Planning A Wedding In 6 Months: Is It Possible?

Planning a wedding in six months is a challenge, but it can be done. While the average engagement lasts about 13 months, 19% of couples plan their weddings in six months or less. With a shorter timeline, you'll need to be flexible and organised, but it's a great option if you want to get married sooner, whether that's due to work schedules, military deployments, family obligations, or targeting a particular time of year. Here's a step-by-step guide to planning your wedding in six months.

Budgeting and selecting a date

With efficient planning and organization, it is certainly feasible to plan a wedding in six months. One of the first steps is to set a realistic budget and choose a suitable date, which will impact many other aspects of your wedding planning journey.

Budgeting:

The budget is often one of the most critical and challenging aspects of wedding planning. Start by having an open and honest discussion with your partner and anyone else who may be contributing financially, such as parents or close relatives. Determine how much each party is comfortable contributing, and set a clear overall budget for the wedding.

Next, break down your budget into categories. Consider the must-haves and nice-to-haves, and allocate funds accordingly. Some essential categories to include are venue, catering, attire, photography, music/entertainment, stationery, decor, and flowers. Don't forget to include smaller expenses like hair and makeup, wedding rings, gifts for the bridal party, and any necessary travel costs.

To stay organized, create a spreadsheet to track your spending. There are also many helpful wedding budget templates available online that can guide you in allocating funds and managing your expenses. It is a good idea to try and get an estimate for each category as soon as possible, so you have a clear understanding of the costs and can adjust if needed.

Selecting a Date:

When planning a wedding in a shorter timeframe, you may need to be a little flexible with your desired date. Start by choosing a few potential dates that work for you and your partner and perhaps a few key guests, like your parents or the bridal party. Consider any significant date conflicts, such as major holidays or local events that may impact venue availability or travel plans for your guests.

If you are set on a particular season, keep in mind that popular seasons like summer and fall may book up faster, especially for in-demand venues and vendors. You might consider an off-peak season, like winter or early spring, as venues and vendors are more likely to have availability, and you may even be able to negotiate better rates.

When selecting a date, also think about the timing of your wedding day. A morning wedding with a brunch reception, for example, can be a unique and cost-effective option, as you will likely serve less alcohol and may be able to save on decor, as the natural daylight will enhance the space. Evening weddings are the most traditional, but you may need to factor in additional costs for lighting and extended rental times.

With a clear budget and a selected date, you will be well on your way to planning the rest of your dream wedding within your six-month timeframe. The next steps could include securing your venue and key vendors, sending out save-the-dates, and planning your wedding attire.

Choosing a venue and caterer

Step 1: Determine Your Wedding Style

Consider how you want your wedding day to look and feel. Do you want a rustic barn setting or a luxury hotel? Would you prefer an indoor or outdoor reception? Are you imagining bold colours or a more calm and airy look? Knowing your wedding style will help you choose the right type of venue.

Step 2: Set Your Wedding Date and Create a List of Potential Venues

Decide on the season and month for your wedding, then narrow down some suitable dates. When creating your list of potential venues, keep in mind the estimated number of guests, your budget, and whether the venue suits your chosen wedding style.

Step 3: Visit the Venues on Your List

Schedule a visit to each venue on your list and take note of the following:

• The availability of the venue on your chosen dates
• The rental prices
• The amenities and services offered, such as in-house catering, wedding planners, or floral arrangements
• The location and accessibility of the venue, including nearby hotel accommodations for guests
• Customer reviews from sites like WeddingWire and The Knot

Step 4: Compare and Make a Decision

Create a list of pros and cons for each venue, considering factors such as budget, amenities, and location. Choose the venue that has the most advantages within your budget, and confirm your booking.

Step 5: Choose Your Caterer

Once you've chosen your venue, it's time to select your caterer. Here are the key steps to follow:

• Determine your budget and the style of dining you prefer (e.g. passed hors d'oeuvres, a sit-down dinner, or a buffet).
• Ask your venue for catering suggestions, as they may have a list of preferred vendors or certain requirements that caterers must meet.
• Get referrals from friends, family, or coworkers who have recently hosted a catered event.
• Read online reviews on sites like The Knot, Facebook, and Yelp.
• Schedule a tasting with your top three caterers to sample the food and discuss how your ideas can be incorporated into their menus.
• Sign the contract with your chosen caterer, making sure to review the finalized proposal and all fees before committing.

