Planning A Budget Wedding: 6-Month Guide

Planning a wedding in six months is a challenge, especially if you're on a budget. But it can be done. The first step is to work out your budget and who will be contributing. Then, make a list of your must-haves, such as a photographer or a live band, and allocate funds accordingly. Next, you'll need to know how many people you're hoping to invite, as this will impact the size and style of your wedding, as well as your budget. With a short timeline, it's also a good idea to hire a day-of planner to help you navigate the process.

Budgeting and contributions

The first step in planning a budget wedding in six months is to determine your budget and who will be contributing. You might want to allocate extra funds to certain must-have items, such as a photographer or live band. Knowing your budget will help you choose a venue, as well as the size and style of your wedding. More guests mean a bigger venue and more people to feed, so it's important to make a guest list early on.

When it comes to budgeting, it's a good idea to follow local planners on Instagram to see the businesses they tag in each wedding. This can be a helpful shortcut for finding vendors that fit within your budget. You can also join local "weddings on a budget" groups to get tips and learn from others' experiences.

To save money, consider opting for a design from a stationer or a website for your wedding invitations and save-the-dates, rather than hiring a photographer for engagement photos. Prioritize vendors that book up the fastest and furthest in advance, such as photographers and caterers.

If your budget allows, hiring a day-of planner can be a great investment. Look for an up-and-coming planner who is budget-friendly, has a few weddings under their belt, and has good reviews. They can help you stay organized and ensure your wedding day runs smoothly.

Guest list and venue

Planning a wedding in six months is a challenge, but it can be done. The first thing to do is to determine your budget and who will be contributing. This will help you decide on the size of your guest list and, therefore, the venue.

Sit down with your partner and make a preliminary guest list. Then, talk to your parents about any other guests they would like to add. Think about the size and style of the wedding you want and keep your budget in mind – more guests mean more people to feed and a bigger venue to rent.

While most traditional wedding venues book a year or more in advance, you can still find a fabulous venue on a short timeline. Shop around for venues and pick one as soon as possible.

To save time, follow local planners on Instagram so you can see all the businesses they tag in each wedding. This can be a great shortcut for finding vendors. You can also use Facebook to find local 'weddings on a budget' groups, which can be a great source of recommendations and advice.

Vendors and bookings

When it comes to vendors and bookings, the first thing to do is to determine your budget and how many people you want at your wedding. This will help you to choose a venue. You can still find a great venue at short notice, but you will need to be flexible.

Next, make a list of your must-have items, such as a photographer or a live band, and allocate extra funds towards these. Prioritise vendors that book up the fastest and furthest in advance. This is usually photographers and caterers.

To find vendors, follow local planners on Instagram so you can see all the businesses they tag in each wedding. You can also use Facebook groups to find budget-friendly vendors.

If you can, hire a day-of planner. Look for an up-and-coming planner who has a few weddings under their belt and good reviews.

Timing and planning

Planning a wedding in six months is a challenge, but it can be done. The first thing to do is to determine your budget and who will be contributing to it. Once you have a budget, you can make a list of your must-haves, such as a photographer or a live band, and allocate funds accordingly.

Next, you should make a guest list. This will help you choose a venue, as you'll need to know how many people you're hoping to have at your wedding. Keep in mind that more guests mean more people to feed and a bigger venue to rent.

With five months to go, it's time to start shopping for venues and prioritising vendors that book up the fastest and furthest in advance. Photographers and caterers tend to fall into this category, so it's best to secure them early on.

To save time, consider hiring a day-of planner who can help you navigate the planning process and find vendors within your budget. You can also follow local planners on Instagram to see the businesses they tag in each wedding, giving you an idea of potential vendors in your area.

Photography and stationery

Planning a wedding in six months can be a challenge, but it's certainly possible. Here are some tips for keeping the costs down when it comes to photography and stationery:

First, determine your budget and how many guests you're hoping to invite. This will help you decide how much you can afford to spend on photography and stationery. Keep in mind that more guests mean more people to feed and a bigger venue to rent, so you'll need to balance your budget accordingly.

When it comes to photography, it's important to book a photographer as soon as possible, as they tend to get booked up quickly. Consider reaching out to local photography schools or universities to see if any students are available, as they may offer more affordable rates. Alternatively, look for budget-friendly up-and-coming photographers who have a few good reviews. If you have a friend or family member who is a talented photographer, consider asking them to capture your special day as a gift.

For stationery, there are several ways to save money. Opt for digital invitations and save-the-dates, which can be designed and sent online. Websites like Minted offer a variety of designs, and you can easily manage your guest list and track RSVPs. If you prefer physical invitations, consider designing and printing them yourself, or look for budget-friendly options online.

To save on both photography and stationery, consider combining the two. You can use engagement photos as part of your save-the-dates or wedding invitations, or include a photo of the happy couple on the thank-you cards. This way, you can kill two birds with one stone and keep costs down.

Frequently asked questions