those creating these items.
6.3. Start writing thank-you notes
By now, in the wedding planning process, you’ve likely already started to receive some gifts. If you find yourself with some spare time, it might be a good idea to start working on your thank you cards.
7. The Week Before Your Big Day
7.1. Notify the venue, caterer, and other providers of the final headcount
If you’ve received responses from all your guests, you can provide your vendor with a final headcount. This will ensure that the caterer has adequate food and can set up the tables in the best way possible for your event.
7.2. Provide all vendors with contact information
Compile a list of your vendors’ contact details and share it with your vendor team. Weddings are full of surprises, and it’s important for your vendors to be able to communicate with each other on the day of the event. Providing your vendors with detailed information will allow you to unwind and fully enjoy your special day while they take care of everything else.
7.3. Pack for your honeymoon
Plan ahead and enjoy a stress-free trip with all your essentials neatly packed and ready to go. Make sure you track the weather at your honeymoon spot in case you need to make any adjustments.
7.4. Get your attire and accessories ready
Make any last adjustments and pack everything up so it’s all together and prepared for the day.
7.5. Pack an emergency kit
Be ready for any surprises by putting together a wedding day emergency kit. This emergency pack contains everything you need, including tweezers, tissues, and other hygiene supplies, as well as hand sanitizer and additional batteries.
7.6. Pamper yourself
In the week leading up to your wedding, give yourself a little TLC. Spend some quality time with the bridesmaids getting facials, manicures, and pedicures, or maybe even a sauna session. The concern about how to plan a wedding in 6 months will be released significantly at this point, so forget about the stress and enjoy yourself.
8. The Day Before
8.1. Arrange tips
It’s crucial to have all the tip amounts organized for your vendors before the wedding day. Consider asking your wedding planner, a family member, or a wedding party member to assist with distributing the tips.
8.2. Bring anything important to the wedding venue
If you’ve made or purchased any items for the event, bring them to the venue so they may be stored and displayed properly.
8.3. Rehearse the ceremony and have the rehearsal dinner
Alright! The final task in planning a wedding in 6 months checklist is to have a ceremony rehearsal. It’ll ensure everyone knows their roles for the big day. If you have a rehearsal dinner planned, savor the first event of your wedding weekend.
>>> Further reading:
- Comprehensive Wedding Planning Checklist For A Perfect Day
- How Many People Should I Invite to My Wedding: A Complete Guide
- 40 Top Wedding Send-off Ideas To Make Your Exit Style
“How to plan a wedding in 6 months?” may seem daunting, but as we’ve seen, it’s entirely doable with a bit of gumption and love. You’ve navigated through the nitty-gritty of speedy nuptials and are now ready to revel in the joy of your upcoming wedding. Take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back; you’re about to cross the finish line into wedded bliss. Viva Wedding Photography wishes you a happy wedding planning process!