Finalising the guest list

6 Months Out:

• Create a rough draft of your guest list. Include family members and consider the number of adults and children attending. Share this list with your partner, close family, and friends to ensure you haven't missed anyone.
• Start adding postal and email addresses to your list, depending on the type of invitations you plan to send out.
• If you have guests travelling from afar, it's a good idea to send them a "save the date" notification or give them a call. This will give them ample time to plan their travel arrangements.
• Finalise your guest list for these out-of-town guests and send out their invitations.
• Book hotel room blocks for your out-of-town guests. This will ensure they have accommodation for your wedding.
• Send "save the dates" to your local guests.

5 Months Out:

• Finalise your guest list numbers, including the number of guests attending the ceremony, reception, and/or evening-only events.
• Finalise the number of guests having meals and confirm their dietary requirements and access needs.
• Finalise the number of children and babies attending, so the venue can prepare accordingly.

4-3 Months Out:

• Send out your invitations to all guests, if you haven't already. Include a clear RSVP deadline, ideally set at least six weeks before the wedding.
• Reach out to any guests who haven't RSVP'd yet to confirm their attendance.
• Finalise your guest list and provide the numbers to your venue, caterer, and any other suppliers who need this information.
• Send out thank-you cards to all guests for attending and for their gifts.

Remember, it's best to avoid sending your guest list to suppliers before it's fully finalised to prevent confusion and the need for constant revisions. Delegate tasks to your future spouse, family members, and friends, and don't be afraid to ask for help if needed.

Picking wedding attire

Planning a wedding in six months is a challenge, but it can be done. Here is a guide to picking wedding attire for the happy couple, with a focus on the bride's dress and the groom's suit.

For the Bride:

The wedding dress is often the most expensive garment a woman will ever own, so it can be a stressful purchase. Here are some tips to help you find "the one":

