Planning A Wedding In A Jiffy: 6 Months Guide

Planning a wedding in six months may seem daunting, but it is entirely achievable with the right checklist and timeline. While traditional wedding planning timelines are designed for couples with a year or more to prepare, a shorter timeframe is possible, especially if you get engaged during the holidays and dream of a summer wedding. Here are some key considerations and a month-by-month breakdown to help you plan your wedding in six months.

Key Considerations

- Budget and contributors: Determine your budget and identify who will contribute and how much. This will guide your spending and help you allocate funds to must-have items.

- Venue and date: Choose a wedding venue that fits your vision and is available on your preferred date. Consider alternative dates like Fridays or Sundays, or opt for non-traditional spaces.

- Guest list: Create a preliminary guest list to inform your venue choice and budget allocation.

- Vendors: Secure key vendors like photographers, videographers, florists, bands or DJs, and cake bakers as soon as possible, as they tend to get booked up quickly.

- Attire: Custom-made wedding dresses typically require six months or more, so be prepared to pay a rush fee or explore ready-to-wear options.

- Save-the-dates and invitations: Send Save-the-Dates as soon as you have your venue selected, and start designing your invitations early to allow for printing and mailing.

- Wedding website: Create a website to keep your guests informed and provide key details such as maps, dress code, and registry information.

- Honeymoon planning: If you plan to take your honeymoon shortly after the wedding, start researching and booking flights and accommodations.

Month-by-Month Breakdown

Six Months Before the Wedding

- Book your venue and set the date.

- Hire key vendors like caterers, photographers, videographers, florists, bands or DJs, and cake bakers.

- Finalize your guest list and collect addresses.

- Send Save-the-Dates to inform your guests about the upcoming event.

- Order your invitations, as custom options may take some time to arrive.

- Research and book hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests.

Five Months Before the Wedding

- Start shopping for your wedding attire, including the bridal gown and bridesmaid dresses.

- Purchase accessories like jewelry, shoes, and undergarments.

- Book remaining day-of vendors, such as a day-of wedding coordinator.

- Create your wedding website and build your registry.

Four Months Before the Wedding

- Confirm your guest list and send out invitations.

- Book entertainment, including DJs, live bands, or musicians.

- Secure transportation for guests, the wedding party, and the couple.

- Plan bachelor/bachelorette parties and the rehearsal dinner.

Three Months Before the Wedding

- Shop for wedding bands and confirm ring sizes.

- Schedule cake and menu tastings with your caterer.

- Start booking your honeymoon travel and accommodations.

- Order wedding favors, or make them yourself if you're crafting them.

- Schedule hair and makeup trials to ensure you're happy with your wedding day look.

Two Months Before the Wedding

- Build your wedding playlist, if you're creating one instead of hiring live entertainment.

- Purchase gifts for the wedding party, parents, and close friends or family who helped with planning.

- Order your marriage license, as there may be specific requirements and processing times in your state.

- Host bachelor/bachelorette parties to celebrate with your friends.

One Month Before the Wedding

- Check in with vendors and suppliers to confirm details and review the day-of timeline.

- Create a table plan and seating chart based on your final guest list.

- Start writing thank-you notes for any gifts you've received.

- Pack for your honeymoon and confirm travel arrangements.

- Write your vows and wedding speeches, if you're personalizing them.

Budgeting and selecting a date

Determine Your Budget:

The first step in planning your wedding is to set a realistic budget. Discuss with your partner and anyone else contributing financially to determine how much you can afford to spend. Be honest about your expectations and priorities to allocate funds effectively. Consider using a budget tracker or spreadsheet to stay organized.

Select Your Wedding Season and Date:

When selecting a date, consider the following factors:

• Wedding Season: Choose your preferred wedding season. For example, opt for summer if you want a free-spirited, tropical-themed wedding or winter for a snowy, holiday-themed celebration.
• Peak vs. Off-Peak Dates: Peak wedding season is typically between May and October, so prices are higher. Consider off-peak dates like January, March, April, or November for more affordable options.
• Holidays and Local Events: Weigh the pros and cons of a holiday wedding. While holidays may offer long weekends for guests, they can also disrupt travel plans. Also, check for local events like sports tournaments or festivals that may affect hotel availability and traffic.
• Lucky Dates and Superstitions: If you're superstitious or want to honor cultural traditions, consider choosing a lucky date. For example, Jewish tradition favors Tuesdays, while Irish culture considers New Year's Eve the luckiest.
• Venue Availability: Your desired venue's availability may dictate your date. If you have a flexible date, you'll have more venue options.

