Planning A Wedding In 6 Months: Ultimate Checklist Guide

Planning a wedding in six months is a challenge, but it's absolutely possible. The key is to start as soon as possible and be flexible. The first step is to decide on the type of wedding you want and set a budget. This will help you prioritise and keep costs down. From there, it's a case of working through a checklist, which might include tasks such as booking a venue and vendors, sending out invites, and organising decor.

Setting a date

If you're planning a wedding with six months or less to go, it's important to start planning as soon as possible. This will give you more time to complete all the steps and ensure you're getting the best deals.

When setting a date, be mindful that you won't have a lot of time to waste. You'll need to be flexible with all aspects of your planning journey, from choosing a date to booking a venue and selecting vendors.

Consider any seasonal preferences or significant dates you may want to incorporate into your wedding. Keep in mind that certain seasons or dates may be more popular and therefore more expensive or challenging to book.

Budgeting

Planning a wedding in six months is a challenge, but it's absolutely possible. The first step is to decide on the type of wedding you want and set a budget. This will help guide the rest of your planning process and ensure you don't overspend.

When setting a budget, it's important to be realistic about what you can afford and what your priorities are. Consider how much money you have saved and how much you can comfortably spend on the wedding. If you have a specific vision for your big day, it may be helpful to create a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves, so you know where to allocate your funds.

Once you have a budget in mind, it's time to start allocating funds to different categories. These might include the venue, catering, attire, flowers, decor, and entertainment. It's also important to factor in hidden costs, such as taxes, gratuities, and delivery fees.

To stay on track with your budget, consider using a wedding planning spreadsheet or app to track your spending. This will help you make sure you're not going over budget in any one area and that you're allocating your funds in a way that aligns with your priorities.

Finally, don't be afraid to negotiate and shop around for the best deals. With a shorter timeline, you may have less flexibility with vendors, but it's still worth asking about potential discounts or package deals. Remember, the earlier you start planning, the more time you'll have to find the best deals and ensure your wedding day is everything you've dreamed of.

Selecting vendors

When it comes to selecting vendors for your wedding, there are a few things to consider. First, it's important to have a clear idea of your wedding budget and style. This will help you prioritise which elements are most important to you and guide your vendor choices. For example, if sustainability is one of your core values, consider hiring vendors that source local and organic materials. If inclusion is important to you, look for vendors from the BIPOC or LGBTQIA+ community.

Next, you can start your vendor search. Word of mouth is a great way to find vendors, so ask any recently married friends for recommendations. You can also look online for vendor reviews and recommendations.

When you've found a few vendors you're interested in, reach out to them to discuss your requirements and get a sense of their availability and pricing. It's important to book your vendors as early as possible, especially if you're planning your wedding in a short space of time.

Remember to trust your instincts and go with vendors who you feel comfortable with and who understand your vision for your wedding.

Booking a venue

When it comes to booking a venue, it's important to start by deciding on the type of wedding you want. Do you want a traditional church wedding, or something more unique like a beach wedding or a destination wedding? Once you have an idea of the type of wedding you want, you can start researching venues that fit your vision.

It's also important to set a budget for your venue before you start looking. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure you don't overspend. Consider how many guests you plan to invite, as this will impact the size and cost of the venue.

When you've found a few venues that you like, it's time to start reaching out and asking questions. Find out if the venue is available on your desired date, and what the cost includes. Some venues may offer packages that include catering, decor, and other services, while others may require you to bring in outside vendors. Be sure to ask about any hidden costs or additional fees, such as service charges or cleaning fees.

Finally, don't be afraid to negotiate. If you're flexible with your dates or are willing to book last minute, you may be able to get a better deal. Remember, planning a wedding in six months means you'll need to be flexible and make quick decisions, but with the right planning, you can still have the wedding of your dreams.

Sending out invites

Planning a wedding in six months is a challenge, but it's absolutely possible. You'll need to be flexible and get started as soon as possible. The first step is to decide on the type of wedding you want and set a budget. This will help you prioritise and keep you from overspending.

Once you've set a date and booked a venue, it's time to send out your wedding invitations. Wedding invites should be sent out at least six to eight weeks before your wedding date. If you're hosting a destination wedding or many of your guests will need to travel, it's a good idea to give them extra time to book their travel. In this case, send out your invites 12 weeks before the big day.

Be specific about who is invited. If you're hosting a child-free wedding and sending an invite to guests with children, make sure to only include the parents' names. If you're allowing plus ones, add "and guest" to your guest's name. If you're inviting an entire family, you can address your invite to the family as a whole or list each invited guest's name, starting with the heads of the family and then listing each child from oldest to youngest.

It's important to be crystal clear with how you address your envelopes to avoid any confusion or awkward situations. You might also want to include a card with your wedding website URL and information for your guests.

Mailing wedding invitations isn't like mailing a letter. You'll want to hand-process and hand-cancel your invitations to ensure they arrive safely. Get organised about a month before your desired send-out date and give your guests plenty of time to respond.

Frequently asked questions