• Start by ripping pages out of magazines, checking out bridal boutiques online, and browsing Pinterest and celebrity brides for inspiration. Look for common themes among the styles you like, such as whether they are embellished, lacy, or voluminous, and bring these ideas to your first appointment.
• Keep an open mind. Many brides try on a dress they had in mind and don't love it, but fall for something completely different.
• Bridal sizing often runs one to two sizes higher than your regular size. Don't be horrified if your dress size is bigger than expected; no one will know but you and your consultant.
• Shop for dresses in your current size, rather than planning to lose weight before the wedding. It's much easier to take a dress in than to try to work with one that's too snug.
• Custom-made wedding dresses usually need to be ordered at least six months in advance, so be prepared to pay a rush fee if you are planning on a shorter timeline. For a more affordable option, check out ready-to-wear bridal shops, sample sales, non-bridal designers, or rental sites.
• Figure out your budget before your first appointment and stick to it. Know who is paying and get clear numbers on their limit. If you are paying the difference yourself for a dress that exceeds their budget, be sure to factor in money for alterations and accessories.
• Decide on the theme and venue of your wedding before shopping for your dress. The last thing you want is for your dress to clash with the overall wedding style.
• Plan other costs into your budget, such as tailoring, accessories, and cleaning and preserving the gown after the wedding.
• Do your research before making appointments, so you don't waste time at a shop that doesn't carry dresses you like. Call boutiques ahead of time to get the lowdown on their inventory, and make your first appointment with the least expensive shop, scaling up if you don't find anything.
• Pick three adjectives to describe your dream dress, such as classic, vintage, comfortable, romantic, glamorous, or beautiful, to help narrow down your selections.
• Make your appointments during the week, as bridal salons are packed on weekends and you'll get less personal attention.
• Leave a few hours for each appointment, as trying on wedding gowns is time-consuming, and you don't want to feel rushed.
• Choose your shopping companions wisely. It's hard to get a crowd to agree on dinner, let alone a gown, so narrow the group down to two or three people whose opinions matter most.
• Wear the right undergarments to your appointments, such as a nude thong, a strapless bra, and Spanx, so you can better visualize how the dress will look.
• Pick your silhouette. Consider the style you like, the venue, the mood of your wedding, and what will flatter your body most. A fit-and-flare works on many body types, while a sheath is best for tall, willowy brides, and a ball gown can overwhelm a petite frame.
• Keep travel arrangements in mind. If you're flying to your wedding, look into airline regulations so you don't fall in love with an oversized dress that will exceed carry-on specifications.
• Consider less traditional lengths for a casual, rustic, or beachy wedding. Tea-length or a white minidress can bring your personality to your big day.
• Pay attention to fabric. A heavier, more structured material will hold its shape and smooth your figure, while unstructured silk and filmy chiffon are less flattering for curvy brides.
• Wear heels to your appointment so you can better visualize how the dress will look on your big day.
• Bring dress photos for inspiration, as well as scene-setting photos of your ceremony and reception site, to help your consultant pick the most appropriate gowns.
• Remember that a gown looks better "on" than on the hanger. Be open to your consultant's suggestions, as they know that heavy details can make dresses sag when they aren't being worn.
• Shop trunk shows for savings, as you can often take a percentage off the gown, and meet the designer, who may waive or discount changes.
• Sales are also a great way to save money, but keep in mind that most sales stock is in sample sizes.
• Know that handworks like embroidery or beading add to the cost of the dress, so factor that into your budget if you want embellishments.
• Don't try on gowns above your budget. There's no point in torturing yourself, and you don't want to set an unattainable standard for dresses you can actually afford.
• If you're an avid online shopper, it's fine to buy your dress online, especially if you can try it on in person. Just be sure to check the return policy in case it doesn't live up to your expectations.
• If you're plus-size, call ahead to make sure the bridal salon has samples in your size, or can get them before your appointment.
• Be prepared to try on a lot of gowns. Finding "the one" often takes multiple shopping trips, so stay patient and keep an open mind.
• That said, do limit yourself to a few gowns per appointment to avoid becoming overwhelmed by options.
• Decide if you're traditional or trendy. Do you want to look classic and timeless, or are you a fashionista who loves being up-to-date on trends?
• Take inspiration from celebrity styles. Even if you don't have an unlimited budget, you can still draw inspiration from celebrity weddings to help create a vision for your dream dress.