Tips for a 6-Month Wedding Planning Timeline:

If you're working with a tight 6-month timeline, here are some additional considerations for budgeting and selecting a date:

• Be prepared to be flexible with dates, as venues and vendors may have limited availability.
• Consider alternative dates like Fridays or Sundays, which can offer more availability and potentially lower prices.
• Look into non-traditional spaces like restaurants, art galleries, or even your parents' backyard for more options.
• Start researching and booking vendors as soon as possible, as many get booked far in advance.
• Prioritize must-have vendors and be open to compromise on others if your first choices are unavailable.
• Create a wedding website and send out save-the-dates as soon as you have your venue and date confirmed.

With a clear budget and a selected date, you'll be well on your way to planning a wonderful wedding, even on a condensed timeline!

Choosing a venue and vendors

With only six months to plan a wedding, it's important to get started on choosing a venue and vendors as soon as possible. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:

• Determine your budget: Before you start looking for venues and vendors, it's important to have a clear idea of how much you can spend. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure you don't overspend.
• Create a guest list: The number of guests you plan to invite will impact the type of venue you choose, as well as the number of vendors you will need.
• Consider your wedding style and theme: Do you want a formal or casual wedding? Will it be held indoors or outdoors? What type of atmosphere are you hoping to create? Having a clear vision for your wedding will help you choose a venue and vendors that align with your style.
• Research venues: Start by searching for venues online and reading reviews. Consider the type of venue you want (hotel, country club, barn, etc.), the location, and the amenities offered. Make a list of potential venues that fit your criteria and schedule tours to visit them in person.
• Book your venue early: Venues can book up quickly, so it's important to reserve your desired location as soon as possible. Be flexible with your date choices to increase your chances of finding an available venue.
• Prioritize your must-haves: Decide which vendors are most important to you and focus on booking those first. This might include photographers, caterers, florists, bands or DJs, and cake bakers.
• Ask for recommendations: Word-of-mouth recommendations from recently married friends can be a great way to find trusted vendors. You can also ask your venue for a list of preferred vendors they have worked with in the past.
• Research and vet vendors: Look for vendors that fit your style, budget, and location. Check their websites, read reviews, and browse their portfolios. Reach out to those you're interested in and schedule consultations to discuss your needs and vision.
• Hire a wedding planner: If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a wedding planner to help you navigate the process. They can provide valuable guidance and connect you with trusted vendors.
• Read and understand contracts: Before signing any contracts, be sure to read them thoroughly and understand the terms and conditions. Pay close attention to pricing, services included, cancellation policies, and other important details.
• Consider wedding insurance: Protect yourself and your investments by purchasing wedding insurance. This can cover you in case of unexpected events such as vendor no-shows, damage to property, or other issues.

Remember, with only six months to plan, it's important to be flexible and make decisions quickly. Don't be afraid to ask for help if needed, and try to enjoy the process of creating your dream wedding!

Finalising the guest list and sending invites

Finalising the guest list and sending out invites is a crucial step in the wedding planning process. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate this important task within your six-month timeline:

Finalising the Guest List:

• Begin by creating a rough draft of your guest list, including family members and close friends. Consider the number of guests, adults, and children.
• Share the draft with your partner, family, and friends to ensure no one is missed.
• If you plan to have a seated dinner, start assigning guests to tables to manage headcounts for the venue and catering.
• Finalise the guest list by adding postal and email addresses, especially if you plan to send out physical invitations or save-the-dates.
• Include any relevant information such as dietary requirements and access needs.
• Confirm the final number of guests attending the ceremony, reception, and those requiring meals with your venue and caterers.
• Set an RSVP deadline at least six weeks before the wedding and communicate this clearly on your invitations.
• Reach out to guests who haven't responded by the deadline to confirm their attendance.

Sending Out Invites:

• Save-the-dates: Send these to guests who will be travelling for the wedding, especially for international destinations. It is advisable to send these out 7-12 months in advance.
• Invitations: For a destination wedding, send invitations 12 weeks before the wedding. For a local celebration, 8-10 weeks is ideal.
• Include essential details such as the wedding date, location, and your wedding website address.
• If you are having a seated dinner, include table information or escort cards with the invitations.
• For digital invitations, some services offer printed envelopes with guest addresses, making it easier for you.
• Assemble and mail your invitations, then await the RSVPs.
• If you are having a bridal shower or bachelor/bachelorette parties, send out separate invitations about a month or two before the wedding.

Planning a wedding in six months is certainly feasible, and by staying organised, you can ensure that your guest list and invitations are managed efficiently.