• Stay true to what you love. It's crucial that you go with what you love and feel is your dream dress, regardless of other people's expectations.
• Try on a non-white gown. A survey showed that 14% of brides would wear a coloured wedding dress, so don't be afraid to be unique.
• Bring family heirlooms with you to your appointments if you want to incorporate them into your wedding day look.
• Target salons in your budget. You'll feel like you have a wider selection if you choose a salon with lots of options within your price range.
• Be 100% sure before you say yes. If you're unsure, sleep on it and give it some thought before committing.
• Pose for photos in various angles to get a true testament of how you'll look in your dress on the big day. Every mirror can make you look different, so photos and videos are an authentic sneak peek.
• Consider how you feel in the dress. The gown that makes you feel the most beautiful is the one you should choose.
• If you're torn, snap a pic and share it with someone close to you for unbiased feedback.
• Think about your favourite clothing. Reflect on your most beloved items and what you like about them. Envision these elements as you shop for your wedding dress.
• Walk away if you feel pressured. A salesperson should never pressure you to make a decision if you're unsure. Take your time, as this is an emotional purchase and a lifetime memory.
• Order early to avoid rush fees, which can run as much as 30% of the price of the dress.
• Have a professional take your measurements, even if you're ordering online. Putting the measuring tape even an inch off the industry standard can throw off your results.
• Order a size too big rather than too small. Most gowns can be altered down one or two sizes, and up one size, so it's better to have extra fabric to work with.
• Make sure you can move in the dress. You don't want to be pulling it up or feel constricted all night, so bust out some moves in the dressing room to test it out. If you plan to drop it like it's hot on the dance floor, make sure you can move how you want.
• Come prepared with a similar beauty look to what you plan to have on your wedding day. Go dress shopping with your hair and makeup done, so you can get the full effect and feel your most beautiful.
• Be sure you love it before you buy. If you decide you no longer want the dress after ordering, you'll likely lose all the money you put down.
• Don't take it as a sign if you don't cry. Not everyone is an emotional person, and not everyone cries when they find "the one."
• Personalize with a tailor you trust. It's far less expensive to buy off the rack and spend money on a good tailor than to buy a "couture" or "cut to measure" dress.
• Book early if you prefer a destination bridal shop, as these popular stores tend to be busy and require appointments, especially on weekends.
• Try a local bridal boutique for an intimate setting and personal service, although they may have fewer dresses to try on.
• Or, try a bridal superstore like David's Bridal for a wide price range, and the ability to try on dresses in your size, not just a sample size.
• Shop at vintage boutiques for a unique, timeless style at a discounted price.
• Be open with your bridal consultant. The more information you give about your likes and dislikes, the easier it will be for them to pick your dream gown.
• Keep the season in mind. If your wedding is in the Caribbean, go for lightweight fabrics and breezy styles, while a winter wedding in Boston calls for snow-like sparkle and heavier fabrics.
• Throw out the "rules". If you want to wear a taffeta ball gown on the beach or a trendy pantsuit to City Hall, do it – it's your wedding!
• Pay attention to the top of the dress, as this will be the most prominent part in wedding photos. Make sure the gown fits comfortably when you're sitting down and doesn't require constant adjusting.
• Tweak a gown in tailoring, but don't redesign it. Small updates like adding straps or changing the hemline are fine, but any customization that requires changing the inner support and structure of the gown is risky, costly, and often irreversible.
• If you don't love it, don't panic. Gather your trusted style advisers and try the dress on with different accessories, like a new belt or bolero. A seamstress can also work wonders by shortening it, changing the neckline, or adding/removing sleeves.
• If you must start over, save some cash by re-selling your unworn dress online, emphasizing that it's brand new to recoup 60-80% of the retail price.
• Think about adding a bustle to help you pick up your train during the reception. Research the different styles to see if one is right for your dress before undergoing fittings and alterations.
• Decide your dress preview policy in advance. Make a rule about how widely you'll share photos of your gown to avoid feeling trapped into showing everyone later and losing the magic of the reveal.
• Keep the dress away from home, especially if you live with your partner, so they don't stumble upon it and ruin the surprise. Ask a relative or trusted friend if they can store it for you until the big day.
• Relax and stop looking once you've found your dream gown. It will only make you nuts to keep shopping – yours is great, so look forward to showing it off!

For the Groom:

The most important decision for the groom is to choose their wedding suit and accessories. Here are some tips to help them look their best:

• Start planning your outfit 2-3 months before the wedding. This timeline should consider your inspirations, whether you need a style advisor, and the time needed for making and adjusting your suit, unless you're renting.
• If you're on a very tight budget, renting a suit or tuxedo is a more suitable option. However, remember that you won't get to keep it, and after spending a good amount of money, you may wish you had something to show for it.
• Buying a suit is better than hiring if you've always wanted a tailor-made suit and plan to use it again after the wedding. A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so why not make it as special as possible?
• If you're not the type to wear your wedding suit again, choose a colour that is suitable for other formal events or office meetings, such as midnight blue or charcoal grey. This way, you can get more use out of it.
• When thinking about the fabric, opt for a 100% wool suit in your preferred colour, which you can wear all year round.
• If you're opting for a tuxedo, it should be black and is usually only worn for extremely formal weddings after 6 pm.
• The three-piece suit is the most traditional choice for the groom.
• The type of wedding, whether formal or informal, and the season and venue, will help define the terms of the groom's outfit.
• Morning dress is for very formal daytime weddings in the UK and includes a morning coat or half morning coat, waistcoat, and trousers.
• A tailcoat should only be worn if your tradition strictly demands it, and morning coats are for early-day weddings in the UK.
• A tuxedo is a good choice for an extremely formal wedding, while a fancy three-piece suit finds a balance between style and tradition.
• When choosing your suit, consider the season, time, and place of the ceremony.
• For autumn and winter weddings, choose heavy materials like 100% wool, wool-silk, or wool mohair blend. Dark colours dominate during these seasons.
• For a tuxedo, always go with black. For a three-piece suit, colours like blue, dark blue, midnight blue, and charcoal grey are best.
• For spring and summer, opt for wool and silk blends, with a fabric weight of less than 250 g/m, in colours like blue or grey.
• For beach weddings, lightweight, breathable fabrics are key. Go for a linen blend with cotton or a wool and silk blend for a smart, formal look.
• For city weddings, keep things smart and traditional with a dress suit and classic colours.
• Country-themed weddings allow for more flexibility in colour choices, such as navy, midnight blue, or even light grey or beige for a marginally more casual feel.
• For evening weddings, wool and silk in dark colours will keep you warm.
• For daytime weddings, a lightweight suit is a must, accompanied by accessories that make the look refreshed.
• For the formal ceremony, go for a single-breasted suit jacket with three buttons and peak lapels, which point upwards towards the shoulders.
• For a casual look, you can opt for notch lapels, but be sure to run it by your bride-to-be.
• For the suit jacket pockets, jetted pockets are best, while flap pockets are more informal.
• Trousers should be longer than usual and sit perfectly on your ankle, without cuffs, as these are considered too informal.
• Well-fitted trousers without pleats are best, and belt loops are only necessary if you plan to wear a belt.
• A waistcoat is essential unless you're wearing a tuxedo. Go for a three-piece suit to look formal, with a waistcoat in a contrasting or tone-on-tone colour.
• The waistcoat can have three or four buttons and should have Mother of Pearl buttons for an ornamental touch.
• Blue is the most common option for weddings, offering a balance between formality and versatility. Shades like midnight blue, cobalt blue, or solid blue give an impression of impressive formality.
• A classic grey suit is a good option for morning dress or morning coat weddings, with charcoal grey being the second-best option for formal weddings.
• Light grey is a trend for casual destination weddings but can overshadow the bride, so be careful when choosing the right shade.
• Black suits are generally avoided for weddings, as they are associated with funerals and considered too strict and formal. If you like dark colours, opt for midnight blue instead.
• A mismatched or broken suit is too casual for a wedding. The groom should be sharply dressed, so a well-made, perfectly fitted three-piece suit is best.
• For a bold look, consider Prince of Wales or brown. For summer weddings, off-white and light grey in a lightweight fabric are creative choices.
• A wedding shirt should have cuffs made for cufflinks. Go for a white, made-to-measure shirt with French cuffs and a cutaway or straight-pointed collar.
• For spring/summer, choose a 100% cotton poplin fabric, plain or with fine stripes.
• For beach weddings, cotton and linen are great choices, giving a relaxed feel.
• For autumn/winter, opt for a heavier fabric like dobby, which is more wrinkle-resistant.
• For accessories, the basic features of your shoes should be black, leather, and lace-up, with leather soles if possible. Black shoes are best for dark-coloured suits, while medium-to-dark brown is good for navy blue suits.
• You can break tradition with colours like burgundy or deep green.
• The type of shoe can be Oxford or Derby, and don't forget to give them a good polish.
• Wear both a pocket square and a boutonnière for a real elegant effect.
• A crisp white pocket square in cotton or silk is best for a black-tie wedding, while a linen pocket square suits a beach wedding.
• For the boutonnière, make sure they are real, fresh, and compliment the type of wedding.
• A seven-fold silk tie is always a good choice, or a black bow tie if you're wearing a tuxedo.
• A belt is to be avoided, as it detracts from the polished, well-

Booking accommodation and transport

Six months before the wedding

• Reserve room blocks for your guests. Check out hotels near your venue(s) and reserve room blocks to ensure your guests have a place to stay. This is particularly important if you are hosting a destination wedding or if many of your guests will be travelling from out of town.
• Update your wedding website with booking information and any discounted rates so that guests can take care of their own accommodations with plenty of time to spare.

Three to six months before the wedding

• Research rental companies for wedding transportation.
• If your wedding will take place during prom season (early April to mid-June) or on/around a major holiday, start your transportation search early, as rental companies may be inundated with bookings.
• Consider the cost per hour, price of mileage and the distance involved from one point to another when booking your contract. Most companies will charge a minimum of three to four hours.
• Get a written agreement that includes the total cost, deposits required, refund and gratuity policies, arrival and departure locations, pick-up/drop-off times, the exact models of the vehicles, and the overtime rate per hour.
• If you are marrying in April, May or June, high-class vehicles will be in high demand, so you'll need to book your transportation even earlier.

Two to three months before the wedding

• Book a florist and a hair and makeup artist.
• Book a getaway car for after the ceremony.

One month before the wedding

Confirm all vendors and details, including transportation.

The week of the wedding

• Create a wedding week timeline and hand a printed copy to anyone involved.
• Pick up your dress and ask your tailor for a heavy-duty plastic hanging bag to keep it protected and pristine.
• Send your final headcount to the caterer and the transportation company.

Frequently asked questions