Wedding attire and accessories

Planning a wedding in 6 months is definitely doable, but it will require some flexibility and quick decision-making. Here is a detailed guide on wedding attire and accessories to help you plan:

The Dress:

• Custom-made wedding dresses usually require 6 months or more, but it is possible to purchase one in a shorter timeframe, though a rush fee may apply.
• For a more affordable and quicker option, consider ready-to-wear bridal shops, salon sample sales, non-bridal ready-to-wear designers, or rental sites.
• Schedule fittings closer to the wedding date to ensure the dress fits perfectly.

Accessories:

• Shoes: Select your wedding shoes before the first dress fitting so that the gown can be hemmed accordingly. Consider comfort, the wedding venue, and style when choosing shoes. For outdoor weddings, wedges, sandals, or flats are more suitable than stilettos.
• Veil/Headpiece: The veil is a traditional bridal accessory, with various length options available such as cathedral, fingertip, bird cage, or blusher. Alternatively, consider a flower crown, crystal headband, hairpins, tiara, clips, combs, barrettes, or a fascinator.
• Jewellery: Choose jewellery that complements the dress, such as a necklace, bracelet, earrings, or a combination. Avoid going overboard and opt for one or two carefully chosen pieces.
• Undergarments: Select appropriate undergarments that ensure the gown looks picture-perfect, such as shapewear, a specific bra, or seamless underwear. Bring these to the dress fittings to ensure the best fit.
• Cover-up: Consider a shawl, bolero, capelet, or jacket, especially if you're marrying during colder months or want extra coverage during the ceremony.
• Purse/Clutch: You may want a small bag to carry essential items like makeup, breath mints, or tissues during the reception.
• Garter: This is optional but can be a fun tradition, especially if you want to incorporate a "something blue" or a family heirloom.
• Suit/Tuxedo: For the groom and groomsmen, consider renting suits or tuxedos, or ask them to wear their own suits in a specific colour.
• Accessories: The groom can also accessorise with shoes, a tie or bow tie, cufflinks, a pocket square, a watch, and a belt.

Wedding Party Attire:

• Bridesmaids: Ready-to-wear dresses can be purchased and delivered faster than custom-made options. Consider ready-to-wear alternatives or ask bridesmaids to pick their dresses within a specified colour palette.
• Groomsmen: They can rent suits or tuxedos, or wear their own suits in a chosen colour.

Honeymoon planning

Planning a wedding in 6 months is definitely possible, but it will require some flexibility and quick decision-making. Here are some tips for planning your honeymoon within this timeframe:

Start Planning Early

It is recommended to start planning your honeymoon eight to twelve months in advance, especially if you want to use a travel agent or have specific destinations in mind. However, since you only have six months, it's best to start as soon as possible. Airlines release flight schedules around 10-12 months before departure, and the earlier you book, the better the deals and availability.

Figure Out What's Important to You

Discuss and visualize your dream trip with your partner. Do you want to relax on a beach or go hiking? Visit museums or lie by a pool? The great thing about a honeymoon is that it's all about the two of you, so decide on the type of activities and experiences that will make you happy.

Decide on the Duration

How long you want your honeymoon to be will depend on various factors such as work commitments, annual leave, and budget. The average duration is around 7-14 nights, but it can be longer or shorter depending on your preferences and circumstances.

Choose the Right Time to Go

Consider the weather conditions for your chosen destination and try to avoid peak seasons, as they tend to be more expensive and crowded. Shoulder seasons, the months before and after peak season, can offer better value and fewer crowds.

Be Flexible

To save money, consider being flexible with your travel dates and destination. Travelling during shoulder seasons and choosing up-and-coming locales can get you more for your money. Checking into hotels on Sundays or Mondays also usually results in lower rates.

Utilize a Travel Agent

Using a travel agent can be incredibly beneficial. They can help you find the perfect trip within your budget, craft a tailored itinerary, and provide valuable support in case of emergencies or last-minute changes.

Look for Honeymoon Perks

Many hotels and resorts offer special perks for honeymooners, such as complimentary upgrades, champagne, or romantic dinners. Don't be afraid to let your service providers know that you're on your honeymoon to maximize these special touches.

Plan for Relaxation

Planning a wedding can be exhausting, so make sure to include some downtime in your honeymoon itinerary. You don't want to start your married life feeling frazzled and in need of another vacation.

Budget Accordingly

Honeymoon budgets vary greatly depending on personal preferences and financial situations. Research and plan according to your budget, and consider using a honeymoon fund or travel rewards to help cover costs.

Don't Forget the Details

Don't forget to factor in "hidden costs" such as airline charges, resort fees, local taxes, transport, and travel insurance. Also, remember to pack your bags in advance so you're not stressed the night before the wedding.

Planning a honeymoon in six months may require some quick decisions and flexibility, but it is definitely achievable. By following these tips and starting early, you'll be on your way to a memorable and enjoyable honeymoon.

Frequently asked questions